Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway of the Denver Broncos celebrates after winning Super Bowl XXXIII and the game MVP title. This was Elway's second consecutive Super Bowl win and his last game before retiring. Elway's record 47 fourth quarter game-winning or game-tying drives are legendary. The versatile Elway is the only player in NFL history to pass for more than 3,000 yards and rush for more than 200 yards in the same season seven consecutive times. He was the second quarterback to record more than 40,000 yards passing and 3,000 yards rushing during his career. At the time of his retirement, he ranked second all-time in three of the game's most significant passing categories, passing yards (51,475), attempts (7,250), and completions (4,123). (Photo by Allen Kee/NFL)

Darren Bennett of the Chargers kicks a punt downfield during the Denver Broncos versus the San Diego Chargers during the American Bowl at Stadium Australia, Sydney, Australia. Bennett, who grew up in Perth, spent 12 years playing Aussie rules at elite level, also played rugby and Australian rules football for a short time in New Zealand. He then spent time with the West Coast Eagles and Melbourne Demons in the VFL / AFL. After a tryout for the Chargers during his honeymoon, Bennett finished second in the NFL in punting average and made the AFC Pro Bowl team in his rookie season. He went on to establish himself as arguably the best punter in the NFL for the rest of the 1990s. (Photo by Jack Atley/ALLSPORT)

Cortez Kennedy was the third overall selection in the 1990 draft by the Seahawks. The defensive tackle was named to the Pro Bowl in 1991. In 1992, having recorded 14 quarterback sacks, he received the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press and was named All-Pro 5 times. Kennedy retired after the 2000 season. In 167 games with Seattle, he recorded 668 tackles, 58 sacks, and 3 interceptions. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Allsport)

Defensive back LeRoy Butler was selected by the Packers in the second round of the 1990 draft. During his 12 seasons with the Packers, he recorded 953 tackles, 38 interceptions, 553 return yards, 12 fumble recoveries, 3 defensive touchdowns and 20 1/2 sacks. He led or tied for the team lead in interceptions in five different seasons. He was the first defensive back in NFL history to gain entrance in the 20 Sack/20 Interception Club. Butler is also credited with inventing the Lambeau Leap. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Allsport)

As a rookie in 1988, Michael Irvin offered a glimpse of what was to follow during his 12-season career with the Cowboys. Irvin's 20.4 yard per catch average during his rookie year led the NFC. From 1991 through 1998, Irvin recorded 1,000-yard seasons in all but one year. Along the way, the Cowboys made four straight appearances in the NFC championship game (1992-1995) and captured three Super Bowl titles with back-to-back wins over the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowls XXVII and XXVIII, and the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XXX. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Wide receiver Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers recorded 49 catches for 927 yards, averaging 18.9 yards per catch and was named NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year in his 1985 rookie season. In addition to being the all-time leader in every major statistical category for wide receivers over his career, Rice was selected to the Pro Bowl 13 times (1986-1996, 1998, 2002) and named All-Pro 10 times in his 20 NFL seasons. He won three Super Bowl rings as a member of the San Francisco 49ers, (1985-2000), an AFC Championship with the Oakland Raiders (2001-2004), and a division championship with the Seattle Seahawks (2004). (Photo by Vincent Laforet /Allsport)

Defensive lineman Bryant Young #97 of the San Francisco 49ers scans the field for pursuing tacklers as he runs with the ball after picking up a fumble. He was drafted by the 49ers in the 1st round (7th overall) in the 1994 NFL Draft. As of 2007, Young was the last remaining player on the 49ers' active roster who was a part of their 49ers' Super Bowl XXIX victory over the San Diego Chargers. He had 89.5 career sacks. Young was the Comeback Player of the Year in 1999 after a broken leg that required a titanium rod to heal. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr)

Defensive back Carnell Lake played 12 seasons in the NFL from 1989 to 2001 for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Baltimore Ravens. He was a 5-time Pro Bowl selection. Throughout his career, he intercepted 16 passes, recovered 17 fumbles, and scored 5 defensive touchdowns. Lake also had an impressive three year stretch from 1991-1993, where he had 83, 85, and 91 tackles. (Photo by Mike Powell/ALLSPORT)

Defensive back Aeneas Williams of the Arizona Cardinals runs up the sideline following an interception. Williams went to the Arizona Cardinals in 1991, and quickly established himself as a shutdown corner, tying the NFL lead for interceptions as a rookie. In the 1998 season, Williams helped the Cardinals win their first playoff game since 1947 by intercepting two passes from Troy Aikman in a 20-7 win over the Dallas Cowboys. In 2000, he tied an NFL record by returning a fumble 104 yards for a touchdown in a game against the Washington Redskins. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr)

