30 NFL Stars From The 80s That Still Deserve Our Love

Some would say the game of football has changed entirely since the 80s. Weaker helmets and shoulder pads made the game a brutal and physical war between 22 men. This was the golden age of football, and the athletes who participated in this time should not be forgotten. From Reggie White, to Joe Montana, here are 30 of the most famous NFL athletes from the 80s.

1. Joe Montana, QB

Two football players in red jerseys, numbers 16 and 53, celebrate on the field. The player on the left pumps his fist. A referee with a raised arm is in the background. — Kllboosh

Joe Montana has a 4-0 Super Bowl record, with 1,142 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and no interceptions in his four Super Bowl games. He also has a passer rating of 127.8 and holds the Super Bowl record for most passes without an interception (122).

2. Walter Payton, RB

A football player in a navy blue and orange uniform runs with the ball on a field. The jersey has the number 34, and he wears a helmet with a face mask. The background shows a blurred crowd. — DiosMioMan63

Walter Payton, known as “Sweetness,” retired as the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards and 110 rushing touchdowns. A nine-time Pro Bowler and 1977 NFL MVP, he helped lead the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX. Payton also holds the record for most career carries (3,838) and had a legendary single-game rushing performance of 275 yards in 1977.

3. Jerry Rice, WR

A football player in a red jersey with the number 80 catches a ball with one hand during a game. He is wearing a helmet and gloves, and the sunny field is visible in the background. Players from the opposing team are seen in the distance. — Whisperer

Jerry Rice holds nearly every major receiving record in NFL history, including career receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and receiving touchdowns (197). A three-time Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl XXIII MVP, Rice dominated for two decades with his precise route-running, unmatched work ethic, and clutch performances. He still holds the record for most career Super Bowl receptions (33) and yards (589). Widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time, his impact on the game remains untouchable.