How Well Do You Remember the Best NFL Players of the ’80s?

SPORTS

By: J.P. Naomi

7 Min Quiz

Image: NFL

About This Quiz

Blue 42! Set, hut, hut, hut!

Are you ready to take this quiz all the way to the end zone? It's time to see just how well you remember the cream of the crop, the best players in the National Football League ... '80s style! Think you're up for the challenge? Will you be the MVP? Maybe a bench warmer? Or will you be pouting away your poor performance at the post-game press conference? We're ready to dig deep into the '80s and get this party started!

Ahh, the '80s! You remember them, right? The days when Joe Gibbs was the king of coaches, not Bill Belichick. The days when the Chicago Bears defense was the dynasty, not the New England Patriots. The days when Joe Montana's passer rating was higher than the future Tom Brady's? OK, enough already! The fact is that all across the NFL from Tampa Bay to Seattle, from quarterback to defensive end, the talent and success were abundant in the '80s. From the "Posse" of Art Monk, Gary Clark and Ricky Sanders to "The Minister of Defense," Reggie White, there certainly was no shortage of amazing plays, incredible stats and a football foundation for generations to come. 

So now the time has come. The music is blaring, and the lights are bright; go ahead and run out the tunnel. It's time to win this thing! Good luck and go team!

Who is this former 49er nicknamed "The Comeback Kid"?

Joe Montana was not only known as "The Comeback Kid," but he was also called "Joe Cool." For 16 seasons, he played quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers and the Kansas City Chiefs and retired with a passer rating of 92.3.

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Who is this former running back and first-round pick in the 1983 NFL draft?

Eric Dickerson holds two impressive records in the NFL. In his rookie season, he rushed for 1,808 yards, more than any other rookie in the history of the game. And just one year later in 1984, he rushed for 2,105, setting the NFL's record for yards rushed in a single season.

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Can you name this former Seahawk turned Oklahoma Congressman?

After playing ball at the University of Tulsa, Steve Largent was selected in the fourth round of the 1976 NFL draft. He played 14 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks and retired in 1989 with more than 13,000 receiving yards. He would later serve in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1994 - 2002.

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This first-round tight end played with the San Diego Chargers from 1979-1987. Who is he?

Born Boswell Winslow on November 5, 1975, Kellen Winslow played his entire career with the San Diego Chargers. He was selected to the Pro Bowl five times, and in 1980 and 1981, he was the NFL receptions leader. He became a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.

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Do you recognize this offensive tackle who started in 182 games for the Bengals in the '80s?

Anthony Muñoz is considered one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time. He played all 13 of his NFL seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals after having started his career as the third overall pick of the 1980 draft. He was named Offensive Lineman of the Year four times throughout the '80s.

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His number, 73, was retired by the New England Patriots. Can you name this player?

Did you know that Hannah's nickname in the NFL was "Hog?" He was one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time and the first player from the Patriots to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. What's more? He was also the inaugural Patriot inducted into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

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He won the Super Bowl four times, three as a player and once as a line coach. Who is he?

Russ Grimm played 11 seasons as a guard and center for the Washington Redskins. He was selected to the Pro Bowl from 1983-1986 and elected to the Hall of Fame in 2010. Later, Grimm became the offensive line coach for the Pittsburgh Steelers and led them to victory in Super Bowl XL.

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He was a center for the Miami Dolphins and the 1985 Man of the Year. Can you name him?

Dwight Stephenson played center for the Miami Dolphins from 1980-1987. Before that, he played at the University of Alabama where he won two national championships with the team under the direction of Coach Bear Bryant. Stephenson, now 61, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

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He played for the 49ers, Raiders and Vikings. Do you recognize this '80s running back?

Throughout his seven years with the San Francisco 49ers, Roger Craig won three Super Bowl Championships. He went on to play one season with the Los Angeles Raiders and two with the Minnesota Vikings before retiring in 1993. He finished his career with 8,189 rushing yards and 4,911 receiving yards.

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They called him "The Diesel." Can you name this Super Bowl MVP from the '80s?

John Riggins was drafted sixth overall by the New York Jets in 1971. He later signed with the Washington Redskins with whom he won Super Bowl XVII and received the MVP honor. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992 with a career total of 104 touchdowns.

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Do you recognize this first-round pick out of Stanford and an eight-time Pro Bowler?

James Lofton was not only a sprinter and long jumper at Stanford University, but he was also a running back on the Stanford football team. He played in the NFL from 1978 - 1993 playing in three Super Bowls, though none victoriously. He's a member of both the Pro Football and Green Bay Packers Halls of Fame.

