This list is compiled on a few factors such as influence on team success, reputation, and championships, but mostly singular statistics and accolades. There are several players at the top of today's NFL, such as Joe Thomas, Larry Fitzgerald, or Adrian Peterson, that had to be left off the list simply because they haven't played throughout the majority of the decade. Along the same guidelines, players who have played throughout the decade but had the majority of their success in the 90's, such as Bret Favre, Emmit Smith, or Marshall Faulk, had to be left off of the list. Only accomplishments from the 2000/2001 season to date were considered in the making of this list. I also made this list without looking at any other All-Decade lists so coincidences are just that. This team runs a basic I-Formation so Marvin Harrison can you please stop sending me emails asking to add a third WR spot. Thanks.
QB - Peyton Manning - Peyton can thank his 100 TD lead for narrowly beating out Tom Brady's 3 Super Bowls for the QB spot. As a rare decade long starter, Manning is building a resume worthy of contention for best QB in any decade with 314 TDs, over 42,000 yards and a QB rating of 98.7 over the last ten years. He has been elected to nine of the last ten Pro Bowls, has been a four time All-Pro, a Super Bowl MVP, and a three time NFL MVP.
RB - Ladainian Tomlinson - Despite declining numbers and the emergence of a younger crop of running backs, Tomlinson is turning out one of the best careers of any back ever. Highlighted by an 1800-yard 28 TD season in 2006/07, he has run for at least 1,000 yards and 10 TDs in each year of his career. Despite having turned the running back killing 30-years of age this season, LT's 12,430 rushing yards, 136 rushing TDs, and 15 receiving TDs have made him a sure fire Hall of Famer even in the unlikely scenario of not gaining another yard. Has been a five time Pro Bowler, four time All-Pro, and NFL MVP.
WR - Randy Moss- Despite a two season purgatory in Oakland, Moss' arrival in New England has solidified his place among the elite receivers of all-time. 117 TDs 12,600 yards and 767 receptions in the decade are enough to place his bust in Canton on their own. He is also the NFL record holder with 23 receiving TDs in 2007. He was a three time All-Pro, was elected to the Pro Bowl four times, and was the 2007 NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
WR - Terrell Owens- Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, and Tony Romo may not want him on their teams, but there is little discussion when it comes to Owens' numbers. 113 TDs 12,000 yards, and 776 receptions in the decade alone are more than most other receivers could dream of. He was a five time All-Pro and six time Pro-Bowler in the decade. He may ruin his offense's chemistry, but he does love him some him. So do I.
TE - Tony Gonzalez- Undisputedly the greatest tight end in the history of football. A capable blocker with the receiving abilities of a talented wide-out. His box-out and leaping abilities epitomized the concept of the tight end being a red zone breaker. His 67 TDs 10,000 yards and and 830 receptions are by far tops for the decade among tight ends. He was a nine time Pro-Bowler and six time All-Pro.
FB - Tony Richardson - With respect to Mike Alstott's rushing abilities, there are few offensive linemen that have the destructive blocking abilities of Tony Richardson. One needs to look no further than the slew of productive tail backs that have followed his lead. Priest Holmes rushed for 5,500 yards and an astonishing 70 TDs from 2001 - 2005, Larry Johnson rush for 1,700 yards and 20 TDs in 2005, Adrian Peterson rushed for 1,400 yards, 12 TDs, and a 5.6 average in 2007, and Thomas Jones has rushed for 2,500 yards and 24 TDs in two seasons with Richardson paving the way. Not to mention having missed just 13 games in the decade at one of the most punishing positions in football.
OT - Orlando Pace - He may have been bit by the injury bug in the last few seasons but Orlando Pace is one of the best offensive linemen of all time and was a key cog in the St Louis Rams' offensive juggernaut of the early decade. He was also elected to six straight Pro Bowls from 2000 - 2005.
OT - Jonathan Ogden - Despite retiring with two seasons left in the decade, Ogden has played in 116 games since 2000. He was trademarked by his absolute dominance of opposing players and his rare durability. He was a Pro-Bowler in each season he played in the decade.
OG - Steve Hutchinson - Still very much in the prime of his career, offensive success followed Hutchinson at his stops both in Seattle and Minnesota. He has been a six time Pro-Bowler and five time All-Pro selection. He has started 130 games throughout the decade.
OG - Brian Waters - The only lineman ever to receive a Player of the Week award in either conference. Has started 131 games over the last ten years, has been an All-Pro twice, and was elected to four Pro Bowls.
C - Jeff Saturday - Saturday has started over 150 games including 85 consecutive starts from 2000 to 2005. He has and All-Pro twice and was elected to Three Pro Bowls despite being an un-drafted player.
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