Can you tell me who are the most underrated players in NFL history? When we talk about the NFL, names like Tom Brady, Jerry Rice and Lawrence Taylor dominate the conversation. These legends have rightfully earned their place in football lore.
But what about the players who flew under the radar? The ones who didn’t get the Pro Bowl nods, the flashy endorsements or the Hall of Fame busts. They still have left an indelible mark on the game.
These are the unsung heroes who, despite their lack of recognition, were instrumental in shaping the league we know and love. Whether it was due to playing in smaller markets, being overshadowed by teammates or simply bad timing, these players deserve their moment in the spotlight.
What Makes a Player Underrated?
Before I list out the players, let’s set the criteria. An underrated player isn’t just someone who had a few good seasons. These are athletes who consistently performed at a high level but didn’t receive the accolades they deserved.
Maybe they played in an era stacked with talent at their position, or perhaps their contributions weren’t as flashy as others. Whatever the reason, their impact on the game is undeniable.
Ken Anderson: The Forgotten Quarterback
Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (1971–1986)
Ken Anderson was the epitome of consistency during his 16-year career with the Bengals. He led the NFL in passer rating four times and was the league MVP in 1981, the same year he took Cincinnati to its first Super Bowl.
Despite his success, Anderson is often overlooked in discussions of the greatest quarterbacks of his era, overshadowed by names like Terry Bradshaw and Joe Montana.
32,838 passing yards
197 touchdowns
81.9 career passer rating (ahead of his time in the 1970s and 80s)
Anderson’s precision and efficiency paved the way for modern West Coast offenses. Yet, he’s still waiting for his call to the Hall of Fame.
Roger Craig: The Dual-Threat Pioneer
Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1983–1990), Los Angeles Raiders (1991), Minnesota Vikings (1992–1993)
Roger Craig was a trailblazer. In 1985, he became the first player in NFL history to record 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season.
A key piece of the 49ers’ dynasty, Craig was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a nightmare for defenses. Yet, he’s often left out of conversations about the greatest running backs of all time.
8,189 rushing yards
4,911 receiving yards
73 total touchdowns
Craig’s versatility revolutionized the running back position, influencing future stars like Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey.
Curtis Martin: The Quiet Workhorse
Teams: New England Patriots (1995–1997), New York Jets (1998–2005)
Curtis Martin was the definition of reliability. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in 10 of his 11 seasons, finishing his career with 14,101 rushing yards which was good for sixth all-time.
Despite his consistency, Martin rarely got the recognition he deserved, often overshadowed by flashier backs like Barry Sanders and Emmitt Smith.
14,101 rushing yards
90 rushing touchdowns
5-time Pro Bowler
Martin’s quiet dominance earned him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 2012, but he’s still one of the most underappreciated players in NFL history.
Steve Tasker: The Special Teams Legend
Teams: Houston Oilers (1985–1986), Buffalo Bills (1986–1997)
Steve Tasker redefined the importance of special teams. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Tasker was a force on coverage units, blocking punts and making tackles that often shifted the momentum of games.
Despite his impact, Tasker has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, a glaring omission for one of the greatest special teams players ever.
7 Pro Bowl selections
186 special teams tackles
5 blocked punts
Tasker’s contributions helped the Bills reach four consecutive Super Bowls in the early 1990s, proving that special teams can be just as crucial as offense or defense.
Lester Hayes: The Shutdown Corner
Teams: Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1977–1986)
Lester Hayes was a lockdown cornerback in an era dominated by physical defense. Known for his use of Stickum (before it was banned), Hayes led the NFL with 13 interceptions in 1980.
He received Defensive Player of the Year honors for his efforts. Despite his dominance, Hayes is often overlooked in favor of flashier corners like Deion Sanders.
39 career interceptions
4 defensive touchdowns
5-time Pro Bowler
Hayes was a key part of the Raiders’ Super Bowl XVIII-winning team and remains one of the most feared corners in NFL history.
Hines Ward: The Ultimate Team Player
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1998–2011)
Hines Ward was the heart and soul of the Steelers’ offense during their 2000s resurgence. Known for his blocking and toughness, Ward was a two-time Super Bowl champion and the MVP of Super Bowl XL.
Despite his accolades, Ward is often left out of discussions about the greatest wide receivers of his era.
12,083 receiving yards
85 touchdowns
1,000 receptions
Ward’s physical style of play set the standard for modern receivers, but his selfless approach often meant he didn’t get the recognition he deserved.
Why are the most underrated players in NFL history important?
The NFL is full of stars, but it’s the underrated players who often make the biggest difference. They’re the ones who do the dirty work, the ones who show up every week without fail and the ones who help their teams win.
They don’t even get the credit. These players remind us that greatness isn’t always about the spotlight, sometimes it’s about the impact you make when no one’s watching.
Conclusion
So, who do you think is the most underrated NFL player of all time? Did we miss someone who deserves a spot on this list? Let us know in the comments below🏈!
If you enjoyed reading this and got some valuable information, don’t forget to share it with your fellow football fans. After all, the game is better when we celebrate all its heroes and not just the ones in the headlines.
