Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists and consistently look to update them when necessary and based on necessity. As such, we are delighted to present our post-2023 revision of our top 50 Detroit Lions.

As for all of our top 50 players in football, we look at the following:

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles that are not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Lions made it to the NFC Championship Final and have finally built a contender after decades of mediocrity.  That being said, this is one of the oldest teams in the NFL, and with their stars being so young, none of them broke into the Top 50.  Nevertheless, we always acknowledge that we took the previous season into account.

As always, we present our top five, which (obviously) saw no changes:

1. Barry Sanders
2. Joe Schmidt
3. Bobby Layne
4. Dutch Clark
5. Lem Barney

You can find the entire list here.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

When it comes to identifying the greatest NFL players of all time, the task is both exhilarating and challenging. The National Football League (NFL), rich with a century’s worth of history, has seen countless exceptional athletes who have pushed the boundaries of what’s possible on the gridiron. From legendary quarterbacks to unstoppable running backs and defensive titans, these players have left indelible marks on the sport and continue to inspire future generations.

Quarterbacks: The Commanders of the Field

Tom Brady is arguably the most iconic quarterback in NFL history. With seven Super Bowl rings to his name, Brady has set records too numerous to count. His leadership, poise under pressure, and longevity—plus the memorable 28-3 Super Bowl comeback against the Atlanta Falcons—cement his status as one of the greatest.

Joe Montana, another legendary name, earned the moniker "Joe Cool" for his ability to remain calm and deliver in clutch situations. Winning four Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers, Montana's perfect combination of physical skill and mental toughness make him a beacon of excellence in NFL lore.

For fans interested in exploring other realms of excitement beyond the NFL, the world of online sports betting offers a thrilling alternative. Platforms like 1xbet Chinese provide an opportunity to engage with a variety of sports and events, adding another layer of excitement to the sports-watching experience.

Running Backs: Powerhouses on the Move

Jim Brown, often cited as the greatest running back of all time, dominated defenses during his career with the Cleveland Browns. Brown led the league in rushing yards eight times in nine seasons and retired with an average of 5.2 yards per carry, an impressive feat that speaks to his power, agility, and vision on the field.

Barry Sanders, known for his breathtaking agility and balance, provided endless highlight-reel runs during his tenure with the Detroit Lions. Despite playing behind mediocre offensive lines, Sanders amassed over 15,000 rushing yards in just ten seasons. His decision to retire at the peak of his career remains one of the most surprising in NFL history.

Wide Receivers: Masters of the Air

Jerry Rice is often heralded as the greatest wide receiver ever and, by some accounts, the greatest player in NFL history. Holding records for receptions, yards, and touchdowns, among others, Rice’s work ethic and ability to perform in crucial moments—like his three Super Bowl titles—are unmatched.

Randy Moss also brought a unique combination of size, speed, and hands to the equation. "The Freak," as he was affectionately known, revolutionized the deep pass and recorded some of the most outstanding single-season performances, including 23 touchdown receptions in 2007.

Defensive Giants: The Iron Curtain

Lawrence Taylor, an outside linebacker for the New York Giants, redefined defensive play in the NFL. His speed, strength, and relentless pursuit earned him two Super Bowl rings and an MVP award—a rarity for defensive players. Taylor's ability to disrupt offenses was so profound that he often forced coaches to alter their game plans entirely.

Reggie White, affectionately known as "The Minister of Defense," was a dominant force at the defensive end. White finished his career with 198 sacks, a testament to his extraordinary power and technique. His leadership both on and off the field was instrumental in leading the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl victory in 1997.

Fun Facts and Curiosities

Did you know that Jerry Rice once caught a football dropped from a 10-story building? The legendary receiver's impeccable hand-eye coordination and reflexes were evident even in unconventional settings.

Meanwhile, Tom Brady was famously drafted 199th overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. This underdog journey from sixth-round pick to seven-time Super Bowl champion underscores the unpredictable and inspiring nature of sports.

Conclusion

Debating the greatest NFL players of all time is a conversation that blends nostalgia, personal bias, and objective analysis. It’s a testament to how rich and varied the sport's history is. Whether you're a fan of the old-school legends or the modern marvels, the NFL's greatest players have provided endless excitement and inspiration. As long as football is played, new stars will rise, and the debate over the greatest will continue, keeping the spirit of the game alive and thriving.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity. As such, we are very happy to present our post 2022 revision of our top 50 Detroit Lions.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following:

1. Advanced Statistics.

2. Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League.

3. Playoff accomplishments.

4. Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Lions again failed to make the post-season, but the second half saw a team on the rise, and it could bode well this upcoming season. Despite the promise, this is a young squad, and 2022 did not yield any changes in our Top 50. Despite this, we always aim for transparency, and want to show that 2022 was factored into this rank.

As always, we present our top five, which had no changes (obviously).

1. Barry Sanders

2. Joe Schmidt

3. Bobby Layne

4. Dutch Clark

5. Lem Barney

You can find the entire list here.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we here at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the 50 of each major North American sports team.  That being said, we have existing Top 50 lists out and we always consistently look to update them when we can and based on necessity.  As such, we are very happy to present our post-2021 revision of our top 50 Detroit Lions.

As for all of our top 50 players in football we look at the following: 

1.  Advanced Statistics.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the National Football League. 

3.  Playoff accomplishments.

4.  Their overall impact on the team and other intangibles not reflected in a stat sheet.

Last year, the Lions again failed to make the playoffs and their poor 2021 led to zero changes in our top 50, nevertheless, the year is now factored in to the rankings.

As always, we present our top five:

1. Barry Sanders

2. Joe Schmidt

3. Bobby Layne

4. Dutch Clark 

5. Lem Barney

You can find the entire list here.

We welcome your input and comments and as always, we thank you for your support.