Top 10 Most Underrated NFL Players of the 2000s
Here's a look back at 10 NFL players from the 2000s who didn’t get the credit they deserved despite their impact on the field.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
The 2000s were filled with NFL stars, but some key contributors flew under the radar. Many consistent and game-changing athletes quietly built impressive careers. This list celebrates the unsung heroes who never got the spotlight but earned it.
10. Alge Crumpler – TE, Atlanta Falcons
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Before tight ends were glamorized, Crumpler was a sturdy target with soft hands and a willingness to block. He was a security blanket for Michael Vick and a red-zone threat.
9. Aaron Schobel – DE, Buffalo Bills
John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Schobel was a terror off the edge, with 78 sacks in his career. He never got the limelight due to Buffalo’s struggles, but offenses always had to account for him.
8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh – WR, Cincinnati Bengals
Frank Victores-Imagn Images
Often playing in Chad Johnson’s shadow, T.J. was a route technician with elite hands. He led the league in receptions in 2007 and was a dependable third-down weapon.
7. Matt Birk – C, Minnesota Vikings/Baltimore Ravens
Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images
Birk anchored offensive lines for years, earning six Pro Bowl nods but little fanfare. His intelligence and consistency were key to both run and pass success.
6. Donnie Edwards – LB, Kansas City Chiefs/San Diego Chargers
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A tackling machine with excellent coverage skills, Edwards quietly put together a Pro Bowl-level career. He logged over 100 tackles in 11 of his 13 seasons.
5. Corey Dillon – RB, Cincinnati Bengals/New England Patriots
Craig Ruttle, Cincinnati Enquirer via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Dillon was a workhorse back with elite production before his Super Bowl run in New England. He often carried poor Bengals teams on his shoulders.
4. Patrick Kerney – DE, Atlanta Falcons/Seattle Seahawks
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
A ferocious edge rusher, Kerney posted double-digit sacks in multiple seasons. Though rarely in the spotlight, his impact was constant.
3. Jimmy Smith – WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Imagn Images
A five-time Pro Bowler who flew under the radar thanks to small-market exposure. Smith quietly stacked over 12,000 career receiving yards.
2. London Fletcher – LB, St. Louis Rams/Washington Redskins
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
With 256 consecutive games played, Fletcher defined dependability. He led teams in tackles year after year, yet remained under-recognized.
1. Chad Pennington – QB, New York Jets/Miami Dolphins
Frank Becerra Jr./The Journal News / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Twice voted NFL Comeback Player of the Year, Pennington was a master of efficiency. Injuries held him back, but his decision-making and pinpoint accuracy led teams beyond their potential.