Jan 1, 1989; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers safety Ronnie Lott (42) reacts to a loose ball against the Minnesota Vikings during the 1988 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 34-9. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports
The NFL is a storied league with legendary players, but some have changed their position so much that they are still referenced today in debates and comparisons.
For over 100 years, the NFL has stood the test of time, armed with legendary football players that continue to inspire the new generation.
Whether it be quarterbacks, wide receivers, linebackers, etc., the legends left their mark on the game, so much so that their play is constantly being attempted to be emulated in the modern era, a task too daunting for even the most skilled of our time to accomplish.
Before the legends made their debuts, their position may have been considered an afterthought or even overlooked. Once proven otherwise, the game changed, all because of what they did.
Offensively, the game has changed to help the passing game more. Tight ends are no longer seen as merely extra blockers but also threats in the receiving game; see Travis Kelce and Rob Gronkowski. Wide receivers like Jerry Rice and Randy Moss, running backs like Walter Payton and Emmit Smith, and quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes all come from the same cloth.
But then we turn our attention to the defensive side of the ball. Back in the older days of the NFL, those players were often the center of attention. That’s not to say they aren’t watched now, but more often than not, ESPN and other sports networks’ highlights aren’t as geared toward defensive players as they are toward the offense. It’s just the nature of the business.
Let’s look at some of the greats that changed the game, starting with someone who had the guts to chop off a part of his finger to continue playing, a thought that would be petrifying in the 21st century.
