The Greatest Road Graders: Top 10 White Right Tackles of All Time
Top-tier right tackles in NFL history have showcased not just sheer strength but tactical prowess that shaped their teams’ victories. As we highlight the Top 10 White Right Tackles of All Time, legends like Forrest Gregg emerge, celebrated for their dominance and consistency in protecting the line of scrimmage.
Meanwhile, Dan Dierdorf’s relentless blocking and Ron Yary’s athleticism paved the way for their teams’ success, etching their names in football lore. But what other skills set these legendary tackles apart from the rest? Their impressive careers reflect grit, precision, and unmatched dedication to the game.
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Table of Contents
#1. Forrest Gregg
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 249 lbs
- Teams: Green Bay Packers (1956–1970)
Forrest Gregg was a dominant force on the Green Bay Packers’ offensive line, renowned for his exceptional consistency and durability. Playing under legendary coach Vince Lombardi, Gregg’s tenacity and skill were pivotal to the Packers’ success during the 1960s.
Known for his powerful blocking and intelligent play, he was instrumental in both run and pass protection, helping the Packers secure five NFL Championships and the first two Super Bowl titles. His relentless style and work ethic earned him the nickname “Iron Man,” and he was often cited by Lombardi as the finest player he ever coached.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1977)
- 9-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-team All-Pro
- NFL 75th Anniversary Team
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame Inductee
#2. Dan Dierdorf
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 263 lbs
- Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1971-1983)
Dan Dierdorf made a significant impact as a dominant force on the St. Louis Cardinals’ offensive line, showcasing exceptional skill and leadership throughout his career. Known for his strong, aggressive blocking style, Dierdorf excelled in both pass protection and run blocking, often neutralizing the league’s most formidable defensive ends.
His remarkable consistency and durability allowed him to maintain a high level of play over 13 seasons. Dierdorf’s influence extended beyond the field, as his intelligence and insight later propelled him to a successful broadcasting career, cementing his legacy in football.
- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl selection
- 5× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1996)
- St. Louis Cardinals Ring of Honor inductee
#3. Ron Yary
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 255 lbs
- Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1968-1981)
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Ron Yary was a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings’ offensive line during their 1970s dominance. Yary’s extraordinary athleticism and technical prowess made him a perfect fit for the right tackle position, shielding quarterbacks and opening running lanes.
Known for his quick feet and strength, he consistently handled some of the best defensive ends of his era.
Yary’s dedication and leadership were pivotal during the Vikings’ four Super Bowl appearances. His playing style set a new standard for tackles and fostered a legacy of excellence that influenced subsequent generations of linemen.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2001)
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- 6× First-team All-Pro
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team Member
- Super Bowl appearances: IV, VIII, IX, XI
- #4. Joe Jacoby
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’7″, 305 lbs
- Teams: Washington Redskins (1981-1993)
Joe Jacoby was a cornerstone of the Washington Redskins‘ offensive line, famously known as “The Hogs.” During his 13-year career, Jacoby’s imposing physical presence and agility made him a formidable protector and run blocker.
He played an essential role in the Redskins’ success throughout the 1980s, including their victory in three Super Bowl titles.
Jacoby’s ability to adapt and his consistent high-level performance set a standard for future linemen. His legacy endures as a tribute to the power and precision required at the right tackle position.
- Accolades:
- 3x Super Bowl Champion (XVII, XXII, XXVI)
- 4x Pro Bowl Selection (1983-1986)
- 2x First-team All-Pro (1983, 1984)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
#5. Ron Mix
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 250 lbs
- Teams: San Diego Chargers (1960-1969)
Ron Mix, known as “The Intellectual Assassin,” was a dominant right tackle for the San Diego Chargers throughout the 1960s. Mix’s playing style was defined by his exceptional agility, intelligence, and technique, setting a precedent for the modern offensive lineman.
His ability to protect quarterbacks and support the running game was essential to the Chargers’ innovative offensive strategy in the AFL.
