Here is the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s chosen by the voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Jerry Rice, Anthony Munoz, and Lawrence Taylor were the only unanimous choices on the team. They were named all 26 ballots. John Hannah was near-unanimous as he was named on 25 ballots. The voter that left Hannah off of their ballot should no longer have a vote.
The NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1980s
Quarterback
Joe Montana
Running backs
Walter Payton
Eric Dickerson
Receivers
Jerry Rice
Steve Largent
Tight End
Kellen Winslow
Tackles
Anthony Munoz
Jimbo Covert
Guards
John Hannah
Russ Grimm
Center
Dwight Stephenson
Defensive End
Reggie White
Howie Long
Defensive Tackle
Randy White
Dan Hampton
Middle Linebacker
Mike Singletary
Outside Linebacker
Lawrence Taylor
Ted Hendricks
Cornerback
Mike Haynes
Mel Blount
Safety
Ronnie Lott
Kenny Easley
Kicker
Morten Andersen
Punter
Sean Landeta
Kick Returner
Mike Nelms
Punt Returner
Billy "White Shoes" Johnson
Coach
Bill Walsh
There's little to debate about this team. Ted Hendricks and Mel Blount retired in 1983 and their best years were actually played in the 1970s. They were such great players that it's difficult to argue their inclusion here. The one player that I might switch out is Jimbo Covert for Gary Zimmerman. Covert is the one non-specialist on the team that isn't in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Kenny Easley doesn't count as he's missing from the Hall of Fame simply because his career was cut short by injuries. A healthy career from Easley and you have one of the best safeties to ever play the game.
I'm still stunned that there's a voter that didn't see fit to vote for John Hannah.
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