boiniznamena – The National Football League (NFL) is the most popular professional American football league in the world, with millions of fans across the globe. The NFL has produced some of the greatest players of all time, who have showcased their skills, talent, and passion on the field.
Some of these players have also gained popularity and recognition in the United Kingdom, where American football has a growing fan base and a long history. In this article, we will look at some of the best NFL players of all time who have made an impact in the UK, either by playing there, visiting there, or inspiring there.
Jerry Rice
Jerry Rice is widely regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time, and arguably the greatest player of any position. Rice played for 20 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the San Francisco 49ers, and won three Super Bowls, one Super Bowl MVP, and two NFL MVP awards. He holds the NFL records for most career receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and all-purpose yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.
Rice has a strong connection to the UK, as he was born in London, England, to American parents who were stationed there with the US Army. Rice spent his first four years of life in the UK, before moving back to the US with his family.
And Rice has said that he still considers himself a Londoner, and has visited the UK several times, including in 2017, when he attended an NFL game at Wembley Stadium between the Baltimore Ravens and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rice has also expressed his support for the NFL’s efforts to expand its presence in the UK, and has said that he would love to see a London-based franchise in the future.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady is the most successful quarterback of all time, and one of the most accomplished athletes in any sport. Brady has played for 21 seasons in the NFL, 20 with the New England Patriots and one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and has won seven Super Bowls, five Super Bowl MVPs, and three NFL MVPs.
He holds the NFL records for most career wins, most Super Bowl wins, most Super Bowl appearances, most Super Bowl MVPs, and most passing touchdowns. He is still playing at a high level at the age of 43, and is widely considered the greatest of all time (GOAT) at his position.
Brady has also made his mark in the UK, as he has played in three NFL games in London, winning all of them. He first played at Wembley Stadium in 2009, when he led the Patriots to a 35-7 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns. He returned in 2012, when he guided the Patriots to a 45-7 win over the St.
Louis Rams, throwing for 304 yards and four touchdowns. He played his third and most recent game in London in 2017, when he helped the Patriots defeat the Los Angeles Rams 33-8, throwing for 311 yards and one touchdown. Brady has also visited the UK for other reasons, such as attending the Royal Ascot horse racing event in 2018, and promoting his TB12 brand of health and wellness products .
Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor is widely regarded as the greatest defensive player of all time, and one of the most dominant and influential players in NFL history. Taylor played for 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the New York Giants, and won two Super Bowls, one NFL MVP, and three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
He revolutionized the outside linebacker position with his speed, power, and versatility, and terrorized opposing quarterbacks with his relentless pass rush. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.
Walter Payton
Walter Payton is widely regarded as one of the greatest running backs of all time, and one of the most beloved and respected players in NFL history. Payton played for 13 seasons in the NFL, all with the Chicago Bears, and won one Super Bowl, one NFL MVP, and one Man of the Year award.
He holds the NFL record for most career rushing yards, and is second in career rushing touchdowns. He was known for his durability, versatility, and toughness, as well as his generosity, humility, and kindness. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, and died in 1999 from a rare liver disease.