Top 10 White Right Guards of All Time: Unsung Heroes of the Trenches
In the world of football, right guards have often been the unsung heroes, yet their contributions are pivotal to a team’s success. Among the all-time greats, a select few white right guards have set themselves apart through sheer talent and tenacity.
This list of the Top 10 White Right Guards of All Time highlights those who anchored offensive lines and left lasting legacies in NFL history. Players like John Hannah and Larry Allen exemplify this with their powerful play and leadership on the field.
Fans know the critical role they played in not just protecting quarterbacks, but in crafting legendary rushing games. What makes these athletes truly exceptional beyond their individual stats, and how did they redefine their positions in the NFL’s storied timeline?
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Table of Contents
#1. John Hannah
- Position: Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 265 lbs
- Teams: New England Patriots (1973–1985)
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John Hannah, revered as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, played his entire career with the New England Patriots. Known for his exceptional strength, agility, and technique, Hannah transformed the role of a guard, making significant contributions to the Patriots’ rushing attack.
His tenacity and leadership on the field set a standard for linemen that still resonates today.
Hannah’s aggressive playing style and remarkable consistency opened lanes and protected quarterbacks, earning him numerous accolades. A key moment in his career was being named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1970s and 1980s, highlighting his enduring impact.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1991)
- 9-time Pro Bowl selection
- 10-time All-Pro selection
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame inductee
#2. Russ Grimm
- Position: Right Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 273 lbs
- Teams: Washington Redskins (1981-1991)
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Russ Grimm was a cornerstone of the Washington Redskins‘ offensive line, famously known as the “Hogs,” throughout the 1980s. Combining exceptional technique with grit and physicality, Grimm excelled in both pass protection and run blocking.
He was central to the Redskins’ offense, which powered the team to three Super Bowl victories during his tenure.
A leader on and off the field, Grimm’s intelligent play and exceptional consistency solidified his reputation as one of the top guards of his era. Beyond stats, his legacy is defined by his toughness and key contributions in critical games.
- Accolades:
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XVII, XXII, XXVI)
- 4× Pro Bowl Selection
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010)
#3. Conrad Dobler
- Position: Right Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 254 lbs
- Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1972-1977), New Orleans Saints (1978-1979), Buffalo Bills (1980-1981)
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Conrad Dobler was known for his aggressive playing style and was a fundamental part of the St. Louis Cardinals’ offensive line during the 1970s. He established a reputation as the “dirtiest player in the NFL” because of his intimidating and relentless tactics on the field.
Dobler’s ferocity played a significant role in shaping the Cardinals’ formidable offense line-up, contributing heavily to their success during his tenure.
His physicality and competitive spirit made him not only a cult hero among Cardinals fans but also a respected adversary by opponents. Dobler’s legacy is one of toughness and unyielding grit, emblematic of the old-school NFL mentality.
- Accolades:
- 3× Pro Bowl selection (1975-1977)
- Named to NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team
- Integral member of the “Cardiac Cardinals” offensive line
#4. Joe DeLamielleure
- Position: Right Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 255 lbs
- Teams: Buffalo Bills (1973-1979), Cleveland Browns (1980-1984), Buffalo Bills (1985)
Joe DeLamielleure was a cornerstone of the Buffalo Bills‘ offensive line during the 1970s. Known for his robust blocking skills and durability, DeLamielleure played a key role in the “Electric Company,” the offensive line that powered legendary running back O.J. Simpson to by then record-setting rushing yards.
His ability to open up lanes and his exceptional quickness for a lineman made him a formidable right guard. His impact was such that he not only contributed to the success of his team’s run game but also set a standard for future guards.
- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl selection
- 1973 NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003
- Played in 185 consecutive games without missing one
- Member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
#5. Mark Schlereth
- Position: Right Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’3″/287 lbs
- Teams: Washington Football Team (1989–1994), Denver Broncos (1995–2000)
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Mark Schlereth, known for his tenacity and resilience, was a key component of formidable offensive lines during his time in the NFL. Starting with the Washington Football Team, Schlereth quickly made a name for himself with his rugged playing style and exceptional blocking abilities, contributing to a Super Bowl victory in 1991.
His move to the Denver Broncos in 1995 marked the beginning of a successful era, as he was instrumental in their back-to-back Super Bowl wins in 1997 and 1998. Schlereth’s steadfast performance and leadership left a lasting impact on both teams he served.
