Top 10 Greatest NFL Players Without a Super Bowl Ring

Barry Sanders #20, Running Back for the Detroit Lions during the National Football Conference Central game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on 10 November 1991 at Tampa Stadium, Tampa, Florida, United States. The Buccaneers won the game 30 - 21. (Photo by Rick Stewart/Allsport/Getty Images) /

7 of 11

Embed from Getty Images

#5: Bruce Matthews

It could be argued he was the greatest blocker in NFL history. Bruce Matthews certainly had the longevity and recognition to prove it, reaching a record 14 Pro Bowls during his career with the Houston Oilers and Tennessee Titans. The fact he did it while playing at different positions including tackle, guard and center only further imprint on great he truly was. Not to mention how tragic it became that he came so close to getting that elusive ring.

In 1999, at the age of 38 and after years of playoff disappointment, Matthews finally reached the Super Bowl. His team made a valiant second half comeback against the Rams, tying the game 16-16 before falling behind again 23-16. Matthews helped the offense get down inside the red zone with seconds left, but their last play was tackled at the one-yard line. That’s how close Matthews got to winning a championship.

In true professional fashion, he powered through for two more years, went to two more Pro Bowls and retired at 40-years old.

Home/Power Rankings