The 20 Best NFL Players of the 1970s, Ranked

The 1970s was a golden era for the NFL, filled with hard-hitting defenses, legendary quarterbacks, and running backs who dominated the gridiron. This decade saw the rise of dynasty teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys, as well as individual players who set records, won championships, and cemented their legacies.

These 20 players weren’t just stars—they helped shape the modern game and remain icons in football history.

20. Mike Webster – The Rock of the Steelers’ Offensive Line

Few centers in NFL history were as dominant as Iron Mike. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Webster was the cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s offensive line during their dynasty years, leading the way for four Super Bowl titles. His toughness and reliability set the standard for future centers.

19. Ted Hendricks – The Mad Stork’s Defensive Mayhem

Standing at 6’7”, Hendricks was an athletic freak at linebacker. A four-time Super Bowl champion, he terrorized offenses with his ability to disrupt plays, block kicks, and cover ground like no other linebacker of his era.

18. John Hannah – A Dominant Force in the Trenches

Known as one of the greatest guards in NFL history, Hannah was an immovable force for the New England Patriots. His eight Pro Bowl selections and road-grading run-blocking made him an all-time great, setting the standard for offensive linemen.

17. Dan Dierdorf – The Backbone of the Cardinals’ O-Line

Dierdorf was a six-time Pro Bowler and a dominant offensive tackle for the St. Louis Cardinals. His ability to protect the quarterback and anchor an offense earned him a Hall of Fame spot, proving that linemen deserve just as much love as skill-position players.

16. Dave Casper – The Ghost Who Haunted Defenses

Nicknamed “The Ghost,” Casper was a game-changing tight end for the Raiders. His defining moment came in the 1977 playoffs with the Ghost to the Post play, which helped solidify his reputation as a clutch performer.

15. Willie Brown – The Definition of Lockdown

A leader of the Raiders’ defense, Brown was one of the best cover corners of the 1970s. His pick-six in Super Bowl XI remains one of the most famous plays in NFL history. With five Pro Bowl selections, Brown was a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.

14. Jack Youngblood – Toughness Personified

Youngblood was a relentless defensive end for the Rams, known for playing the entire 1979 playoffs—including the Super Bowl—with a broken leg. His toughness and pass-rushing dominance made him a legend of the trenches.

13. Gene Upshaw – The Raiders’ Wall

Upshaw was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a key part of Oakland’s dominant offensive line. His ability to pull and lead block in the Raiders’ running game made him one of the best linemen of his generation.

12. Art Shell – A Trailblazer and Technician

Shell, an eight-time Pro Bowler, was a dominant offensive tackle who helped lead the Raiders to multiple Super Bowl victories. His blocking skills and leadership were crucial to the success of Oakland’s high-powered offense.

11. Ken Stabler – The Snake in the Pocket

One of the coolest quarterbacks in NFL history, Stabler was known for his late-game heroics. He led the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI and won the 1974 NFL MVP award. His ability to make clutch plays earned him a permanent place in Raiders lore.

10. Mel Blount – The Man Who Changed the Rules

Blount’s physicality at cornerback was so dominant that the NFL had to change pass interference rules because of him. A five-time Pro Bowler and a key part of the Steel Curtain defense, he was a game-wrecker for Pittsburgh.

9. O.J. Simpson – The Juice Ran Loose

Before his horrific post-football crimes, Simpson was one of the most electrifying players of the 1970s. He became the first player to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season (1973) despite playing only 14 games. His speed and vision made him a nightmare for defenses.

8. Jack Ham – The Smartest Linebacker on the Field

A key cog in Pittsburgh’s defense, Ham was an eight-time Pro Bowler and one of the most intelligent defenders of his time. His ability to diagnose plays and make game-changing interceptions helped the Steelers dominate the decade.

7. Lynn Swann – The Man Who Made It Look Easy

Swann didn’t just catch passes—he made them art. Known for his acrobatic receptions, he was named Super Bowl X MVP and played a crucial role in four Steelers championships. His ballet-like catches are still studied today.

6. Franco Harris – The Immaculate Playmaker

Harris was the engine of Pittsburgh’s offense, rushing for over 12,000 yards and winning four Super Bowls. His Immaculate Reception remains one of the most famous plays in NFL history, cementing his place among the game’s greats.

5. Jack Lambert – The Meanest Man on the Field

If you needed someone to set the tone on defense, Lambert was your guy. A nine-time Pro Bowler, he was the fierce heart of Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain. His toothless snarl and relentless hits made him the most intimidating linebacker of his era.

4. Roger Staubach – Captain America’s Comeback Magic

Staubach led the Cowboys to five Super Bowl appearances, winning two of them. Known for his late-game heroics and ability to scramble, Captain America became one of the most beloved quarterbacks of all time.

3. Joe Greene – The Heart of the Steel Curtain

Mean Joe Greene was the most dominant defensive tackle of his time, winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards and anchoring the Steel Curtain. His leadership and sheer power helped define Pittsburgh’s dynasty.

2. Terry Bradshaw – Four Rings, No Doubt

Bradshaw was the first quarterback to win four Super Bowls, leading the Steelers dynasty with clutch performances and a rocket arm. Named Super Bowl MVP twice, he proved he was more than just a strong-armed passer—he was a winner.

1. Walter Payton – Sweetness Personified

Walter Payton was more than just a great player—he was an icon. With 16,726 career rushing yards and an MVP title in 1977, he set the standard for running backs. His combination of power, speed, and heart made him the most complete back of the era. Sweetness wasn’t just the best player of the ‘70s—he remains one of the greatest in NFL history.