Tackle Richmond Webb played for the Dolphins for eleven seasons and set team records for 118 consecutive starts and seven consecutive Pro Bowls. After playing for the Dolphins, Webb played two seasons for the Bengals. His career declined due to injuries and he decided to retire in the fall of 2004. On July 9, 2005, Richmond Webb signed a one-day contract to retire as a member of the Dolphins. His presence on the left side of the Dolphins offensive line played a major factor in the Marino-led team�s two AFC East titles, an appearance in the 1992 AFC Championship Game and the final 59 wins of Don Shula�s coaching career. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Allsport)

Defensive back Ronnie Lott was the San Francisco 49ers' first round draft pick who made an immediate impression. Lott was used at both left and right cornerback positions and as a free and strong safety during his 14-year career. The versatile defensive back earned 10 Pro Bowl invitations at three positions. During his career with the 49ers (1981-1990), Los Angeles Raiders (1991-1992), and the New York Jets (1993-1994) Lott recorded 63 career interceptions and twice led the league. (Photo by Ken Levine/Allsport)

When offensive lineman Bruce Matthews retired as a member of the Tennessee Titans following the 2001 season, no full-time positional player in NFL history had competed in more games (296) than the former USC All-America. A three-time Offensive Lineman of the Year, Matthews started 292 of his 296 games played in the regular season and started all 15 playoff games in which he played. Incredibly valuable to the team�s offense, Matthews eventually played every position along the Oilers/Titans offensive line during his long career. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

During his 14-year NFL career, Deion Sanders was a perennial All-Pro and one of the most feared pass defenders to ever play the game. He ran a 4.18 in the 40 yard dash making him the second fastest in the NFL. During his career, Sanders intercepted 52 passes for 1,331 yards (a 25.1 yards per return average), ran 56 times for 1,578 yards, recovered four fumbles for 15 yards, returned 155 kickoffs for 3,523 yards, gained 2,199 yards on 212 punt returns, and caught 60 passes for 784 yards. Sanders amassed 7,838 all-purpose yards and scored 22 touchdowns: nine interception returns, six punt returns, three kickoff returns, three receiving, and one fumble recovery. His 19 defensive and return touchdowns are an NFL record. He also allowed 2,842 extra yards rushing in plays called against his side of the field. He is also the only athlete to play in both a World Series and Superbowl. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/ALLSPORT)

Morten Andersen, born in Copenhagan, Denmark, holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in NFL history and the all-time leading scorer for two different teams (Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints). On his first NFL kickoff to start the 1982 season, Andersen twisted his ankle and missed eight weeks of the season. Despite the early setback, he soon emerged as one of the strongest and most reliable placekickers. In his years with the Saints, he was named to six Pro Bowls, kicked 302 field goals, and scored 1318 points. On September 17, 2007, he signed with the Falcons for the third time and by the end of the regular season he had made 25 of 28 field goals (89.3%), the most accurate season of his career. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Allsport)

In 1986, when Marv Levy was chosen to direct the fortunes of the Buffalo Bills, he brought with him more than 30 years of coaching experience. With his high-powered �no-huddle� offense, Levy went on to lead his AFC championship team to four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. From 1988 through 1997, the Bills were first in the AFC in winning percentage and second in the NFL. Levy, the winningest coach in Bills� history, recorded a 112-70 regular season record. He was named NFL Coach of the Year in 1988 and AFC Coach of the Year in 1988, 1993, and 1995. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

After winning an Olympic bronze medal in the 200-meter dash, Michael Bates joined the Seahawks as a 6th round Draft pick. Playing the majority of his career with the Carolina Panthers as a kick returner/wide receiver, Bates had 9110 total yards in kick returns and five kick-return touchdowns (the NFL record for kickoff return touchdowns in a career is six). In one of his best seasons, 1996, he returned 33 kicks for 998 yards - a remarkable average of 30.2 yards per return - and one kick return touchdown. (Photo by Erik Perel/Allsport)

