There have been several great players that have graced an NFL field in the 21st century. Today, we look at the best of the best.
The new millennium ushered in several different components in the NFL. Whether it was disruptive pass-rushers, workhorse running backs, or rock star wide receivers, the NFL has seen its fair share of stars over the last two decades.
Who were the best of the best, though, in this time period? Here are the top 30 NFL players of the 21st century.
Who are the best NFL players of the 21st century?
30. Jason Taylor
Taylor didn’t have the benefit of playing for many good teams, but he was as dominant a defender as there was in his era.
In 2000, he made his first Pro Bowl, as well as his first All-Pro team. He had 14.5 sacks that season, as well as two forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. In 2002, he led the NFl in sacks with 18.5 and forced seven fumbles.
Taylor’s 2006 season was the best of his career. He had 13.5 sacks and forced an astonishing nine fumbles. He also intercepted two passes, returning both for touchdowns.
Taylor retired in 2011 with 139.5 career sacks, as well as nine defensive touchdowns on his career. He may not get the attention that other edge rushers of the last 20 years do because of how bad his team was for the most part, but he was an incredible force off the edge. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was named All-Pro three times before getting inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017. He is one of the best edge rushers of his era, and one of the greatest Miami Dolphins of all time.
