Ranking the 20 Best NFL Stars of the '90s

The 1990s were a wild, unforgettable decade for the NFL. It was an era of iconic rivalries, dominant dynasties, and players with big games and even bigger personalities. Whether they were racking up rings, breaking records, or landing endorsement deals, the stars of the ’90s left a mark that’s still felt today.

This list focuses on the players who owned the decade—guys who showed up every Sunday and made you stop what you were doing to watch. From quarterbacks who owned the spotlight to defenders who brought the pain, here are the 20 best NFL stars of the 1990s.

20. Drew Bledsoe

Bledsoe’s big arm and fearless throws helped usher in the modern passing game. He put the Patriots back on the map before a particular sixth-round pick took over.

19. Derrick Thomas

Few players were more feared coming off the edge than Thomas. He could wreck a game plan with one explosive quarter.

18. Tim Brown

Brown was Mr. Reliable for the Raiders throughout the decade. He quietly piled up yards and touchdowns while making life easier for every quarterback he played with.

17. Bruce Smith

Smith was already a force in the ’80s but continued dominating offensive lines well into the ’90s. He helped anchor a Bills defense that kept them in the Super Bowl conversation.

16. Marshall Faulk

Before his Rams days, Faulk was a versatile weapon in Indy. His blend of speed, hands, and vision made him one of the most dangerous backs of the decade.

15. Junior Seau

Seau played every snap like it was his last. For years, he brought heart, energy, and a relentless motor to the Chargers’ defense.

14. Shannon Sharpe

Sharpe redefined the tight end position with his mix of athleticism and trash talk. He backed it all up with clutch catches and a couple of rings.

13. Cris Carter

Carter caught touchdowns like it was his full-time job—because it was. His sideline footwork and hands were second to none.

12. Deion Sanders

Prime Time was the ultimate shutdown corner and a walking highlight reel. Whether taking a pick to the house or dancing down the sideline, he made every game must-see TV.

11. Emmitt Smith

The NFL’s all-time leading rusher made running between the tackles look easy. Behind that Cowboys line or not, Emmitt always found a way to get it done.

10. Brett Favre

Favre’s gunslinger style defined the decade. He played with emotion, took significant risks, and won big games, including one Super Bowl with the Packers.

9. Michael Irvin

The Playmaker brought flash, swagger, and intensity to Dallas’ dynasty years. He was the emotional leader of one of the most dominant teams of the era.

8. Troy Aikman

Aikman didn’t always light up the stat sheet, but always showed up when it counted. His calm leadership helped power the Cowboys to three Super Bowl wins.

7. Reggie White

White still wrecked offensive lines throughout the ’90s, especially during his Green Bay years. He capped it off with a Super Bowl win and a legacy as one of the most outstanding defensive linemen ever.

6. Kurt Warner

Warner went from stocking shelves to throwing lasers in the Rams’ high-flying offense. His Cinderella story—and MVP-level play—made him a legend of the late ’90s.

5. Jerome Bettis

The Bus was a bruising back who ran through defenders with style. He became a fan favorite and racked up thousands of yards.

4. Steve Young

Young stepped out of Montana’s shadow and delivered big time. He won MVPs, ran circles around defenses, and grabbed a ring dominantly.

3. Jerry Rice

Even in his 30s, Rice was torching defensive backs with ease. His work ethic, hands, and route running made him a nightmare all decade.

2. Barry Sanders

Barry made defenders miss in ways that defied physics. Every time he touched the ball, it felt like something magical could happen.

1. John Elway

Elway spent the early part of the decade carrying the Broncos, then finished it with back-to-back Super Bowl wins. He had the arm, the leadership, and the storybook ending every quarterback dreams of.