The 1970s were a golden era of grit, glory, and gridiron greatness. Whether they were delivering bone-crushing hits, leading game-winning drives, or dominating the trenches, these legends left a legacy that would still translate in today’s NFL—no question.
If you gave any modern coach a time machine, they’d gladly bring these guys back to suit up on Sundays. From hard-nosed defenders to ice-cold quarterbacks, these are the ’70s NFL stars every fan would love to have on their roster right now.
15. Mel Blount
If lockdown corners are your thing, Mel Blount would be your guy. He was as physical as they come and would probably still make receivers cry today.
14. Earl Campbell
Earl Campbell didn’t run around defenders—he ran through them. Teams that love power running would build their entire offense around him.
13. Jack Ham
Jack Ham was a coach’s dream: smart, steady, and always in the right place. He didn’t just make plays—he anticipated them.
12. Dan Fouts
Dan Fouts slinging the rock in today’s pass-heavy league? Yes, please. He’d be lighting up defenses and throwing for 5,000 yards like it was nothing.
11. Alan Page
Alan Page was disruptive before “disruptive” became a buzzword. He played with a rare blend of power and intelligence that would still shake up today’s offenses.
10. Harold Carmichael
At 6’8″, Harold Carmichael would still be a matchup nightmare. Just throw it up and let the man do his thing in the red zone.
9. Randy White
Randy White brought pure chaos to offensive lines. If you like defensive tackles who live in the backfield, you’d love him today.
8. Roger Staubach
Captain America himself would thrive in the modern NFL. With his mobility and clutch gene, he’d have fans screaming every week.
7. Franco Harris
Franco Harris was the kind of back you could rely on in any era. He had soft hands, great vision, and a nose for the end zone.
6. John Riggins
Need a fourth-and-one converted with the game on the line? John Riggins would still be your best bet.
5. Jack Tatum
If you want your defense to have an edge, just add Jack Tatum. He hit like a freight train and played with fearless intensity.
4. Mean Joe Greene
The nickname says it all—Mean Joe was unstoppable. He anchored the Steel Curtain and would dominate any offensive line you threw at him today.
3. Walter Payton
Walter Payton could do it all—run, catch, block, and lead. His work ethic and versatility would make him a fantasy football legend.
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2. Terry Bradshaw
Terry Bradshaw wasn’t always pretty, but he delivered when it counted. With modern rules and today’s offensive firepower, he’d still be stacking Super Bowl rings.
Read More: 10 NFL Quarterbacks From the ’70s Who Could Play Today
1. Willie Lanier
Willie Lanier was the original enforcer—smart, savage, and always a step ahead. Drop him into today’s game and he’d still be running the show, cracking helmets and reading offenses like a book.
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