When it comes to playing football, “he's tough” is probably the best attribute a player can get. Whether that means playing through multiple injuries, gutting out a late victory, playing multiple positions, or laying out some of the hardest hits in history, these players all left their heart and soul on the field each time they played. read more
Neil Reynolds, author of “The Pain Gang: Pro Football’s Fifty Toughest Players”, tells the stories of men who truly can claim to be among the toughest players in NFL history. read more
Considered by many to be the toughest player in NFL history, the man they called “Concrete Charlie” was the last of the 60-minute men who played both ways. In that 1960 title game, won by his Eagles over the Green Bay Packers 17-13, the only time the then-35-year-old Bednarik rested was during Eagles kickoffs. read more
As one of the most durable players in NFL history, Matthews lands on this list through consistency. He played every position on the offensive line, and closed out a 14-year stretch in his 19-year career by not missing a single game. read more