National Football League 1980s All-Decade Team


The NFL 1980s All-Decade Team was chosen by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team was composed of outstanding performers in the National Football League in the 1980s. The squad consists of first- and second-team offensive, defensive and special teams units, as well as a first- and second-team head coaches.
Jerry Rice, Anthony Muñoz, and Lawrence Taylor were the only unanimous choices, being named on all 26 ballots. John Hannah was next with 25 votes, followed by Joe Montana at 24½ votes, Walter Payton at 23½ votes, and Ronnie Lott with 23 votes.
Walter Payton, John Hannah, Mike Webster, Ted Hendricks, Jack Lambert, Billy Johnson, Rick Upchurch and Chuck Noll had been previously named to the 1970s All-Decade Team. Jerry Rice, Gary Zimmerman, Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, Morten Andersen, Gary Anderson and Sean Landeta were also later named to the 1990s All-Decade Team.

Offense

PositionFirst TeamVotesHall of Fame?Second TeamVotesHall of Fame?
QuarterbackJoe Montana* 24½YesDan Fouts* 1Yes
Running backWalter Payton* 23½YesRoger Craig~ 52 time finalist
Running backEric Dickerson* 18YesJohn Riggins* 3Yes
Wide receiverJerry Rice* 26YesJames Lofton* 2Yes
Wide receiverSteve Largent* 22YesArt Monk* 2Yes
Tight endKellen Winslow* 18½YesOzzie Newsome* 2Yes
TackleAnthony Muñoz* 26YesGary Zimmerman* 7Yes
TackleJimbo Covert* 8YesJoe Jacoby 53 time finalist
GuardJohn Hannah* 25YesBill Fralic 4No
GuardRuss Grimm* 16YesMike Munchak* 3Yes
CenterDwight Stephenson* 13YesMike Webster* 10Yes

Defense

Special teams

Coach