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Mix’s most notable moments include being part of the Chargers’ 1963 AFL Championship team and consistently neutralizing the league’s toughest pass rushers. He was known for his unparalleled work ethic and sportsmanship, which greatly impacted the game and inspired future generations of linemen.
- Accolades:
- AFL Champion (1963)
- 8× AFL All-Star (1961–1968)
- 9× All-AFL selections
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1979)
- Named to the AFL All-Time Team
#6. Ryan Diem
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’6″, 320 lbs
- Teams: Indianapolis Colts (2001-2011)
Ryan Diem was a cornerstone of the Indianapolis Colts‘ offensive line during his tenure, playing a pivotal role in protecting quarterback Peyton Manning. Known for his robust playing style and consistency, Diem’s strength and technique helped establish a formidable line that excelled in both pass protection and run blocking.
He was an integral part of the Colts’ run to victory in Super Bowl XLI, providing critical blocks that allowed the high-powered offense to flourish. Diem’s reliability and durability made him a key figure in one of the most successful eras in Colts history.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl XLI Champion
- Key contributor to Colts’ numerous playoff runs
- Protected future Hall of Fame quarterback, Peyton Manning, during nine Pro Bowl seasons
#7. Stan Jones
- Position: Right Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’1″/250 lbs
- Teams: Chicago Bears (1954-1966)
Stan Jones was an innovative force in the NFL, excelling primarily as a right tackle for the Chicago Bears. Known for his agility and strength, Jones brought versatility to his position.
His ability to shift from defense to offense made him a lineman ahead of his time. Jones’s work ethic and technique influenced the evolution of line play during his era.
Key moments include contributing to the Bears’ 1963 NFL Championship campaign. Throughout his career, his dedication and skill left an indelible impact on the team’s legacy and set high standards for future offensive linemen.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1991)
- NFL Champion (1963)
- 7-time Pro Bowler
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears Ring of Honor
#8. David Diehl
- Position: Offensive Tackle (Right Tackle, primarily)
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 319 lbs
- Team: New York Giants (2003-2013)
David Diehl is celebrated for his versatility and durability with the New York Giants, where he spent his entire 10-year career. Diehl’s rugged playing style and tenacity allowed him to be a constant presence on the offensive line.
He played a pivotal role in the Giants’ offensive line during their Super Bowl XLII and XLVI victories, protecting quarterback Eli Manning and creating running lanes. Diehl’s reliability and leadership were instrumental in New York’s success throughout the 2000s, making him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the organization.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XLII, XLVI)
- Pro Bowl Selection (2009)
- 160 Games Played, 156 Games Started
- Giants Ring of Honor inductee
#9. George Kunz
Position: Right Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’5″, 267 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Falcons (1969–1974), Baltimore Colts (1975–1980)
George Kunz was a pillar of consistency on the offensive line throughout the 1970s. Known for his exceptional footwork and strength, Kunz protected quarterbacks and paved the way for dominant rushing attacks.
A true technician, his ability to neutralize elite pass rushers made him one of the most respected right tackles of his era. His leadership and durability earned him numerous accolades during his career, and he remains a standout in offensive line history.
Accolades:
- 8× Pro Bowl (1970–1971, 1973–1977, 1979)
- 4× First-Team All-Pro (1972–1973, 1975, 1977)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
#10. Jon Runyan
Position: Right Tackle
Height/Weight: 6’7″, 330 lbs
Teams: Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996–1999), Philadelphia Eagles (2000–2008), San Diego Chargers (2009)
Jon Runyan was a dominant force at right tackle, known for his toughness and durability over a 14-year NFL career. His physical play and aggressive blocking style were crucial in protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes for running backs.
Runyan was a key part of the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line during their Super Bowl run in 2004, earning a reputation as one of the hardest-working linemen in the league. His relentless approach to the game left a lasting legacy on the right tackle position.
Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl (2002, 2003)
- NFC Champion (2004)
- 192 Consecutive Starts
