All time team - Offensive Line

Welcome back to my series on my all-time favorite players at each position. I remind you that these are not the players I think are the greatest at each position. These are my personal favorites. Today I discuss the backbone of any team - the HOGS in the trenches.

Left Tackle - Willie Roaf



Big Willie anchored the Saints offensive line for nearly a decade and then opened holes for one of the most prolific offenses in NFL history in Kansas City. To call him a great player would be an understatement. Roaf made the All-Decade Team for both the 1990s and 2000s. The soon to be Hall of Famer is also as classy as they come. He is a perfect choice to anchor the blind side.

Left Guard - Larry Allen



Larry Allen may be the strongest player to ever play in the NFL. His weight room feats are legendary. This strength allowed him to absolutely punish defenders. Now I am by no means a Cowboys fan but I always liked Cowboy linemen. Allen cemented his status as an all-time great in Super Bowl 30 when he leveled Greg Lloyd. Lloyd was one of the meanest and nastiest Linebackers ever and was in his prime at the time. Allen pulled and crushed Lloyd on a sweep. Crushed him in a way you rarely see in a NFL game. But that was Allen. A guy who physically stood out against his opponents.

Center - Dermonti Dawson



Dawson was a 6 time All-Pro and 7 time Pro-Bowler and was elected to the All-Decade team of the 90s. I know it may seem contrary to popular thought, but the Steelers may be Team Center. The team is know for their running backs, have a couple of Hall of Fame QBs and a slew of All-Pro linebackers. But actually, center is the team position of excellence. The team has Mike Webster at center in the Hall of Fame. Dawson is a HOF finalist. Jeff Hartings was an All-Pro and their current center Markice Pouncey seems bound for an excellent career after a very solid rookie year. I like Dawson the most of this bunch. He's an excellent athlete who had a great career.

Right Guard - Bruce Matthews



At right guard we have yet another member of the All-Decade team of the 90s. Matthews makes my team for his versatility and his longevity. Matthews was a 14 time Pro-Bowl selection and a 9 time All-Pro. He played Tackle, Guard & Center for the Oilers/Titans makinkg the Pro-Bowl as a guard and center. By having Matthews on this team, he can provide a back-up at all line positions. Also, as an added perk, I can have his family fill out the rest of the roster. His brother Clay Jr played 19 hard hitting years for the Browns (Bruce played 20 seasons). His nephew Clay III is now a hard hitting stud backer for the Packers. Did I mention Clay I had a 4 year OL run with the 49ers? Clay III's little brother Casey was drafted by the Eagles. Bruce's son Kevin is on the Titans roster to be coached by his dad next season. Then there's Jake who was a high school All-American that plays for Texas A&M. Yeah, I'd say football runs in their blood.


Right Tackle - Erick Williams



Damn! I can't believe I have two Cowboys on my All-time team.* That is such a disappointment. However, the 90s Cowboys line may have been the best ever so I have to give them their due respect. Williams crushed opponents just as thoroughly as Allen did. I firmly believe that the Cowboys success was based on the dominating offensive lineman they had. While everyone else on my line is or will be a Hall of Famer, Williams will not be. However, during his peak years, there were none better than him.

*Deion Sanders Cowboy years have been erased from my memory

So there you have it. Let the debates begin.