The Best NFL Players From Texas
Here’s a list of the best NFL players from Texas! NFL players from Texas are some of the best ever to play the game of football as proven by the fact that no state has more representatives in the Pro Football Hall of Fame than Texas.
Stars include some of the best football players of all time like Michael Strahan and Y.A. Tittle, as well as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL right now, Drew Brees.
Vote for who you think are the top NFL players from Texas and add any of your favorites missing from the list!
- 1Age: 39
Adrian Peterson's rare combination of power, speed, and agility helped redefine the running back position, paving the way for the next generation of larger, more physical backs. With a seemingly endless highlight reel of broken tackles and galloping long runs, Peterson's raw talent was undeniable. His legendary work ethic and resilience to bounce back from injuries inspired future players to push their own limits, continuing the rich legacy of Texas football.
- 2Age: 44
One of the most versatile and dynamic running backs to ever grace the gridiron, LaDainian Tomlinson made a name for himself with his mesmerizing quickness, vision, and ability to find paydirt. The Texas native was the epitome of a dual-threat, racking up rushing yards and catches out of the backfield with equal ease. Tomlinson's impact on the game can still be seen in today's NFL, as teams increasingly place a premium on pass-catching running backs who can create mismatches in the open field.
- 3Age: 45
A true Texas legend, Drew Brees' precision and pocket presence transformed the New Orleans Saints from an afterthought into perennial contenders. He displayed an uncanny ability to read defenses and make split-second decisions, consistently racking up passing yards at a record pace. Brees will forever be remembered as a leader on and off the field, and his influence will shape the way future quarterbacks approach the game.
- 4
Patrick Mahomes II
In just a few short years, Patrick Mahomes has dazzled the football world with his incredible arm talent, innate football IQ, and remarkable ability to improvise and create big plays out of thin air. The Whitehouse, Texas, native, has already etched his name among the all-time greats, captivating fans with his unique blend of athleticism and unorthodox throwing mechanics. As Mahomes' career continues to unfold, the sky's the limit for this generational talent, as he adds new chapters to the storied history of Texas football.
- 5Age: 69
The ultimate power running back, Earl Campbell bulldozed his way through defenders with a bruising combination of speed and strength that left opponents in awe. His relentless physicality embodied the rugged nature of football in Texas and played a significant role in putting the Houston Oilers on the national stage. Campbell's iconic playing style resonates with fans to this day and will always be synonymous with the Lone Star State.
- 6Age: 63
Eric Dickerson's smooth, upright running style and breakaway speed made him a constant threat to take it the distance every time he touched the ball. The Sealy, Texas, native's deceptive strength allowed him to brush off tacklers with ease, making him one of the most dominant running backs of his era. To this day, few backs have showcased the same level of consistent excellence and durability that Dickerson did, cementing his legacy as a Texas football icon.
- 7Age: 77
Joe Greene was the epitome of a dominant defensive lineman, striking fear into the hearts of opposing quarterbacks with his unmatched intensity and relentless pursuit. As a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers' famed "Steel Curtain" defense, Greene helped to redefine how the game was played on the defensive side of the ball. His impact on the sport is still felt today, with countless defensive linemen aspiring to emulate his ferocious playing style and unmatched work ethic.
- 8Age: 35
A nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, Von Miller's elite speed and pass-rushing prowess have made him one of the most feared defenders in the league. The DeSoto, Texas, product combines expert technique and unmatched athleticism to strike fear into offensive linemen and disrupt plays with impunity. Miller's relentless pursuit of the quarterback has forever changed the game and will undoubtedly influence future generations of defensive ends and outside linebackers.
- 9Dec. at 74 (1927-2002)
Night Train Dick Lane was an imposing figure on the gridiron, with an incredible blend of size, speed, and ferocity that made him one of the most feared cornerbacks in NFL history. His punishing hits and knack for creating turnovers changed the way near future defensive backs played the game. The Austin native's impact can still be seen today in the swarming, aggressive style of play that defines great secondary units.
- 10Age: 52
Known for his trademark gap-toothed smile and larger-than-life personality, Michael Strahan was a force on the defensive line with a relentless motor and uncanny ability to make big plays. The Houston native's combination of speed, power, and technique was nearly impossible for offensive linemen to handle, resulting in backbreaking sacks and tackles for loss. Strahan's spectacular career paved the way for a new generation of pass rushers who have elevated the position to new heights.
