The 2000s was a decade of great American Football players. From Tom Brady to Peyton Manning, the NFL saw some of the greatest athletes in its history.
This article will look at the best NFL players from the 2000s and discuss why they were so successful. We will also look at their individual stats and accomplishments during this period and how they impacted the game of American Football.
Tom Brady
American football fans who watched the New England Patriots in the 2000s will swear by Tom Brady as the best quarterback to play the game. His competitive fire and accurate passes helped him win the Super Bowl multiple times, including in 2003, 2004, and 2007. He has also been known for his movements during games, famously extending the ball on organized goal-line drives and eluding defenders.
Brady’s individual stats include a career quarterback rating of 121 (which ranks fourth all-time) while he led New England to five Super Bowl appearances.
Peyton Manning
The 2000s may be best remembered for Brady’s era of dominance, but there were plenty of great quarterbacks during that time. Peyton Manning is also considered by many NFL fans as one of the best signal callers to play in the NFL.
After winning his first 3 NFL Championships, he still remains the only quarterback to lead his team to an NFL Championship for a 5th straight time. The 14-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl winner finished his career with 71,940 passing yards, 539 touchdowns, and a 65% completion rate.
Ray Lewis
NFL fans who think of imposing linebackers usually imagine Ray Lewis staring them down across the line of scrimmage. The former Baltimore Raven is considered one of the most dominant linebackers in his 17-year career.
He’s been a perennial All-Pro, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017, and will be remembered for his pregame speech before Super Bowl XLVII that included a call for “our brothers to rise.” With Lewis on their side, the Ravens have made it to six AFC Championship games and won three Super Bowls.
Randy Moss
As a receiver, Randy Moss was so dominant that his name became a noun for an incredible catch. He was best known for his eye-catching performances for the Minnesota Vikings, but he’s also had stints with the New England Patriots and Oakland Raiders.
The man known as The Freak made 982 receptions for 15,292 yards and 152 touchdowns. He made six Pro Bowls and was named as a First Team All-Pro four times.
Shaun Alexander
Compared to the other players on this list, Shaun Alexander didn’t have the longest NFL career. However, he has been nicknamed Mr. Touchdown for a reason. The retired running back had one of the most prolific peaks in league history. He finished with a career rushing total of 9,453 yards and 100 touchdowns while spending his entire career with the Seattle Seahawks.
Which 2000s NFL Star Was Your Favorite?
These are only some of the most impactful NFL players at the turn of the century. If you grew up a football fan, you probably saw these players at their peak. If you recently got into the sport, you should watch their film and see how they dominated the game.
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