The Greatest NFL Guards of All Time: A Top Ten List

Introduction

10.) Dick Stanfel

• Dick Stanfel was a key player for the Detroit Lions between 1952 and 1955, and then moved to the Washington Redskins, where he played from 1956 to 1958.
• 2 Time NFL Champion (1952, 1953)
• 5 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1953, 1955, 1956, 1957, 1958)

9.) Larry Little

• Larry Little played for the San Diego Chargers in the years 1967 and 1968 before joining the Miami Dolphins, where he had a successful tenure from 1969 until 1980.
• 2 Time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII)
• 5 Time NFL First Team All Pro (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975)

8.) Joe DeLamielleure

• Joe DeLamielleure was part of the Buffalo Bills roster from 1973 to 1979 and again in 1985, later contributing to the Cleveland Browns from 1982 to 1984.
• 6 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980)
• 6 Time NFL First Team All Pro (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980)

7.) Randall McDaniel

• Randall McDaniel spent a significant portion of his career with the Minnesota Vikings from 1988 to 1999 and concluded it with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2000 to 2001.
• He started 220 of 222 NFL Games.
• 12 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000)

6.) Larry Allen

• Larry Allen was a dominant force for the Dallas Cowboys from 1994 through 2005 and later played for the San Francisco 49ers during the 2006 and 2007 seasons.
• Super Bowl Champion (XXX)
• 11 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006)

5.) Mike Munchak

• Mike Munchak dedicated a significant part of his career to the Houston Oilers from 1982 until 1993.
• 9 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993)
• Started 156 of 159 NFL games

4.) Tom Mack

• Tom Mack was a valued player for the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 until his retirement in 1978.
• 11 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1967, 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1977, 1978)
• Inducted into the prestigious Pro Football Hall of Fame

3.) Bruce Matthews

• Bruce Matthews experienced a remarkable career with the Houston Oilers, Tennessee Oilers, and Tennessee Titans, playing from 1983 to 2001.
• 14 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001)
• 9 Time NFL First Team All Pro (1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 1999, 2000)

2.) Gene Upshaw

• Gene Upshaw made a significant impact while playing for the Oakland Raiders from 1967 to 1981.
• 2 Time Super Bowl Champion (XI, XV)
• 6 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)

1.) John Hannah

• John Hannah was a defensive stalwart for the New England Patriots from 1973 until his retirement in 1985.
• Honored with a position on the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
• 10 Time NFL First Team All Pro (1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985)

Written by: David Green