# Who is the best NFL player born in 1961?

> Hall of Fame quarterbacks share this birth year with a comeback-king backup, a bruising Chiefs rusher and trench veterans fans still argue about. Gold jackets or cult heroes of the 1980s, your call.

*By YPB Team · Published November 8, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-nfl-player-born-in-1961*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Dan Marino** — score 1000/1000
   Miami Dolphins quarterback from 1983 to 1999 who threw 48 touchdown passes in his 1984 MVP season and entered the Hall of Fame in 2005.
2. **Christian Okoye** — score 527/1000
   Nigerian-born Kansas City Chiefs running back, nicknamed the Nigerian Nightmare, who led the NFL with 1,480 rushing yards in 1989.
3. **Bruce Matthews** — score 422/1000
   Offensive lineman who played 19 seasons for the Oilers and Titans, made 14 Pro Bowls and entered the Hall of Fame in 2007.
4. **Boomer Esiason** — score 357/1000
   Cincinnati Bengals quarterback who won the 1988 NFL MVP award and led the team to Super Bowl XXIII.
5. **Jim Jeffcoat** — score 357/1000
   Dallas Cowboys defensive end who recorded 102.5 career sacks and won two Super Bowls with the team.
6. **Chris Doleman** — score 357/1000
   Pass rusher, mostly with the Vikings, who led the NFL with 21 sacks in 1989, finished with 150.5 and entered the Hall of Fame in 2012.
7. **Frank Reich** — score 281/1000
   Buffalo Bills backup quarterback who led the comeback from a 35–3 deficit to beat the Houston Oilers in the January 1993 playoffs.
8. **Steve Young** — score 281/1000
   San Francisco 49ers quarterback, NFL MVP in 1992 and 1994, who threw six touchdown passes as MVP of Super Bowl XXIX.
9. **Reggie White** — score 281/1000
   Defensive end for the Eagles and Packers who retired with 198 sacks, won Super Bowl XXXI with Green Bay and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
10. **Leonard Marshall** — score 192/1000
   New York Giants defensive end who made two Pro Bowls and won Super Bowls XXI and XXV.
11. **Jesse Sapolu** — score 192/1000
   Samoan-American 49ers offensive lineman who won four Super Bowls and made two Pro Bowls.

Tags: sports, american-football, players, nfl, 1961