The Greatest Players of Their Position, Not Necessarily the Greatest of All Time (GOAT)

In the world of professional sports, many players are celebrated for their unparalleled performances within their specific positions. However, it’s important to acknowledge that just because someone is the best at their position doesn’t necessarily mean they are considered the greatest of all time (GOAT).

Defensive Tackles

Throughout the history of professional football, several defensive tackles have been dubbed as the best in their positions. Let's take a look at a few:

Alex Karras (Detroit Lions) - He established dominance in the 1960s which laid the groundwork for future stars like Bob Lilly (Cowboys). Bob Lilly (Cowboys) - No team had a tougher assignment to block than Lilly in the early 1960s and 1970s, setting an impossibly high standard for future generations. Randy White (Cowboys) - His powerful plays were a focal point of the Cowboys' defensive line in the 1970s and 1980s. Dan Hampton (Bears) - Known for his power and aggressiveness, he became a formidable presence on the Bears' defensive line in the 1970s. Cortez Kennedy (Seahawks) - A dominant run-stopper in the 1990s, his contributions were key to the Seahawks' defense. Warren Sapp (Buccaneers) - Renowned for his speed and power, he made life difficult for opposing quarterbacks in the 2000s. John Randle (Minnesota Vikings) - A dominant force in the 1990s, Randle brought a physical presence that defined the position.

Offensive Linemen

Another position where there are numerous players who have been considered the best for decades, but fall short of GOAT status:

Anthony Munoz (Cincinnati Bengals) - Since I've been alive, he has been called the best offensive lineman of his era.

However, it's important to note that these achievements often hinge on individual circumstances and the era in which they played. For instance, Anthony Munoz's status might be influenced by the time period and the quality of competitors he faced.

Quarterbacks

When it comes to the quarterbacks' position, certain players are often venerated by their contemporaries but fall short of the expected GOAT status:

Joe Montana - Joe Montana held the throne for years, but it's hard to argue against Tom Brady's ubiquity and longevity in the game.

Many professional discussions about who is the best quarterback ever involve a discussion that centers around Tom Brady, despite Montana's incredible legacy. This is partly because of the reality that discussants often cannot be on the correct side of history when someone is widely considered the GOAT.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

Let’s delve into other important positions and the players who have been hailed as the best:

Tony Gonzalez (Kansas City Chiefs) - He was revered as the best tight end of his generation until Travis Kelce's arrival. Frank Wycheck Merrill Hoge (Titans Steelers) - Despite their strength, they were rendered irrelevant by serious injuries.

Defensive Backs and Kickers

Players in other positions often went uncelebrated until a challenger emerged:

Mark Gastineau (New York Jets) - For a period, he was considered the best pass rusher of all time until replaced by Richard Dent during the 1985 season. Mike Singletary Lawrence Taylor - Singletary’s hard-hitting style propelled him to greater heights than Lawrence Taylor, who is often ranked the second-best linebacker of all time. Ken Norton Jr. Ronnie Lott - Both were known for their physicality, but Ronnie Lott was hailed as the most physically dominant safety in the 1980s. Deion Sanders - Initially seen as the best cover corner, his conservative playing style led to criticism, yet he was certainly a force to be reckoned with, especially against wide receivers. Best Kicker - Jan Stenura (Kansas City) until Sebastian Janikowski (Florida State) - Sebastian Janikowski’s incredible kicks redefined the position for years.

One player, however, arguably holds the top spot in his position today: Robbie Gould (Chicago Bears).

Conclusion

While certain players are revered for their exceptional play in their specific positions, the path to be considered the GOAT involves more than just standing out at your position. Success in position doesn’t always mean success in the broader narrative of the sport. It's a fascinating aspect of sports history, where individual performances are only part of what makes a player truly legendary in the eyes of the game.