Top 10 White Offensive Tackles of All Time: The Pillars of Protection Who Shaped NFL History
When talking about the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, a few names always stand out. The Top 10 White Offensive Tackles of All Time features players whose grit, skill, and dominance reshaped the game and protected quarterbacks for years.
Forrest Gregg’s contributions to the Packers’ championship victories highlight his resilience and adaptability, while Joe Thomas’s unwavering consistency provided Cleveland with much-needed stability and leadership. These players weren’t just great—they set the standard for excellence in the trenches. Their impact on the game’s evolution leaves one question: who else deserves to be recognized among the best?Â
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#1. Forrest Gregg
- Position: Offensive Tackle/Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 249 lbs
- Teams: Green Bay Packers (1956, 1958-1970), Dallas Cowboys (1971)
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Forrest Gregg was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers‘ offensive line, famously known for his toughness and versatility on the field. His impact was profound, anchoring the team through three NFL championships and two Super Bowl victories under the legendary coach Vince Lombardi.
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Gregg, who is ranked #2 on Top 10 White Offensive Linemen of All Time, playing style was defined by his exceptional agility and techniques that set a standard for offensive tackles.
A key moment in his career was the Ice Bowl game, where his robust blocking played an essential role. After an illustrious career, Gregg left a lasting legacy celebrated for his discipline and relentless work ethic.
- Accolades:
- Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame (inducted in 1977)
- 9-time Pro Bowl selection (1959, 1961-1967)
- 7-time First-Team All-Pro (1960-1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- 5-time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965-1967)
- 2-time Super Bowl champion (Super Bowl I & II)
- NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
#2. Joe Thomas
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’6″ / 312 lbs
- Teams: Cleveland Browns: (2007-2017)
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Joe Thomas is renowned for his remarkable consistency and effectiveness as an offensive tackle for the Cleveland Browns. Drafted third overall in 2007, Thomas quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line.
His impeccable technique, athleticism, and football IQ made him an indispensable player, protecting various quarterbacks from intimidating defensive threats. Thomas is ranked #1 on the Top 10 White Left Tackles of All Time solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest to ever play the position.
Thomas is also celebrated for his durability, playing an astounding 10,363 consecutive snaps before an injury ended his streak in 2017. While the Browns struggled during his tenure, Thomas’ outstanding performance and leadership left a lasting legacy in Cleveland.
- Accolades:
- 10× Pro Bowl selections (2007-2016)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (2009-2011, 2013-2014)
- Named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- Holds the NFL record for most consecutive snaps played
#3. Ron Mix
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 250 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers (1960–1969), Oakland Raiders (1971)
Ron Mix, known as the “Intellectual Assassin,” was a cornerstone of the Chargers‘ offensive line throughout the 1960s and a dominant force in the AFL. His exceptional technique, strength, and quickness made him one of the most effective pass protectors of his era.
Mix’s discipline was unmatched – he was penalized for holding only twice in his entire career, a testament to his precision and skill.
His presence helped lead the Chargers to an AFL Championship in 1963, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest offensive linemen of his time. Mix’s contributions earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Accolades:
- 9× AFL All-Star
- 8× First-team All-AFL
- AFL Champion (1963)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1979)
#4. Ron Yary
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 255 lbs
Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1968–1981), Los Angeles Rams (1982)
Ron Yary, a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings‘ offensive line, was renowned for his exceptional agility and strength, which complemented his intimidating 6’5″ frame.
Anchoring the line for over a decade, his performance was pivotal in safeguarding the quarterback and paving the way for a formidable running game. Yary’s playing style was characterized by his remarkable footwork and tenacity, often leading to commanding performances in key moments.
His longevity and consistency left an indelible legacy in the Vikings’ history, helping the team to four Super Bowl appearances despite never clinching the championship.
