National Football League 1980s All-Decade Team

The NFL 1980s All-Decade Team was chosen by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The team was composed of outstanding performers in the National Football League in the 1980s.[1][2][3] The squad consists of first- and second-team offensive, defensive and special teams units, as well as a first- and second-team head coaches.

Jerry Rice, Anthony Muñoz, and Lawrence Taylor were the only unanimous choices, being named on all 26 ballots. John Hannah was next with 25 votes, followed by Joe Montana at 24½ votes, Walter Payton at 23½ votes, and Ronnie Lott with 23 votes. The safety position was very close as Joey Browner made all decade second team as he came in with 22 votes, Kenny Easley got 22½ votes as both former USC Trojans teammates made the all decade team. Easley from UCLA rounded out the California trio. The Hall of Fame voters were torn between all 3 players as equals. The difference was the 49ers winning the super bowl, but the Vikings had the top Defense led by Browner. Easley of Seattle slipped between both in the voting as all three could have easily replaced the other in a very tight vote. Hall of Fame coach John Maddon at the time scoffed at the idea that Browner was third, Stating “I don’t know how anyone in that room says Joey Browner isn’t the best safety in football!” The final debate ended in votes. But was highly argued.

Walter Payton, John Hannah, Mike Webster, Ted Hendricks, Jack Lambert, Billy Johnson, Rick Upchurch and Chuck Noll had been previously named to the 1970s All-Decade Team. Jerry Rice, Gary Zimmerman, Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Ronnie Lott, Morten Andersen, Gary Anderson and Sean Landeta were also later named to the 1990s All-Decade Team.