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He's remembered as one of the great rushers of all time. Can you name this Bear from the '80s?

Walter Payton was known as "Sweetness" in the NFL. He was a strong presence both on and off the field. After battling a rare liver disease, Payton died at the age of 45. Today, the NFL honors him and others for their service off the field with the annual Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.

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He won three Super Bowls with the San Francisco 49ers in the '80s. Can you name this NFL legend?

Jerry Rice retired after 20 seasons in the NFL before retiring as one of the greatest wide receivers to have played the game. Nearly 35 years later, he remains the record-holder of career receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and all-purpose yards across the NFL.

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This wide receiver was the NFL receptions leader of 1984. Can you name this relative of Thelonious?

Art Monk was related to the late jazz musician Thelonious Monk. As a talented wide receiver, Art Monk was the first receiver in NFL history to reach 900 career receptions. He would retire in 1995 with a total of 940.

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This tight-end from Alabama played his entire career with the Cleveland Browns. Can you identify him?

Ozzie Newsome played his entire professional career with the Cleveland Browns from 1978 - 1990. Although he never played in a Super Bowl, he did win two Super Bowls as an executive with the Baltimore Ravens in 2001 and 2013.

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This former offensive tackle is a member of the NFL 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams. What is his name?

Gary Zimmerman played for the Minnesota Vikings from 1986-1992 and the Denver Broncos from 1993-1997. His impact was felt on both decades and led to his being named to the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2008 and is also a member of the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame.

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Though he's not in the Hall of Fame (yet), many believe he should be. Who is this former Redskins offensive tackle?

Joseph Erwin Jacoby played his entire 12-year career with the Washington Redskins from 1981 - 1993. He won three Super Bowl championships with the team under the coaching of Joe Gibbs. As an offensive tackle, he started in 148 games and even scored one touchdown during his career.

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He won the Super Bowl with the Chicago Bears in 1986. Can you name this offensive powerhouse of the '80s?

Jim Covert was selected sixth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played with the Bears until 1991, earning two selections to the Pro Bowl and a spot on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Covert was named the Miller Lite Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1986 and retired in 1992 following a back injury.

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The Atlanta Falcons picked him second overall in 1985. Who is this 1980s offensive guard?

Following a successful high school career in Penn Hills, Pennsylvania, Bill Fralic went on to play at the University of Pittsburgh. He was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons and played with them from 1985-1992 before signing with the Detroit Lions for one more year.

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This former player for the Houston OIlers from 1982-1993 is the current offensive line coach of the Denver Broncos. Who is he?

Mike Munchak was the first offensive lineman drafted in the 1982 NFL Draft. He played left guard for his entire 12-year career with the Houston Oilers, earning nine Pro Bowl selections. Since retiring, he has remained in the sport as a coach for the Oilers, Titans, Steelers and now Broncos.

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They called this four-time Super Bowl champ "Iron Mike." Which player is this?

Mike Webster was a center for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974-1988 and later two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and started in 217 games throughout his career. Sadly, due to his multiple head injuries, he was the first NFL player diagnosed with CTE. He died at the age of 50 from a heart attack.

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He was the "Minister of Defense," an ordained Evangelical minister and defensive end. Who is he?

Reggie White was a force on the defensive line, standing 6'5" and weighing in at 300 pounds. He joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1985, later playing with the Green Bay Packers and finishing his career with the Carolina Panthers. He won the Super Bowl with Packers in 1997.

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This native of Somerville, Massachusetts and former Raider is now an analyst for Fox Sports network. Can you name him?

Howie Long played his entire career with the Oakland, and later Los Angeles, Raiders from 1981 - 1993. An eight-time Pro Bowler, he won the Super Bowl with the team in 1984. With a career total of 84 sacks, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

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He's one of the best quarterbacks of his time and played for the San Diego Chargers from '73-'87. Can you name him?

Today, Dan Fouts is known for being a color analyst on CBS, but a true football fan during the '80s remembers him as a sensational quarterback. Throughout his 14-year professional career, he threw for 43,040 yards and had a record of 254-242.

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Though born in Pittsburgh, he was a Dallas Cowboy through and through. Can you name this linebacker?

Randy White played college football at the University of Maryland before he was selected as the second overall pick of the 1975 NFL Draft. He played his entire career from 1975-1988 with the Dallas Cowboys, earning both a Super Bowl championship and MVP honor.

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He was somewhat of an animal. Can you name this former Chicago Bears defensive player?