New England Patriots head coach Bill Parcells gets interviewed during Media Day for Super Bowl XXXI against the Green Bay Packers. Parcells won two Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants, in Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV. After the second Giants win in 1990, Parcells coached for the Patriots and Jets during the 90s, turning both franchises around to Conference Champions in his first couple years as head coach. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Considered an out-of-nowhere prospect, Ben Coates was picked in the fifth round of the 1991 NFL Draft by the New England Patriots. After the 1993 arrival of legendary head coach Bill Parcells to the Patriots franchise, Coates was frequently used to receive passes, and the tight end led the Patriots in receptions in 1993. In 1994, his breakout year, he caught 96 passes, then most ever for a tight end, for 1,174 yards receiving and appeared in his first Pro Bowl. He would appear in the next four, and assist New England to an appearance in Super Bowl XXXI. After the 1999 season, Coates played for the Baltimore Ravens, where he climbed the all-time receiving charts, winning Super Bowl XXXV in the process. (Photo by J.D. Cuban/Allsport)

A second-round draft choice of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1992 NFL Draft, Levon Kirkland went on to play 11 years in the NFL including 9 seasons with the Steelers, and one each for the Seattle Seahawks and the Philadelphia Eagles. By 1995, he was recognized as one of the top inside linebackers in the league, and had a stellar performance in Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the season. He ended his strong career as an inside linebacker with 1,029 tackles, 19.5 sacks and 11 interceptions. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel)

Running back Mel Gray is third in the NFL record book for most career kickoff returns (421) and most kickoff return yardage (10,250). He also shares the lead spot for most career touchdowns (6) as a kick returner. Over an 11 year career, Gray played for the New Orleans Saints, the Detroit Lions, Houston Oilers, and the Philadelphia Eagles, and was named to the Pro Bowl four times. and was a three-time first team All-Pro. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

Kicker Gary Anderson, born in South Africa, came to football during a high school soccer practice. He played both sports at Syracuse, and then signed with the Steelers in 1982 as a free agent. In his career he played for 5 teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, where in 1998 he converted all 35 of his attempted field goals and all 59 extra points in regular season play, becoming the first placekicker to finish the regular season with a 100% success rate on both field goals and extra points. Anderson holds the NFL record for points in a single season with no touchdowns scored, kicking 59 PATs and 35 field goals in 1998 for a total of 164 points. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Defensive end Chris Doleman was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1st round (4th overall) of the 1985 NFL Draft and began his NFL career as an outside linebacker in the Vikings 3-4 defense. However, the team switched to a 4-3 defense early in his career. The move paid off for Doleman, who recorded 21 sacks in the 1989 season, the highest total recorded that season and the third highest total ever. He was an 8-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2-time first team All-Pro, recording 150.5 career sacks. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Warren Sapp has been one of the most dominant defensive players in the NFL since his rookie season in 1995 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He was selected to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1997 through 2003 and named the 1999 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Sapp has recorded 94.5 career sacks, the third-most all-time by a DT. In addition to work on defensive line, he has been used on offense as a TE and FB in short-yardage situations for the Bucs, where he caught four passes for 39 yards and two touchdowns. Sapp played in 182 regular season league games and played and started in nine career postseason games, including Super Bowl XXXVII.

Linebacker Junior Seau was originally selected by the San Diego Chargers in the first round (fifth overall) of the 1990 NFL Draft. He was voted to 12 consecutive Pro Bowls (following each season from 1991-2002). His streak of 12 straight Pro Bowl seasons is tied for the third longest such streak since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger and his 241 career games is the third highest total by a linebacker. Seau has averaged 100 tackles a season and nearly seven tackles a game over his 17- year career, recorded 10 or more tackles in a game 63 times and led team in tackles in 92 of his 241 career regular season games. (Photo by Stephen Dunn)

Wide receiver Tim Brown #81 of the Oakland Raiders is mobbed in the end zone by teammate Lincoln Kennedy #72 and a host of Raider fans. Brown holds the NFL rookie season record for most combined yards gained, with 2,317 yards (1988) and holds Raider's records for touchdowns scored (100) receiving (14,734 yards) and punt return (320 returns for 3,272 yards). From 1993 through 1999, Brown caught 80 or passes each year, with a high of 104 in 1997. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Bruce Smith was drafted by the Buffalo Bills as the number one pick overall in the 1985 NFL Draft. Smith became known as a sack specialist, with 15 in 1986 and a personal season-best 19 in 1990. By 1989, Smith had already become the Bills' all-time sack leader when he reached his 52nd sack. In his 19 NFL seasons with the Bills and Redskins, Smith played in 279 games, amassing 200 sacks, 2 interceptions, 46 forced fumbles, and 15 fumble recoveries, which he returned for 33 yards and a touchdown. Of his 19 seasons in the NFL, 14 of them were seasons where he had at least 10 sacks. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)

