Top 10 Los Angeles Rams of All Time

Top 10 Los Angeles Rams of All Time: Honoring the Icons Who Defined the Franchise

The Top 10 Los Angeles Rams of All Time features some of the most iconic players in football history. Think about Deacon Jones changing the way defense was played or Eric Dickerson running through defenses like they weren’t even there.

Remember Kurt Warner leading the Rams to a Super Bowl win, and the dominance of stars like Aaron Donald and Marshall Faulk, who left a lasting legacy. As you go through this list, you’ll see why these players are so celebrated—but who truly stands out as the greatest?

 

1. Aaron Donald

• Years Played for Team: 2014-2023
• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’1″, 280 lbs

Aaron Donald is widely regarded as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history, particularly known for his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams. Since being drafted by the team in 2014, Donald’s combination of explosive speed, power, and technique has redefined the defensive tackle position.

His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks and disruptive presence in the backfield have been pivotal in transforming the Rams’ defense into one of the league’s most formidable. His impact extends beyond stats, as his leadership and work ethic set a standard for excellence.

Key moments include leading the Rams to multiple playoff appearances and instrumental performance in Super Bowl LVI.

• Accolades:
• 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020)
• Super Bowl LVI Champion
• 10 x Pro Bowler
• 8 x First Team All Pro
• Fastest defensive tackle to reach 100 career sacks

2. Deacon Jones

• Years Played for Team: 1961-1971
• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 272 lbs

Deacon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive ends of all time, was a formidable force on the gridiron during his tenure with the Los Angeles Rams. Known for coining the term “sack,” Jones revolutionized the defensive end position with his aggressive play and unmatched tenacity.

His intimidating presence and sheer power on the defensive line made him a nightmare for quarterbacks. With an innate ability to anticipate plays, Jones delivered countless quarterback sacks, though official records were kept only after his playing years.

His legacy with the Rams is immortalized by his invention of the head slap technique and his essential role in the “Fearsome Foursome” defense.

• Accolades:
• 8× Pro Bowl selection
• 5× First-Team All-Pro
• 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980
• NFL 75th, 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Los Angeles Rams jersey number 75 retired

3. Kurt Warner

• Years Played for Team: 1998-2003
• Position: Quarterback
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 214 lbs

Kurt Warner’s tenure with the Los Angeles Rams is nothing short of legendary. Emerging as an unlikely hero, Warner led the Rams to their first Super Bowl victory in franchise history, orchestrating the “Greatest Show on Turf.”

Known for his exceptional accuracy and quick decision-making, Warner’s style revolutionized the Rams’ offense, setting records for passing yards and touchdowns. His perseverance and underdog story inspired both fans and teammates.

Warner’s legacy is cemented in Rams history as a beacon of hope and excellence that transformed the team’s fortunes.

• Accolades:
• Super Bowl Champion (XXXIV)
• Super Bowl MVP (XXXIV)
• 2× NFL MVP (1999, 2001)
• 3× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000, 2001)
• 2× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2001)

4. Marshall Faulk

• Years Played for the Team: 1999-2005
• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 5’10”, 211 lbs

Marshall Faulk was a transformative figure for the Los Angeles Rams, playing a crucial role in the “Greatest Show on Turf” era. Known for his breathtaking agility, vision, and versatility, Faulk revolutionized the running back position by excelling as both a runner and a receiver.

His tenure with the Rams was marked by game-changing plays and an ability to exploit defenses with his multifaceted skill set. Key moments include his essential contribution to the Rams’ Super Bowl XXXIV victory.

Faulk’s legacy with the team is cemented by his impact on their offensive success and his role in elevating the franchise’s stature.

• Accolades:
• NFL MVP (2000)
• Super Bowl XXXIV Champion
• 3× First-team All-Pro (1999-2001)
• 2000 NFL Offensive Player of the Year
• Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (2011)
• Rams’ all-time leader in rushing touchdowns

5. Eric Dickerson

• Years Played for the Rams: 1983-1987
• Position: Running Back
• Height/Weight: 6’3″, 220 lbs

Eric Dickerson is one of the most iconic figures in Los Angeles Rams history, known for his upright running style and remarkable speed. Joining the Rams as the second overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, he made an immediate impact with a record-breaking rookie season.

Dickerson’s most memorable year came in 1984 when he set the NFL single-season rushing record with 2,105 yards, a record that still stands. His ability to break through defenses made him a defensive nightmare and earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dickerson’s career with the Rams remains a high watermark for excellence at the running back position.