- Accolades:
- 7× Pro Bowl (1971-1977)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1971-1976)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2001)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
#5. Dan Dierdorf
- Position: Offensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 275 lbs
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1971–1983)
Dan Dierdorf was a cornerstone of the St. Louis Cardinals’ offensive line during the 1970s and early 1980s. Known for his outstanding pass protection and run-blocking skills, Dierdorf’s versatility and athleticism made him a formidable presence on the field.
He was particularly noted for his intelligence and ability to anticipate opponents’ moves, which he used to effectively neutralize some of the best pass rushers of his time. Dierdorf’s leadership and relentless effort helped elevate the performance of his teammates, cementing his legacy as one of the premier offensive linemen of his era.
- Accolades:
- Six-time Pro Bowl selection
- Five-time First-Team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996
- Named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade TeamÂ
#6. Tony Boselli
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 324 lbs
Teams: Jacksonville Jaguars (1995–2001)
Tony Boselli was the first-ever draft pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars and quickly became one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the NFL. Known for his elite footwork, strength, and size, Boselli anchored Jacksonville’s offensive line and played a crucial role in their early success.
His battles with some of the league’s top pass rushers highlighted his ability to neutralize even the best defensive players.
Though injuries shortened his career, Boselli’s impact during his prime was undeniable. In seven seasons, he earned three First-Team All-Pro selections and helped lead the Jaguars to multiple playoff appearances. Boselli was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Accolades:
- 5× Pro Bowl selection
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (2022)Â
#7. Bob St. Clair
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’9″, 263 lbs
Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1953–1963)
Bob St. Clair was a towering figure at 6’9″, giving him a unique advantage over defenders during his 11-year career with the San Francisco 49ers. His combination of length and athleticism made him an elite pass protector and a key contributor to the 49ers’ offensive success.
St. Clair was known for his toughness, famously playing through injuries and rarely missing games. His leadership and durability solidified his role as one of the greatest tackles of his generation. St. Clair’s contributions to the game earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Accolades:
- 5× Pro Bowl selection
- 9× All-Pro selection
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
- San Francisco 49ers Hall of FameÂ
#8. Jim Lachey
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 290 lbs
Teams: San Diego Chargers (1985–1987), Los Angeles Raiders (1987), Washington Redskins (1988–1995)
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A key figure on the Washington Redskins‘ offensive line, Jim Lachey was a premier pass protector known for his athleticism and technique. Lachey’s quick feet and strength made him a nightmare for opposing defenders, and his consistency helped pave the way for the Redskins’ dominant run game.
His presence was crucial during their Super Bowl XXVI victory, where he provided excellent protection for quarterback Mark Rypien. Lachey earned three Pro Bowl selections and was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, underscoring his impact and longevity in the league.
Accolades:
- 3× Pro Bowl selection
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- Super Bowl Champion (XXVI)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade TeamÂ
#9. George Kunz
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 260 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Falcons (1969–1974), Baltimore Colts (1975–1980)
George Kunz was one of the most consistent and technically proficient offensive tackles of the 1970s. His ability to excel in both pass blocking and run blocking made him a cornerstone of the Atlanta Falcons and later the Baltimore Colts’ offensive lines.
Kunz’s seven Pro Bowl appearances highlight his dominance over a nine-year span, demonstrating his ability to perform at an elite level consistently. Known for his leadership on and off the field, Kunz played a critical role in keeping his offenses productive and his quarterbacks upright.
Accolades:
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- 5× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1970s All-Decade TeamÂ
#10. Ralph Neely
Position: Offensive Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’6″, 265 lbs
Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1965–1977)
Ralph Neely was a staple of the Dallas Cowboys‘ offensive line for over a decade, providing steady and dominant protection during their dynasty years. Neely’s versatility allowed him to thrive at both left and right tackle positions, a rare ability that contributed to the Cowboys’ offensive success.
He played a key role in two Super Bowl victories and was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team for his excellence during the formative years of his career. Neely’s durability and skill helped define Dallas’ offensive identity throughout the 1960s and 70s.
Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl selection
- 5× All-Pro selection
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (VI, XII)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
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