Shannon Sharpe #84 of the Denver Broncos celebrates after scoring a touchdown. Sharpe was selected in the 7th round of the 1990 NFL Draft, 192nd overall, by the Broncos. He remained with Denver until 1999 [4], winning two championship rings in Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII, before going to the Ravens for 2 seasons and winning Super Bowl XXXV. Sharpe was selected All-Pro 4 times, played in 8 Pro Bowls(1992-1998, 2001) and amassed over 1,000 receiving yards in 3 different seasons, with 10,060 career yards in 815 receptions. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

Tony Boselli #71 was the first player ever drafted by the expansion Jacksonville Jaguars and the second player taken in the 1995 NFL Draft. He was an all pro tackle after his very first season. A leader on the offensive line. he quickly became recognized as one of the best left tackles in the game, and was selected to the Pro Bowl five times. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Hall of Fame outside linebacker Derrick Thomas amassed 10 sacks as a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs in 1989. He also added 75 tackles that season to earn Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and was named to the first of nine straight Pro Bowls. In his second season he recorded a league-leading and team record 20 sacks that included an NFL record seven sacks in a game. No player amassed more sacks during the decade of 1990s than the 116.5 sacks by Thomas. He finished his career with 126.5 sacks which was the fourth highest total by a linebacker in NFL history. Thomas had 10 or more sacks in a season seven times and recorded multi-sack games 27 times during his 169-game career. Thomas also forced 45 fumbles, had 19 fumble recoveries, scored four touchdowns on fumble returns and added three safeties. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

After settling with the Minnesota Vikings in 1986, Gary Zimmerman began a streak of 169 consecutive starts that lasted until 1996 when late-season shoulder surgery sidelined him. Along the way he earned first- or second-team All-Pro honors eight times. During the same period he was selected to play in seven Pro Bowls. During this stretch he was traded to Denver, but still anchored an offensive line that helped the Vikings lead the NFC in rushing in 1991 and led the Broncos to record their most successful offensive output in franchise history. The Broncos led the AFC in total combined yards in 1995 and led the NFL in that category in 1996 and 1997. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/NFL)

The Pittsburgh Steelers center Dermontti Dawson was named to seven straight Pro Bowls from 1992 to 1998 and played in 171 consecutive games. He was also a consecutive six-time first team All-Pro selection (1993-1998) and started 13 career playoff games. second-round pick in the 1988 Draft, Dawson was a three-time AFC Lineman of Year. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/NFL)

Dallas Cowboys running back Emmitt Smith makes a cut in the open field during Super Bowl XXVII, a 55-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills. The winner of 4 NFL rushing titles, Smith is the first player in NFL history to rush for over 1,000 yards in 11 consecutive seasons. The NFL's career rushing touchdowns leader with 164, Emmitt scored 100 career touchdowns during his first 6 NFL seasons, which was the fastest any player in league history has reached that mark. He finished his career with a total of 18,355 yards and three Super Bowl titles. (Photo by LC Larry Lambrecht/NFL)

Green Bay Packers tight end Jeff Thomason (83) holds quarterback Brett Favre (4) aloft during Super Bowl XXXI, a 35-21 Green Bay Packers victory over the New England Patriots. Favre retired after the 2007 season as the league's all-time leader in virtually every significant passing category - touchdowns (442), completions (5,377), attempts (8,758) and yards (61,655). He also ranks first in all-time victories, with 160. During 16 campaigns under center for Green Bay, Favre led Packers to 11 postseason appearances, including seven division crowns, four NFC Championship Games, two Super Bowls and a World Championship (pictured). (Photo by Jimmy Cribb/NFL)

In his 17 NFL seasons with four teams, Rod Woodson recorded 71 interceptions, 1,483 interception return yards, 32 fumble recoveries (15 offensive and 17 defensive), 137 fumble return yards, 2,362 punt return yards, and 15 touchdowns (12 interception returns, 1 fumble return, 2 punt returns). He holds the league record for interceptions returned for touchdowns with 12 and his 1,483 interception return yards are also an NFL record. Woodson was an 11 time Pro Bowler, a record for DBs, and the 1993 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo by NFL/NFL)
» Video: Rod Woodson retrospective

