10 Best NLL Players of All Time

#10: Steve Dietrich (1992-2008)

• Position: Goalie
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 220 lbs
• Teams: Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Knighthawks, Calgary Roughnecks, Toronto Rock, Detroit Turbos

Steve Dietrich is one of the most accomplished goalies in National Lacrosse League history. Known for his quick reflexes and sharp positioning, Dietrich consistently frustrated opposing offenses with his ability to make game-changing saves. 

Throughout his career, he earned the nickname “Chugger” for his durability and tenacity in net. Dietrich won the NLL Goaltender of the Year Award twice and was instrumental in leading the Buffalo Bandits to an NLL championship in 2008. 

His longevity and consistent performance earned him a spot in the NLL Hall of Fame, where he remains one of the most respected figures in the sport.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x NLL Goaltender of the Year
• NLL Champion (2008)
• Inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame (2012)

#9: John Grant Jr. (2000-2017)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 224 lbs
• Teams: Rochester Knighthawks, Colorado Mammoth

John Grant Jr. is widely considered one of the most prolific goal scorers in NLL history. With his exceptional stick skills, creativity, and accuracy, Grant could score from nearly anywhere on the field. 

He was known for his ability to dominate games and his lacrosse IQ, making him a threat every time he had possession. Grant won two NLL MVP awards and led the Rochester Knighthawks to two championships, further cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x NLL MVP (2007, 2012)
• 2x NLL Champion
• Inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame (2021)

#8: Mark Matthews (2013-Present)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 230 lbs
• Teams: Saskatchewan Rush

Mark Matthews is a modern-day powerhouse in the NLL, known for his combination of size, strength, and incredible offensive skills. Matthews has consistently been one of the league’s top scorers, helping lead the Saskatchewan Rush to multiple championships. 

His vision, passing ability, and ability to create scoring opportunities for both himself and his teammates make him one of the most dynamic players of his generation.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x NLL Champion (2015, 2016, 2018)
• NLL MVP (2018)
• Four 100+ point seasons

#7: Brodie Merrill (2006-Present)

• Position: Defense
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 205 lbs
• Teams: San Diego Seals, Philadelphia Wings, Edmonton Rush, Toronto Rock, Calgary Roughnecks

Brodie Merrill is one of the most respected and decorated defensemen in NLL history. Known for his unmatched athleticism, leadership, and tenacity, Merrill is a force on both ends of the field. 

His ability to win loose balls, shut down attackers, and push the ball in transition makes him one of the most well-rounded defenders the league has ever seen. Merrill has been a leader on every team he’s played for, earning multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and serving as a key contributor for numerous teams.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x NLL Transition Player of the Year
• NLL All-Time leader in loose balls (non-faceoff players)
• 3x NLL All-Star

#6: Colin Doyle (1998-2016)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 215 lbs
• Teams: Toronto Rock, San Jose Stealth

Colin Doyle was a cornerstone of the Toronto Rock dynasty in the early 2000s, known for his scoring touch, leadership, and ability to make plays in critical moments. Doyle was a clutch performer, helping lead the Rock to six NLL championships. 

His powerful shot, vision, and determination made him one of the league’s most dangerous offensive players. Doyle’s influence on the game and his success in winning championships have made him one of the most decorated players in NLL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x NLL Champion
• 3x NLL Finals MVP
• NLL MVP (2005)

#5: Dan Dawson (2002-Present)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 218 lbs
• Teams: San Diego Seals, Toronto Rock, Rochester Knighthawks, Philadelphia Wings, Arizona Sting

Dan Dawson, known as “Dangerous Dan,” has been one of the most prolific and durable players in NLL history. With a combination of size, skill, and lacrosse IQ, Dawson has been a consistent offensive force throughout his career. 

He is one of only a few players to surpass 1,400 career points, showcasing his scoring ability and playmaking skills. Dawson’s leadership and impact have been felt across multiple teams, leading to championships and earning him the NLL MVP in 2009. 

His longevity and ability to play at a high level for two decades have made him one of the league’s most respected players.

Notable Accomplishments:

• NLL MVP (2009)
• 3x NLL Champion
• 1,400+ career points

#4: Shawn Evans (2006-2022)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 5’8″, 180 lbs
• Teams: Rochester Knighthawks, Calgary Roughnecks, New England Black Wolves, Buffalo Bandits, Philadelphia Wings

Shawn Evans was one of the most tenacious and relentless players in NLL history. Known for his gritty play and scoring ability, Evans had a knack for finding the back of the net in crucial moments. 

Despite his smaller stature, he dominated the league for years, winning two NLL MVP awards and consistently ranking among the top scorers. Evans’ playmaking ability and toughness earned him the respect of both teammates and opponents alike, and his leadership on the floor helped elevate every team he played for.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 2x NLL MVP (2013, 2015)
• 2x NLL Champion
• Over 1,200 career points

#3: Paul Gait (1991-2002)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs
• Teams: Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, Albany Attack, Colorado Mammoth, New York Saints

Paul Gait, along with his twin brother Gary, helped revolutionize the game of lacrosse with their innovative style of play and unparalleled offensive prowess. Paul was known for his incredible scoring ability and versatility on the field. 

He could shoot from anywhere, and his creativity with the stick made him a constant threat. Gait’s dominance in the NLL included multiple championships and MVP awards, solidifying his legacy as one of the best players the league has ever seen. His ability to impact the game in so many ways, from scoring to playmaking, put him in a class of his own.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x NLL Champion
• NLL MVP (2002)
• Inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame (2006)

#2: Gary Gait (1991-2005)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 lbs
• Teams: Philadelphia Wings, Baltimore Thunder, Washington Power, Colorado Mammoth

Gary Gait is widely considered the greatest player in the history of lacrosse, both in the NLL and the sport as a whole. Known for his scoring ability, leadership, and creativity, Gait redefined what it meant to be an offensive player in lacrosse. 

His athleticism and vision made him nearly unstoppable, and his ability to score in acrobatic fashion became his trademark. 

Gait won three NLL MVP awards and led his teams to multiple championships. His innovation, such as the famous “Air Gait,” pushed the limits of the sport, and his dominance during his playing career earned him a spot in the NLL Hall of Fame.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x NLL MVP (1995, 1996, 1997)
• 3x NLL Champion
• Over 1,100 career points
• Inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame (2006)

#1: John Tavares (1992-2015)

• Position: Forward
• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 185 lbs
• Teams: Buffalo Bandits

John Tavares is the all-time leading scorer in NLL history and the most decorated player the league has ever seen. Known for his intelligence, versatility, and unmatched scoring ability, Tavares dominated the NLL for over two decades, setting records that may never be broken. 

He was a master at finding space, reading defenses, and putting the ball in the back of the net, finishing his career with over 800 goals and 900 assists. Tavares helped lead the Buffalo Bandits to multiple championships and won league MVP honors three times. 

His leadership, skill, and ability to elevate his team cement his legacy as the greatest NLL player of all time.

Notable Accomplishments:

• NLL all-time leader in points, goals, and assists
• 3x NLL MVP (1994, 2000, 2001)
• 4x NLL Champion
• Inducted into the NLL Hall of Fame (2016)