Did you know that Dan Hampton's nickname was "Danimal?" Perhaps it's because he played with the Bears from 1979-1990, but more likely it was a tribute to his competitive nature on the field. Each of the 11 years Hampton was a member of their team, the Bears defense was ranked number one in the NFL.

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This Hall of Famer was selected to the Pro Bowl ten times between 1983-1992. Who is he?

Mike Singletary was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1981-1992. He was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and three-time NFC Player of the Year and earned the nickname "The Heart of the Defense." Singletary ended his career with a record of 1,488 tackles.

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Who is the former linebacker and two-time Super Bowl champion seen here?

Lawrence Taylor was the second overall pick of the 1981 NFL Draft. After being selected by the New York Giants, he played with the team for his entire career. Did you know that Taylor is widely considered one of the best defensive players in the history of the NFL? The Giants retired his number, 56, in 1994.

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He was the first Guatemalan-born player in the NFL. Can you name this four-time Super Bowl champion?

Hendricks played football at the University of Miami where he was a contender for the 1968 Heisman Trophy. Though much of his career was played in the '70s, he finished strong in the '80s with two more Super Bowls and four more Pro Bowl selections. He's a member of the 1980s All-Decade Team.

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He played for the Patriots and the Raiders as numbers 22 and 40. Can you name this '80s star?

Mike Haynes played for the New England Patriots from 1976-1982 and the Los Angeles Raiders from 1983-1989. A nine-time Pro Bowler and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, he won the Super Bowl with the Raiders in 1984. He's a member of the Pro Football and Patriots Halls of Fame.

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He was a career Steelers cornerback. Can you name this member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team?

In his thirteen years with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mel Blount made 57 interceptions for a total of 736 interception yards. He's regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks of all time and was named to the NFL's 75th anniversary All-Time team.

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The San Francisco 49ers retired his number, 42, in 2003. Can you name this player?

After being selected in the first round by the San Francisco 49ers in 1981, Ronnie Lott played 14 seasons in the NFL. Throughout the course of his career, he recorded 1,146 tackles and 63 interceptions. What's more? He won four Super Bowl championships.

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This force at UCLA was the fourth-overall pick in 1981. Can you name this former Seahawk?

Kenny Easley played just seven seasons in the NFL but made a notable impact. In seven seasons, he was selected to the Pro Bowl five times and was the 1984 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The Seattle Seahawks retired his number, 45, in 2017, the same year he was inducted into the Hall of Fame.

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He was an Oklahoma Sooner turned Tampa Bay Buccaneer. Who is this defensive end?

Lee Roy Selmon played defensive tackle at the University of Oklahoma and was known as "The Gentle Giant." In 1976, he was selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, signing to their expansion team. He was not only the team's Rookie of the Year but he also one of the team's MVPs. He retired in 1984.

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He holds NFL record for 200 career sacks. Who is this former Buffalo Bill?

Remember the Buffalo Bills in the 1980s? How about their four consecutive Super Bowl appearances? Well, Bruce Smith was there for them all. Smith is remembered as one of the greatest defensive players of all time, earning two NFL and four AFC Defensive Player of the Year awards.

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He has spent nearly four decades in the NFL both as a player and now as a coach. Who is this '80s defensive tackle?

Throughout his career, Keith Millard played for the Jacksonville Bulls, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles. He was the 1989 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and is a member of the League's 1980s All-Decade Team.

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He made three Super Bowl appearances and has been named one of the 70 Greatest Redskins of all time. Who is he?

Standing 6'8" tall and weighing 295 pounds, Dave Butz began his NFL career with the St. Louis Cardinals but spent the majority of it with the Washington Redskins. He won two Super Bowl championships with the Redskins and upon retirement was named to the team's Ring of Fire.

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Who is this Kent State veterinary student turned Steelers linebacker?

Jack Lambert was a career Pittsburgh Steeler, playing with the team from 1974-1984. During those ten years, he won four Super Bowls and was named to the Pro Bowl nine times. A two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Lambert retired with a career record of 1,479 tackles in 146 games.

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He played for the New England Patriots from 1982-1988 and again from 1990-1993. Can you name this famous linebacker?

Though he was selected as the 41st pick in the second round of the 1982 draft, and though he never won a Super Bowl, Andre Tippett had an impressive career with the New England Patriots. A five-time Pro Bowler, he was both the NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the AFC Player of the Year in 1985.

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This two-time Super Bowl champ played for the Giants, Redskins and Browns. Can you name this All-Pro linebacker?

Carl Banks played in the NFL for 11 seasons and retired with a career total of 39.5 sacks. Though he played with three different teams, he was selected to the New York Giants Ring of Honor. Perhaps that's because he won two Super Bowls with them.

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