Dallas Cowboys Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman (8) lines up over center Mark Stepnoski (53) during Super Bowl XXVII, a 52-17 victory over the Buffalo Bills that capped a season that marked the end of Dallas' odyssey from worst to first. Aikman was the game's MVP for 273 yards passing and four touchdowns. Over the next three seasons, the Cowboys enjoyed three consecutive 12-4 records and victories in Super Bowls XXVIII and XXX. With 90 wins in the 1990s, Aikman became the winningest starting quarterback of any decade in NFL history. (Photo by NFL/NFL)

Minnesota Vikings guard Randall McDaniel (64) pops into his stance to protect quarterback Randall Cunningham (64) during the NFC Divisional Playoff Game. After his selection in 1988, McDaniel earned an immediate starting job and was selected to several all-rookie teams. In his second season, he continued to excel on a streak of 202 consecutive starts that continued through the end of his career and earned the first of 12 straight Pro Bowl berths. For both the Vikings and Buccaneers, McDaniel blocked for six different 1,000-yard rushers and five 3,000-yard passers during his 14-season career. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/NFL)

Running back Barry Sanders rushed for more than 1,000 yards in each of his 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions (1989-1998). He was the first running back ever to do so. The most impressive feat of his remarkable career came in 1997, when he rushed for a league-best 2,053 yards and gained another 305 yards on 33 catches for 2,358 combined yards. That year, Sanders, who was named league MVP, gained more than 100 yards rushing in an NFL record 14 consecutive regular season games. Selected to play in the Pro Bowl each of his 10 NFL seasons, Sanders held nearly every Lions' rushing record and numerous all-time NFL records, at the time of his retirement. (Photo by Glenn James/NFL)

In 1993, after recording 124 sacks in 121 games over eight seasons in Philadelphia, Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White became the first big name free agent to switch teams. He joined the Green Bay Packers. The team steadily improved with his presence and, in 1996, returned to glory with White leading the NFL's topped ranked defense to playoff and Super Bowl victories. In Super Bowl XXXI he recorded a record three sacks. White retired as the NFL's all-time sack leader with 198 and was voted first-team All-Pro 10 times in his 15-year career. (Photo by Kevin Reece/NFL)

Punter Sean Landeta played almost half of his career for the New York Giants, where he won 2 championship rings in Super Bowl XXI and Super Bowl XXV. Landeta led the NFL with a 37.8 net average in 1989, and led the league with 24 punts in the 20 in 1990. By the end of the 2005 season, Landeta had amassed 1,401 punts for 60,707 yards (43.3 yards per punt average), with 381 punts in the 20 and 166 touchbacks and a 35.3 net yard average. His punts, punting yards, and punts landing inside the 20 are all among the NFL's top 5 leaders in each category. (Photo by Jim Turner/NFL Photos)

Washington Redskins cornerback Darrell Green maintained his high standard of play throughout his remarkable 20-season career with the Redskins. In all, Green totaled a club record 54 interceptions for 621 yards and six touchdowns, with two additional touchdowns on interception returns in the post-season. Known for his speed, even into his 40s, Green also had success as a punt returner. He averaged nearly 12 yards a return as he recorded 51 career returns for 611 yards. In addition, he owns the team record for longest fumble return � a 78-yard TD against the Colts in 1993. (Photo by Allen Dean Steele/NFL)

Linebacker Kevin Greene played in 228 games in his 15-year career, traveling between four teams. Ten times he was among the NFL's Top 10 sackers, leading the NFL in sacks twice and his club eleven times. Greene retired as a five-time Pro Bowler and the NFL's third all-time sack leader with 160. He won NFC Linebacker of the Year, NFL Alumni NFL Linebacker of the Year and NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/NFL)

Among the three teams in his 15 year career, wide receiver Cris Carter played with the Minnesota Vikings the longest, for the entire 1990s. He became a 3 time All-Pro and played in 8 straight Pro Bowls. When he left the Vikings after 2001, he held most of the team career receiving records. Carter finished the decade of the '90s with 835 receptions, second only to Jerry Rice's 860. Carter finished No. 2 behind Jerry Rice in career receptions (1,101) and touchdowns (130) by a receiver. His number 80 was retired by the Minnesota Vikings. (Photo by NFL Photos/Getty Images)

Terrell Davis, a sixth-round draft pick by the Denver Broncos in 1995, increased his season rushing yardage in each of his first four pro seasons. After rushing for 1,117 yards as a rookie, he gained 1,538 yards during his second season and 1,750 yards in this third year. In 1998, he became just the fourth player in history to eclipse the 2,000-yard barrier. Davis finished the season with a total of 2,008 yards rushing. His yardage output allowed him to become just the third player in NFL history to reach the 1,000-yard mark in seven games. He was the league MVP that year. (Photo by David Gonzales/NFL)

