1. Randy Moss– Former wide receiver Nate Burleson has referred to him as the “Allen Iverson of wide receivers” which I think is accurate. He changed the way this position was played. Standing at 6’4, he towered over everybody who was challenged in trying to defend him. Nobody took the top off the zone coverage as consistently as Randy Moss. He’s simply the reason why defenses now play with safety help over the top to help a cornerback try and slow him down. We often discuss those offensive football players that are mismatches all over the field and he was the definition of a mismatch. When he first came into the league, I had never seen a guy with the speed that he possessed, and he used it to his advantage. When he threw the football, it was almost as if you were throwing the ball to a basketball player on the low post, that’s how much he towered over people. He was extremely athletic and many of his peers around the league referred to him as an “athletic freak” because of his ability to leap up, catch the football and how he was known to stretch the field. He was also the quickest guy on the field who separated himself each time to get free. I remember his rookie year. Each week, he was discussed. His best season ever was in 2007 when he was a member of the New England Patriots. A legendary quarterback paired up with a legendary receiver. They made history together. Randy holds the record for the most touchdowns by a wide receiver in a single season with 23. His impact is still mentioned in today’s game.
2. Ray Lewis– This is the guy that inspired a kid from Harlem, New York to play football. I was so inspired by the passion that this guy played with each single week. When I think of a football player that gave 125 percent on each play and left it all on the field, Ray often comes to mind. His goal was the same each week: To simply be the greatest. When he played, he was so respected amongst his peers. You have guys in sports who lead vocally and lead by example. Ray was both. Every Sunday when Ravens games were on, you saw many of Baltimore’s played huddled. Ray was always the man in the middle. When he spoke, you listened. He always bought the best out of everyone around him week in and week out. He’s the greatest middle linebacker in the history of this game. He always wanted to make a play on the football whether it was in pass coverage, stopping the run or coming into the rush the passer. He made sure teams knew where he was. 17 years in the league and one iconic legacy for this legend.
3. Steve McNair– Next to Brett Favre, this is the toughest football player I’ve ever watched play our game. He played the game with reckless abandon which would often result in injuries. He was the definition of playing through pain. The former Tennessee Titan and Baltimore Raven nearly injured every part of his body at one time or another. I remember him playing with injuries such as a separated right clavicle, shoulder issues, dislocated fingers, strained calves, hip pointers, torn cartilage in his knee, bruised ribs, turf toe and a severely bruised sternum. No matter what happened, Steve was on the field leading his team to a victory. He was always ready. He was a quarterback that could shred your defense from the pocket and make magic with his feet. Steve was 6’2 and 230 pounds that moved with such fluidity on the field. When I think of mental toughness, Air McNair always comes to my mind. He was a fan favorite in Tennessee When the Titans needed to get back into a game, number 9 always delivered in the clutch. He was named co-MVP for his 2003 season with Peyton Manning.