- 11Age: 56
Unheralded and undrafted, John Randle's hard-nosed determination and relentless work ethic propelled him to NFL stardom as one of the most dominant defensive tackles of his era. The Hearne, Texas, product showcased an uncanny ability to penetrate the offensive line and wreak havoc in the backfield, earning him a spot among the all-time greats. Randle's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and the enduring legacy of Texas football.
- 12Age: 58
Thurman Thomas' elusiveness and versatility as both a runner and a receiver made him a focal point of the high-flying Buffalo Bills offense of the early 1990s. The Houston product displayed an uncanny ability to make defenders miss in the open field, making him a constant threat to rip off big gains. Thomas' dual-threat skill set was ahead of its time, and his impact can still be seen in the modern NFL, where running backs are expected to excel both on the ground and through the air.
- 13Age: 35
Hailing from Orange, Texas, Earl Thomas has carved out a legacy as one of the most feared and respected safeties in the NFL. His incredible range and undeniable instincts make him a constant threat to create game-changing plays, whether through interceptions or thunderous hits. Thomas' style of play has revolutionized the safety position, with teams around the league searching for their version of his unique skill set.
- 14Age: 64
Speed personified, Darrell Green's elite athleticism and lightning-fast reflexes allowed him to keep pace with even the fastest of NFL receivers. The Houston native revolutionized the cornerback position with his ability to erase entire sides of the field, forcing quarterbacks to think twice before testing him in coverage. Green's impact can be felt today, with the premium placed on speedy, shutdown corners who can neutralize the league's increasingly dynamic passing attacks.
- 15Age: 65
Mike Singletary's intensity, passion, and football smarts made him one of the most feared linebackers of his era and a cornerstone of the legendary Chicago Bears defense. The Houston native displayed a near-telepathic understanding of the game, dissecting offensive schemes with ease and snuffing out plays before they could develop. Singletary's impact continues to resonate with the importance placed on intelligent, hard-hitting linebacker play in today's NFL.
- 16Age: 84
Known as "Mr. Cowboy," Bob Lilly was a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line, terrorizing quarterbacks as a founding member of the Dallas Cowboys "Doomsday Defense." Hailing from Olney, Texas, Lilly's extraordinary strength and quickness revolutionized the defensive tackle position and made him a cornerstone of one of the NFL's most storied franchises. His lasting impact on the game can be seen in the importance placed on disruptive interior linemen who can control the line of scrimmage.
- 17Dec. at 63 (1945-2008)
Gene Upshaw's elite combination of size, strength, and agility made him one of the most dominant offensive guards in NFL history. The Robstown, Texas native's relentless work ethic and tenacity in the trenches played a crucial role in the success of the Oakland Raiders during their run of dominance in the 1970s. Upshaw's influence on the sport can still be felt today, with offensive linemen striving to emulate his rugged, imposing style of play.
- 18Age: 57
Hailing from Dallas, Tim Brown emerged as one of the premier wide receivers of his generation, dazzling fans with his electric route running and sure hands. His ability to change directions on a dime and make defenders miss in the open field made him an ever-present threat to score. Brown's impressive career paved the way for future Texas-born receivers, showcasing the level of skill and dedication required to excel at the highest level.
- 19Age: 36
One of the NFL's most talented gunslingers, Matthew Stafford's powerful arm and fearless playing style made him a standout quarterback during his tenure with the Detroit Lions. Born in Tampa, Florida, and raised in Dallas, Stafford's strong leadership qualities and ability to make tight-window throws have earned him a reputation as a true franchise quarterback. His ongoing impact on the game is evident in the importance placed on strong-armed passers who can push the ball downfield and keep defenses on their heels.
- 20Age: 35
An athletic marvel, Dez Bryant's combination of size, speed, and leaping ability made him a nightmare for opposing cornerbacks during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. The Lufkin, Texas native's physical playing style and penchant for coming down with contested catches garnered him a reputation as one of the game's top red-zone threats. As Bryant's career progressed, his influence on young receivers seeking to develop a physical, aggressive playing style became apparent across the NFL.