• Accolades:
• NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1983)
• NFL MVP (1986)
• 5× Pro Bowl selection (1983–1987)
• 5× First-team All-Pro (1983–1987)
• NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1999)
• NFL single-season rushing record (2,105 yards, 1984)
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6. Jack Youngblood

• Years Played for Los Angeles Rams: 1971-1984
• Position: Defensive End
• Height/Weight: 6’4″, 247 lbs

Jack Youngblood was a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Rams defense throughout the 1970s and early 1980s. Renowned for his toughness and relentless pursuit on the field, Youngblood played his entire 14-year NFL career with the Rams.

He became an iconic figure in the league, especially noted for playing with a broken leg during the 1979 playoffs, including the Super Bowl.

His speed and agility combined with his powerful tackles made him one of the most feared defensive ends of his era. Youngblood’s leadership and competitive spirit helped solidify the Rams’ defense as one of the most formidable units during his tenure.

• Accolades:
• Selected to 7 Pro Bowls
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001
• Named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s
• Recorded 151.5 career sacks

7. Merlin Olsen

• Years Played for the Team: 1962-1976
• Position: Defensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’5″, 270 lbs

Merlin Olsen was a towering figure on the Los Angeles Rams’ defensive line for 15 years, becoming one of the most dominant defensive tackles of his era. Known for his formidable size and strength, Olsen anchored the “Fearsome Foursome,” the Rams’ legendary defensive front.

His playing style combined brute force with an exceptional football IQ, allowing him to read plays and disrupt opposing offenses effectively. During his tenure, the Rams’ defense became one of the league’s most formidable units, and Olsen’s consistency and leadership were pivotal.

He remains a beloved figure in the team’s history for both his on-field success and his sportsmanship.

• Accolades:
• 14-time Pro Bowl Selection
• 10-time First-team All-Pro
• NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1974)
• Member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1982)

8. Isaac Bruce

• Years Played for Team: 1994-2007
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 188 lbs

Isaac Bruce is renowned as one of the most exceptional wide receivers in Los Angeles Rams history. With precise route-running and incredible catching ability, Bruce delivered consistently outstanding performances throughout his tenure with the team.

His most memorable moment came in Super Bowl XXXIV, where he caught a 73-yard touchdown pass that secured the Rams’ victory. Known for his professionalism and leadership, Bruce helped set the standard for the Rams’ receiving corps, revolutionizing their passing game.

His longevity and production have left an indelible mark on the franchise, solidifying his legacy as a cornerstone of “The Greatest Show on Turf” era.

• Accolades:
• Super Bowl Champion (XXXIV)
• Four-time Pro Bowl selection
• 1,024 career receptions for 15,208 yards with the Rams
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020

9. Jackie Slater

• Years Played for Los Angeles Rams: 1976-1995
• Position: Offensive Tackle
• Height/Weight: 6’4″ / 277 lbs

Jackie Slater was a cornerstone of the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive line for an astounding 20 seasons, making him not only one of the longest-tenured players in team history but also a model of consistency and durability.

Known for his exceptional skill in pass protection and run blocking, Slater’s technique and strength allowed him to excel into his 40s, a rare feat for NFL linemen. A respected leader, his presence was integral during the Rams’ shift from a ground-dominant squad to a more balanced, dynamic offense.

Slater’s legacy is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, solidifying his status as a Rams legend.

• Accolades:
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
• 7-time Pro Bowl Selection
• 3-time First-Team All-Pro

10. Torry Holt

• Years Played for Team: 1999-2008
• Position: Wide Receiver
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 200 lbs

Torry Holt, a dynamic wide receiver for the St. Louis Rams, was a key figure in the team’s “Greatest Show on Turf” era. Known for his exceptional route running and reliable hands, Holt consistently tormented defenses with his ability to make clutch plays.

Drafted in 1999, he quickly became a favorite target for quarterback Kurt Warner, helping the team secure a Super Bowl victory in his rookie season. Holt’s influence extended beyond his stats; his leadership and work ethic set a standard for excellence.

His legacy is cemented as one of the franchise’s all-time greats, and he remains a beloved figure among Rams fans.

• Accolades:
• 7× Pro Bowl selection
• 2× First-team All-Pro
• Super Bowl XXXIV champion
• Led the NFL in receiving yards in 2000 and 2003
• Rams’ all-time leader in receiving yards and receptions