The Top 100: NFL's Greatest Players
The NFL Network aired a ten-part television series in 2010 to determine the top 100 greatest players of all time. Each episode broadcast on Thursday nights from September 3 through the 4th of November 2010. The show introduced groups of ten players per week, starting with those ranked 100 down to 91. This format allowed viewers to follow the countdown as it moved up the list over ten weeks.
A blue-ribbon panel compiled the definitive list used as the foundation for the television show. Members included current and former NFL coaches, players, executives, and media members. Their collective judgment determined which athletes earned spots on the final ranking. The process aimed to create an authoritative list based on peer evaluation rather than public voting or simple statistics.
Each episode featured ten nominees presented by separate noteworthy individuals from sports and entertainment. These advocates spoke for each player during their respective segments. The structure ensured that every selected athlete received personal endorsement from someone outside the game itself. This approach added narrative depth beyond raw statistical comparisons.
The final episode premiered on the 4th of November 2010, revealing the top 10 players according to the panel. Jerry Rice was chosen as number one overall. Jim Brown took second place on the all-time list. Nate Davis reported these results in USA Today shortly after the broadcast ended. Andy Barall wrote about the outcome in The New York Times the following day.
Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears had the highest number of representatives among the selected top 100 players. Both teams contributed nine players to the final roster. Green Bay Packers followed with eight selections. Other franchises like the Los Angeles Rams and Baltimore Colts also appeared multiple times but did not match the leading two teams' counts.
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Common questions
When did the NFL Network air The Top 100 television series?
The NFL Network aired a ten-part television series in 2010 to determine the top 100 greatest players of all time. Each episode broadcast on Thursday nights from September 3 through the 4th of November 2010.
Who compiled the definitive list for The Top 100 NFL Greatest Players show?
A blue-ribbon panel compiled the definitive list used as the foundation for the television show. Members included current and former NFL coaches, players, executives, and media members whose collective judgment determined which athletes earned spots on the final ranking.
Which player was chosen as number one overall in The Top 100 NFL Greatest Players?
Jerry Rice was chosen as number one overall in the final episode that premiered on the 4th of November 2010. Jim Brown took second place on the all-time list according to the panel results.
How many representatives from the Dallas Cowboys appeared in The Top 100 NFL Greatest Players?
Dallas Cowboys had the highest number of representatives among the selected top 100 players with nine selections. Both teams contributed nine players to the final roster alongside the Chicago Bears.
What format did The Top 100 NFL Greatest Players use to reveal the rankings?
The show introduced groups of ten players per week starting with those ranked 100 down to 91. This format allowed viewers to follow the countdown as it moved up the list over ten weeks until the final episode revealed the top 10 players.