- 21Dec. at 94 (1914-2008)
A true pioneer, Sammy Baugh showcased a versatile skill set and unparalleled football intelligence that set the stage for the modern quarterback position. Hailing from Temple, Texas, Baugh's pinpoint accuracy and ability to read defenses paved the way for the pass-heavy offenses that would come to define the NFL. Even decades after his retirement, Baugh's impact on the game is evident through the continued evolution of the quarterback position and the importance placed on cerebral signal-callers.
- 22Age: 50
A physical, hard-hitting middle linebacker, Zach Thomas patrolled the Miami Dolphins defense with unmatched intensity and football intelligence during his storied career. Hailing from Pampa, Texas, Thomas's ability to diagnose offensive schemes and snuff out plays before they could develop made him a cornerstone of the Dolphins' defensive unit. His relentless pursuit of the ball and passion for the game set the tone for future NFL linebackers aiming for greatness.
- 23Age: 42
Standing tall as one of the best offensive tackles of his generation, Jason Peters' incredible combination of size, strength, and athleticism made him an impenetrable wall for opposing pass rushers. The Queen City, Texas native's tenacity in the trenches earned him respect throughout the league, as he consistently mauls defenders in both pass protection and run blocking. Future offensive linemen will undoubtedly strive to emulate Peters' dedication to his craft and dominant performance on the field.
- 24Age: 37
Bursting onto the scene with explosive speed and crisp route running, Emmanuel Sanders' playmaking ability quickly made him a coveted offensive weapon for quarterbacks and offensive coordinators alike. The Bellville, Texas native built a reputation for making clutch catches in big moments, showcasing his mental toughness and unmatched competitive drive. Sanders' impact on the game resonates with future NFL wideouts who seek to emulate his dynamic combination of speed, agility, and playmaking instincts.
- 25
Donald Driver
Age: 49One of the most beloved Green Bay Packers of all time, Donald Driver brought a hard-working, blue-collar mentality to the wide receiver position throughout his career. The Houston native's combination of speed, quickness, and sure-handedness made him a favorite target for his quarterbacks. Aspiring wide receivers will long look to Driver's commitment and tenacity as a blueprint for success in the NFL.
- 26Dec. at 72 (1938-2010)
One of the original faces of the Dallas Cowboys franchise, Don Meredith delighted fans with his exciting play at the quarterback position. The Mount Vernon, Texas, native's natural talent and strong command of the offense made him a fan favorite and stamped his place in NFL history. Meredith's career serves as a testament to the strength of Texas football, with his influence echoing through the generations of signal-callers that followed.
- 27Dec. at 59 (1926-1986)
An old-school gunslinger, Bobby Layne's tough play and leadership at the quarterback position guided the Detroit Lions to multiple championships during the 1950s. Born in Santa Anna, Texas, Layne's gritty style and fearlessness in the pocket endeared him to teammates and fans alike. His impact on the game can still be felt today, as fearless and determined quarterbacks continue to inspire their teammates and lead their teams in the heat of battle.
- 28
Doak Walker
Dec. at 71 (1927-1998)A true Texas football legend, Doak Walker was known for his incredible vision, quickness, and versatility as both a runner and a receiver during his time with the Detroit Lions. Born and raised in Dallas, Walker's all-around skill set and impact on the game helped shape the future of the running back position in the NFL. His notoriety as a hard-nosed, competitive player continues to influence aspiring athletes in the Lone Star State.
- 29Age: 83
Known for his blazing speed and acrobatic catches, Lance Alworth revolutionized the wide receiver position in the 1960s as a member of the San Diego Chargers. The Brookhaven, Mississippi, native raised in Houston, Texas, epitomized the future of the position, with his ability to stretch the field and make game-changing plays. Alworth's pioneering style of play continues to leave its mark on today's NFL, setting the standard for modern deep-threat receivers.
Despite still being in the early stages of his career, Kyler Murray is already making waves as one of the NFL's most electric, dual-threat quarterbacks. Hailing from Bedford, Texas, Murray's ability to thread needle-like passes and break away from defenders with lightning-quick footwork has captivated fans and drawn comparisons to other dynamic signal-callers. As his career progresses, Murray is poised to leave a lasting impact on the quarterback position and add to Texas football's rich legacy.
