Houston Oilers 10 Best Players

#10: George Blanda (1960-1966)

• Position: Quarterback / Kicker
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 215 lbs

George Blanda was one of the original stars of the Houston Oilers, bringing both his quarterbacking skills and his ability as a kicker to the team. Known for his leadership and clutch performances, Blanda led the Oilers to back-to-back AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961, making them one of the premier teams in the early days of the league. 

His longevity and versatility as a dual-threat player, excelling in both throwing the ball and kicking, made him an invaluable asset to the Oilers. Blanda’s impact on the game extended beyond his Oilers years, but his contributions to the franchise helped solidify their early dominance in the AFL.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Led the Oilers to AFL Championships in 1960 and 1961
• AFL MVP (1961)

#9: Mike Munchak (1982-1993)

• Position: Offensive Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 263 lbs

Mike Munchak was the cornerstone of the Houston Oilers’ offensive line for over a decade. Known for his technical excellence, footwork, and toughness, Munchak protected quarterbacks and opened up running lanes with remarkable consistency. 

His leadership on and off the field earned him respect throughout the league. Munchak’s contributions to the Oilers’ offensive success were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and he later became the Titans’ head coach, further cementing his legacy within the franchise.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 9x Pro Bowler (1987-1993)
• 2x First-Team All-Pro (1987, 1991)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2001)

#8: Kenny Houston (1967-1972)

• Position: Safety
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 197 lbs

Kenny Houston was one of the most dominant defensive backs in Houston Oilers history, known for his playmaking ability, speed, and ball-hawking skills. Houston’s hard-hitting style and incredible football instincts made him a nightmare for opposing offenses. 

During his time with the Oilers, he solidified his reputation as one of the best safeties in the league before moving on to Washington, where he continued to thrive. His ability to change games with interceptions, tackles, and key plays earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 6x Pro Bowler with the Oilers (1968-1973)
• 2x First-Team All-Pro (1971, 1972)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986)

#7: Dan Pastorini (1971-1979)

• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 200 lbs

Dan Pastorini was the face of the Oilers’ offense throughout much of the 1970s, known for his strong arm and toughness. 

Playing through injuries and leading the Oilers in an era dominated by fierce competition, Pastorini showed incredible resilience and leadership. He led Houston to several playoff appearances, guiding the Oilers through some of the franchise’s most competitive seasons. 

His toughness and determination made him a fan favorite and a leader during a pivotal time in Oilers history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• Threw for over 16,000 yards and 96 touchdowns during his Oilers career

#6: Robert Brazile (1975-1984)

• Position: Linebacker
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 241 lbs

Robert Brazile, also known as “Dr. Doom,” was one of the most fearsome linebackers of his era. A cornerstone of the Oilers’ defense, Brazile revolutionized the outside linebacker position with his speed, athleticism, and ability to rush the passer. 

His consistency and dominance on the field earned him numerous accolades, and he was a key defensive leader during the Oilers’ competitive seasons in the late 1970s. Brazile’s impact on the game was so significant that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018, ensuring his legacy in NFL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 7x Pro Bowler (1976-1982)
• 5x First-Team All-Pro (1976-1980)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2018)

#5: Billy “White Shoes” Johnson (1974-1980)

• Position: Wide Receiver / Return Specialist
• Height/Weight: 5’9″, 170 lbs

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson was one of the most electrifying players in the NFL during his time with the Houston Oilers. Best known for his incredible speed, agility, and signature end zone dance, Johnson revolutionized the return game and became a fan favorite for his thrilling punt and kickoff returns. 

Not only did Johnson excel as a return specialist, but he also contributed as a wide receiver, showcasing his versatility on offense. His impact on special teams was unmatched, and he set the standard for future return specialists in the NFL.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 3x Pro Bowler (1975, 1977, 1983)
• 2x First-Team All-Pro (1975, 1977)
• Named to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team as a return specialist

#4: Bruce Matthews (1983-2001)

• Position: Offensive Lineman
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 305 lbs

Bruce Matthews is widely considered one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history. His versatility was unmatched, as he played every position on the offensive line during his career with the Houston Oilers (and later the Tennessee Titans). 

Matthews’ extraordinary consistency, intelligence, and durability allowed him to anchor the offensive line for nearly two decades, earning him 14 Pro Bowl selections, the most for any offensive lineman in NFL history. 

Whether he was pass blocking or opening lanes for the running game, Matthews’ elite play helped keep the Oilers’ offense competitive throughout the 80s and 90s.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 14x Pro Bowler (1988-2001)
• 7x First-Team All-Pro (1990, 1992-1994, 1997-1999)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2007)
• NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

#3: Elvin Bethea (1968-1983)

• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 260 lbs

Elvin Bethea was the foundation of the Houston Oilers’ defensive line for over a decade and a half. Known for his strength, speed, and relentless motor, Bethea was one of the premier pass rushers of his era, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. 

He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and played in 210 games for the Oilers, a testament to his durability and excellence. 

Bethea’s ability to rush the passer and stop the run made him an invaluable part of Houston’s defense throughout his career, and his impact on the game was so profound that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 8x Pro Bowler (1970, 1971, 1973-1976, 1978, 1979)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2003)
• Led the Oilers’ defense with 105 unofficial career sacks
• Played in 210 career games, one of the longest tenures in Oilers history

#2: Warren Moon (1984-1993)

• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 221 lbs

Warren Moon was one of the most prolific passers in NFL history and a trailblazer for African-American quarterbacks. 

Known for his strong arm, precision, and leadership, Moon helped revolutionize the Oilers’ offense with his ability to spread the field and execute Houston’s high-powered “Run and Shoot” attack. 

During his time with the Oilers, Moon became the franchise’s all-time leader in passing yards and touchdowns, earning nine Pro Bowl selections. 

Moon’s remarkable career in both the CFL and NFL paved the way for future generations of quarterbacks, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, making him the first African-American quarterback to receive that honor.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 9x Pro Bowler (1988-1995)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006)
• Passed for over 33,000 yards and 196 touchdowns with the Oilers
• Led the NFL in passing yards twice (1990, 1991) and touchdowns (1990)

#1: Earl Campbell (1978-1984)

• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 5’11”, 232 lbs

Earl Campbell was one of the most powerful and dominant running backs the NFL has ever seen. Known for his bruising running style and unmatched strength, Campbell could break tackles like no other player, bulldozing defenders on his way to the end zone. 

Drafted first overall in 1978, Campbell immediately made an impact, winning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and the league MVP in his first season. Over his first three seasons, Campbell led the NFL in rushing yards, earning three consecutive MVP awards. 

He was the driving force behind the Oilers’ success in the late 1970s and early 1980s, carrying the team to deep playoff runs. Campbell’s fierce running style earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and a lasting legacy as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.

Notable Accomplishments:

• 5x Pro Bowler (1978-1981, 1983)
• 3x NFL MVP (1978, 1979, 1980)
• Led the NFL in rushing yards for three consecutive seasons (1978-1980)
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991)