# Who is the best NFL player born in 1979?

> Twelve months of 1979 births gave the league a record-setting passer, a bruising 2,000-yard rusher and linemen who rarely saw the spotlight.

*By YPB Team · Published November 11, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/who-is-the-best-nfl-player-born-in-1979*

---

## Current results (no votes yet)

1. **Drew Brees** — score 1000/1000
   Quarterback born January 15, 1979, who won Super Bowl XLIV with the New Orleans Saints and made 13 Pro Bowls.
2. **Larry Johnson** — score 698/1000
   Chiefs running back born in 1979 who ran for at least 1,750 yards in both 2005 and 2006 and made two Pro Bowls.
3. **LaDainian Tomlinson** — score 525/1000
   Chargers running back born in 1979 who was the 2006 NFL MVP after scoring an NFL-record 31 touchdowns in a season.
4. **Dallas Clark** — score 525/1000
   Colts tight end born in 1979 who won Super Bowl XLI and was a first-team All-Pro in 2009.
5. **Ryan Clark** — score 525/1000
   Steelers safety born in 1979 who won Super Bowl XLIII and made the 2011 Pro Bowl.
6. **Adrian Wilson** — score 444/1000
   Cardinals safety born in 1979 who made five Pro Bowls and started in Super Bowl XLIII.
7. **Steve Smith Sr.** — score 444/1000
   Wide receiver born in 1979 who won the 2005 receiving triple crown with the Panthers and made five Pro Bowls.
8. **Nate Clements** — score 444/1000
   Cornerback born in 1979 who made the 2004 Pro Bowl with the Bills and later played for the 49ers and Bengals.
9. **Richard Seymour** — score 444/1000
   Defensive lineman born in 1979 who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022.
10. **Brian Westbrook** — score 345/1000
   Eagles running back born in 1979 who was a first-team All-Pro in 2007 and a two-time Pro Bowler.
11. **Jamal Lewis** — score 345/1000
   Ravens running back born in 1979 who rushed for 2,066 yards in 2003 and won Super Bowl XXXV.
12. **Dan Koppen** — score 345/1000
   Patriots center born in 1979 who won two Super Bowls and made the 2007 Pro Bowl.
13. **Antwaan Randle El** — score 345/1000
   Steelers receiver born in 1979 who threw a touchdown pass to Hines Ward in Super Bowl XL.
14. **Justin Smith** — score 345/1000
   Defensive end born in 1979 who played 14 seasons for the Bengals and 49ers and made five Pro Bowls.
15. **Aaron Kampman** — score 345/1000
   Packers defensive end born in 1979 who made two Pro Bowls and had 15.5 sacks in 2006.
16. **John Henderson** — score 345/1000
   Jaguars defensive tackle born in 1979, a 2002 first-round pick who made two Pro Bowls.
17. **Andre Carter** — score 0/1000
   Defensive end born in 1979 who played for the 49ers, Washington and Patriots and made the 2011 Pro Bowl.
18. **Carson Palmer** — score 0/1000
   Quarterback born in December 1979, the 2003 first overall pick, who made three Pro Bowls with the Bengals and Cardinals.
19. **Santana Moss** — score 0/1000
   Wide receiver born in 1979 who played for the Jets and Washington and had 1,483 receiving yards in 2005.
20. **Deion Branch** — score 0/1000
   Wide receiver born in 1979 who won two Super Bowls with the Patriots and was named MVP of Super Bowl XXXIX.
21. **Cato June** — score 0/1000
   Colts linebacker born in 1979 who made the 2005 Pro Bowl and won Super Bowl XLI.

Tags: sports, american-football, players, nfl, 1979