The 1960s marked a golden era for the National Football League. During this decade, football fans saw amazing players and unforgettable moments. The NFL grew in popularity and began to shape into the league we know today.
Many great players emerged in the 1960s, some of whom became legends of the game. The NFL started naming All-Decade Teams to honor the best players. These teams showcased the top talent at each position. The Pro Football Hall of Fame also began inducting players who left their mark on the sport. As the decade ended, a new tradition called the Super Bowl was born, adding more excitement to professional football.
Who were the NFL’s best players in the 1960s? Our top 10 list:
- Paul Hornung: This Green Bay Packers star shined as both a running back and kicker. He won four NFL titles and the first Super Bowl. Hornung led the league in scoring for three years straight and earned MVP honors in 1961.
- Ray Nitschke: A key part of the Packers’ success, this linebacker anchored the defense. Nitschke made two All-Pro teams and helped Green Bay win five NFL championships and two Super Bowls in the 1960s.
- Dick Butkus: This Chicago Bears linebacker struck fear into opponents. Butkus made the Pro Bowl every year from 1965-1969 and was named All-Pro three times. His fierce play set a new standard for the position.
- Bart Starr: The Packers’ quarterback led the team to five NFL titles. Starr won league MVP in 1966 and was named MVP of the first two Super Bowls. His calm leadership was crucial to Green Bay’s success.
- Gale Sayers: Though his career was short, Sayers made a huge impact. This Chicago Bears running back was named All-Pro five times. He led the league in rushing twice and still holds the record for highest kickoff return average at 30.6 yards.
- Bob Lilly: A Dallas Cowboys icon, Lilly dominated on defense. He made seven Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams in the 1960s. Lilly’s play helped establish the Cowboys as “America’s Team.”
- Merlin Olsen: Part of the Los Angeles Rams’ “Fearsome Foursome,” Olsen was a force on the defensive line. He made eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams in the 1960s, starting a streak of 14 straight Pro Bowl appearances.
- Deacon Jones: Another Rams defensive star, Jones terrorized quarterbacks. He made six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in the 1960s. Jones coined the term “sack” for tackling the quarterback behind the line of scrimmage.
- Johnny Unitas: The Baltimore Colts quarterback set the standard for the position. Unitas made seven Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams in the 1960s. He won two MVP awards and set several passing records during his career.
- Jim Brown: This Cleveland Browns running back tops our list. Brown made six Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in the 1960s before retiring in 1965. He led the league in rushing five times, including a then-record 1,863 yards in 1963. Brown capped his career by leading Cleveland to the 1964 NFL title.
Key Stats of the 1960s Top 10
| Player | Position | Team | Pro Bowls | All-Pro | MVP Awards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jim Brown | RB | Browns | 6 | 5 | 1 |
| Johnny Unitas | QB | Colts | 7 | 3 | 2 |
| Deacon Jones | DE | Rams | 6 | 5 | 0 |
| Merlin Olsen | DT | Rams | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Bob Lilly | DT | Cowboys | 7 | 6 | 0 |
| Gale Sayers | RB | Bears | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| Bart Starr | QB | Packers | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Dick Butkus | LB | Bears | 5 | 3 | 0 |
| Ray Nitschke | LB | Packers | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Paul Hornung | RB/K | Packers | 2 | 2 | 1 |
These players shaped the NFL in the 1960s. Their skills and achievements set new standards for excellence in the field. From Brown’s record-breaking runs to Unitas’ pinpoint passes, they thrilled fans and pushed the game forward. On defense, stars like Butkus and Jones changed how teams approached stopping their opponents.
Fun Facts About the Top NFL Players of the 1960s
- Jim Brown retired at just 30 years old to pursue an acting career and was also a legendary lacrosse player.
- Johnny Unitas was cut by the Pittsburgh Steelers before becoming a Hall of Famer with the Colts. His flat-top haircut became a trademark.
- Bart Starr was picked in the 17th round of the 1956 NFL Draft, making him one of the biggest draft steals in history.
- Dick Butkus once said he wanted to hit opponents so hard they’d consider retiring. He was also known for his intimidating presence.
- Gale Sayers scored six touchdowns in a single game in 1965, a record that remains unmatched. He was the youngest player inducted into the Hall of Fame.
- Deacon Jones coined the term “sack,” but his exact sack numbers were never officially recorded, though estimates put him at 173.5 sacks.
- Raymond Berry had terrible eyesight and memorized defensive alignments to make up for it. He fumbled only twice in his career.
- Bob Lilly was the first-ever draft pick of the Dallas Cowboys and famously threw his helmet 50 yards after a Super Bowl V loss.
- Paul Warfield briefly pursued a career in sprinting before focusing on football, later helping the Miami Dolphins to a perfect season in 1972.
- Willie Davis was one of the first African American captains in the NFL and became a successful businessman post-retirement.
Conclusion
The top NFL players of the 1960s were more than just stars—they were icons who shaped the game for future generations. From Jim Brown’s unstoppable runs to Deacon Jones’ sack mastery, these athletes created legacies that still resonate today. Their impact goes beyond numbers and highlights; they defined what it meant to be a football player in an era of change and excitement. If you’re a fan of NFL history, these legends are worth remembering. Who’s your favorite player from this list?