Safety Steve Atwater joined the Broncos in 1989 as the club�s No. 1 draft choice (20th overall) and went on to earn eight Pro Bowl selections in his 11 year career, second-most in team history. Atwater started all 155 games he played as a Bronco and logged 818 tackles (483 solo)�including five sacks (-39)�as well as 24 interceptions, 89 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles and nine fumble recoveries. Atwater turned in one the best performances ever by a safety in a Super Bowl in Denver's Super Bowl XXXII victory over Green Bay, posting six solo tackles, one sack, two passes defensed and a forced fumble. (Photo by Rob Brown/NFL Photos)

Defensive end Neil Smith played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1988 to 1996, the Denver Broncos from 1997 to 1999, and the San Diego Chargers in 2000. Smith made the Pro Bowl 6 times during his career (1991 to 1995 and 1997), and led the NFL with 15 sacks in the 1993 season. With the Broncos, Smith won 2 NFL championship rings for Super Bowl XXXII and Super Bowl XXXIII. Smith finished his 13 NFL seasons with 105 sacks, 12 fumble recoveries, 19 return yards, and 1 touchdown. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/NFL Photos)

Guard Larry Allen #73 of the Dallas Cowboys lines up in a three-point stance against the Arizona Cardinals. One of the strongest men ever to play in the NFL, many experts consider Allen to be one of the finest offensive linemen ever. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound guard has a legendary list of weight room exploits, including an assisted bench press of 700 pounds. Allen's on-field accomplishments include a Super Bowl title with Dallas and 11 consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1995 to 2006. He also helped pave the way for Emmitt Smith to become the NFL's all-time leading rusher. (Photo by Kevin Terrell/NFL Photos/Getty Images)

Linebacker Hardy Nickerson spent the prime of his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1993-1999. Tony Dungy moved Nickerson to the middle in his 4-3 defensive alignment, sending Nickerson to four Pro Bowls. He also played for the Steelers, Jaguars and Packers. He finished his career in 2002 with 1,586 tackles, 21 sacks and 12 interceptions. (Photo by Gin Ellis/NFL Photos/Getty Images)

Willie Roaf started as a first round Draft pick of the New Orleans Saints as left tackle. He was acquired by the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade in March of 2002 for a conditional draft choice. He was selected to eleven Pro Bowls in his 13 year career, missing only the 2001 game, due to season-ending injury. He was also selected All-Pro 10 times, 1st-Team three times. Roaf started all of the 189 games he played. (Photo by NFL Photos/Getty Images)

Oakland Raiders guard Steve Wisniewski was the second round draft pick (#29 overall) of the Dallas Cowboys in the 1989 NFL Draft. He was then immediately traded to the Raiders, where he would play for all of his 13 seasons in the league (1989-2001). "Wiz" earned trips to the Pro Bowl in 1991-96, 98, and 2001. During his tenure, the Raiders made the playoffs five times. Wisniewski was an athletic lineman, who ran well, and had quick feet. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/NFL)

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame running back Thurman Thomas first led the NFL in all-purpose yards in 1990, his third season - he rushed for 1,297 yards and scored 11 touchdowns while catching 49 passes for 532 yards and two touchdowns. With the versatile back leading the way, the Bills marched through the playoffs to the first of their four straight Super Bowl berths. Thomas rushed for 100 yards in each of the 1990 playoff games, including Super Bowl XXV when he gained 135 yards on just 15 carries and scored on a 31-yard run early in the fourth quarter. He also had 5 receptions for 55 yards. He reached the 2,000-yard total for the second time in 1992 which marked a record fourth straight season of leading the NFL in yards from scrimmage. (Photo by Al Pereira/NFL)

Cornelius Bennett was selected by the Colts with the second pick of the 1987 NFL Draft, but dealt to the Bills in a three-way trade. Bennett's talent at the linebacker position helped the teams he played for teams to 5 Super Bowl appearances (4 with Buffalo and 1 with Atlanta). In his 14 NFL seasons, he recorded 71 sacks, 7 interceptions, 112 return yards, 27 fumble recoveries, 78 fumble return yards, and 2 touchdowns (1 interception and one fumble return). At the time of his retirement, his 26 defensive fumble recoveries were the third most in NFL history. (George Rose/Getty Images)