- Accolades:
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVI, XXXII, XXXIII)
- 2× Pro Bowl selection (1991, 1998)
- 156 career games played
- Renowned commentator and analyst post-retirement
#6. Adam Timmerman
- Position: Right Guard
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 300 lbs
- Teams: Green Bay Packers (1995-1998), St. Louis Rams (1999-2006)
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Adam Timmerman was a formidable right guard known for his reliability and consistent performance on the offensive line.
Starting his career with the Green Bay Packers, he quickly became an integral part of the team’s Super Bowl XXXI-winning squad due to his blend of strength and technique.He then moved to the St. Louis Rams, where his excellent blocking helped protect quarterbacks and clear pathways for running backs, greatly contributing to the Rams’ high-octane offense that led to a Super Bowl XXXIV victory.
Timmerman’s grit and work ethic left a lasting legacy in both franchises as a linchpin of their offensive lines.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XXXI, XXXIV)
- 1× Pro Bowl selection (2001)
- Named to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
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#7. Jerry Kramer
Position: Right Guard
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 245 lbs
Teams: Green Bay Packers (1958–1968)
Jerry Kramer was the backbone of Vince Lombardi’s iconic Green Bay Packers offensive line, earning his place in NFL history through a combination of power, precision, and leadership. Known for his critical role in the famed “Packer Sweep“, Kramer’s blocking helped propel the Packers to five NFL championships and two Super Bowl victories.
Beyond his duties as a guard, Kramer also served as the Packers’ placekicker, showcasing his versatility.
His clutch 43-yard field goal in the 1962 NFL Championship Game is still remembered as a defining moment in league history. Kramer’s long-overdue induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018 was a testament to his impact on the game and his enduring legacy.
Accolades:
- 5× NFL Champion
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (I, II)
- 5× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (2018)
#8. Zack Martin
Position: Right Guard
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 315 lbs
Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2014–Present)
Since his first snap in the NFL, Zack Martin has been an immovable force on the Dallas Cowboys offensive line, anchoring one of the most dominant units in recent memory. Martin’s footwork, technical mastery, and sheer power make him a nightmare for defenders, consistently paving the way for Dallas’ potent rushing attack.
His ability to adapt and thrive under pressure has cemented his reputation as one of the league’s premier guards.
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From rookie sensation to perennial All-Pro, Martin’s consistency stands out in an era of elite defensive linemen. His eight Pro Bowl selections are a testament to his dominance and durability. Martin continues to redefine the standard for excellence at the guard position.
Accolades:
- 8× Pro Bowl
- 7× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team
#9. Tom Newberry
Position: Right Guard
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 275 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1986–1994), Pittsburgh Steelers (1995)
Tom Newberry was the driving force behind the Los Angeles Rams’ ground game during the late 1980s and early ’90s. Known for his relentless blocking style and ability to finish plays with authority, Newberry routinely overpowered defensive linemen, creating gaping lanes for Rams running backs.
His aggression and durability earned him back-to-back Pro Bowl selections, with 1989 standing out as his finest season.
In addition to his dominance in the run game, Newberry’s pass protection helped solidify the Rams’ offensive line as one of the most formidable units in the league. His fierce competitiveness made him a leader in the trenches and a player respected across the league.
Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl
- First-team All-Pro (1989)
- Second-team All-Pro (1990)
#10. Doug Dieken
Position: Offensive Tackle (also played right side early in career)
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 250 lbs
Teams: Cleveland Browns (1971–1984)
A true Cleveland Browns icon, Doug Dieken spent his entire 14-year NFL career showcasing grit, durability, and elite blocking skills. While he became widely known as a left tackle, Dieken contributed at right guard early in his career, displaying the versatility needed to thrive in the league.
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His 194 consecutive games with the Browns stand as a testament to his toughness and reliability.
Dieken’s blocking helped power the Browns’ vaunted running game in the ’70s and early ’80s, making him a fixture in the trenches. Off the field, Dieken’s dedication to the Cleveland community further endeared him to fans, earning him spots in the Browns Legends Program and recognition as a true ambassador of the franchise.
Accolades:
- Cleveland Browns Legends Program
- 1979 Pro Bowl
- 1982 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award
