Ranking the 17 greatest Packers players ever, from Charles Woodson to Brett Favre

The Green Bay Packers have been an NFL franchise since 1919 and remain the league's smallest market. But with 13 total championships amassed before and during the Super Bowl era, they have had a lot of big-name stars help them win rings and Lombardi Trophies.

They have been most fortunate at QB — two Hall of Famers and one more to come — the three men most responsible for their Super Bowl victories: Bart Starr, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.

The Sporting News ranks the 17 best players in Packers history, from the great few seasons of Charles Woodson to the ironman stint of Favre.

Players were ranked based on a points system made up of nine categories. Points from a scale of 1-10 were assigned based on each player's strength in a particular category and added up for a final score.

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17. Jim Taylor (1958-1966)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 1-time NFL rushing yardage leader, 2-time NFL rushing TDs leader, 1-time NFL scoring leader, 3-time NFL champion, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Jim Taylor remains second in franchise history with his rushing yardage, behind only Ahman Green and also first in rushing TDs. The fullback was a mauling runner and the centerpiece of the Vince Lombardi offense that transitioned into an early Super Bowl-era dynasty.

Place in Packers history: Taylor has been overshadowed by a lot of Packers starters over the years but stands out among the pre-merger backs going back to Green Bay's early glory days in 1920s and '30s.

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16. Paul Hornung (1957-1962, 1964-1966)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 2 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 3-time NFL scoring leader, 1-time NFL rushing TDs leader, 3-time NFL champion, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Paul Hornung, who was a halfback, finishes a notch ahead of his fullback teammate Jim Taylor for having a little more gloss and glamour as the "Golden Boy" Heisman winner from Notre Dame. He was an explosive runner, receiver and scoring machine, bringing the Lightning to go with Taylor's Thunder.

Place in Packers history: Hornung had his career tainted a little after losing a year to a gambling-related suspension. but he still made the Hall of Fame and remains a larger than life player with his dazzle for his healthy Packers days on the field.

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15. Jerry Kramer (1958-1968)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 3 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: The Hall of Fame guard and field-goal kicker was another integral part of the Vince Lombardi-led early Super Bowl dynasty with his clutch blocking and scoring. At 6-foot-3, 245 pounds, he was an exceptional and versatile athlete for an offensive lineman.

Place in Packers history: Jack Kramer got his long-deserving Hall of Fame call in 2018, a reminder of his essential facilitation for the success of Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung, Bart Starr and other offensive skill stars.

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14. Charles Woodson (2006-2012)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 2-time NFL interceptions leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Charles Woodson, the only full-time defensive player to win the Heisman while helping Michigan win the national championship, had a similar impact on the Packers with the DPOY and Super Bowl ring double during the 2009 season on his way to the Hall of Fame. Although he compiled 11 seasons with the Raiders around his time in Green Bay, that's where he became a dominant cornerback, playing the position like a safety with his rangy ballhawking. They don't win Super Bowl 45 with Aaron Rodgers without Woodson's interceptions, sacks and other big plays.

Place in Packers history: Woodson was fantastic when healthy during his time as a Packer, an absolute game-plan changer in the defensive scheme of Dom Capers. He was too good not to make the all-time cut.

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13. LeRoy Butler (1990-2001)

Accolades: 12 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: LeRoy Butler, a classic playmaking safety, is credited with inventing the Lambeau Leap with his decision to jump into the arms of fans in the bleachers after scoring a defensive touchdown in December 1993. The Hall of Famer was known for stuffing the stat sheet with tackles, interceptions and sacks. Before Charles Woodson had a similar impact for a future Super Bowl-winning team, Butler did it for Brett Favre.

Place in Packers history: Butler is beloved for playing to the crowd in the ultimate way, starting a new tradition for a tradition-rich throwback franchise. He also was a flat-out great defensive player in his time as a career-long Packer.

MORE: How LeRoy Butler started the 'Lambeau Leap'

12. Ray Nitschke (1958-1972)

Accolades: 15 seasons, Pro Bowl, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Just as the University of Illinois produced Dick Butkus as an all-time great for the rival Chicago Bears, Ray Nitschke was the Packers' answer at middle linebacker. Nitschke was a natural havoc wreaker and intimidator cleaning up against the run., racking up tackles and forcing key turnovers.

Place in Packers history: Nitschke is one of those few NFL throwback Hall of Fame legends whose surname immediately evokes a lot of memories of him striking fear into the hearts of quarterbacks and ball-carriers.

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11. Sterling Sharpe (1988-1994)

Accolades: 7 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL receptions leader, 2-time NFL receiving TDs leader, 1-time NFL receiving yardage leader.

Why he made SN's list: Sterling Sharpe was spectacular in his short healthy time as a Packers big-play wide receiver before succumbing to a career-ending neck injury and condition. He lived up to the silver standard of his first name while wearing green and gold and ended up joining his brother Shannon, an all-time great tight end, in the Hall of Fame.

Place in Packers history: Sharpe was the best player in the NFL during his prime years in Green Bay and put up terrific numbers all-around to ensure he would be the franchise's second-best wideout ever behind Don Hutson.

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10. Herb Adderley (1961-1969)

Accolades: 9 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Herb Adderley is third all-time among Packers with 39 career interceptions. A converted running back, he turned into a super-athletic Hall of Fame cornerback with both shut down skills and nose for making big plays off turnovers. He was a prolific INT return man like the league had never seen and also thrived playing the run, a complete defender in the vein of what Charles Woodson and LeRoy Butler also did for Green Bay.

Place in Packers history: Although Adderley did move on to help the Cowboys' defense win a Super Bowl, he's known more for being a clutch playmaker who helped the Packers during their multiple 1960s dynasties.

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9. Willie Davis (1960-1969)

Accolades: 10 seasons, 5 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Before sacks were an unofficial stat, Willie Davis was a dominant Hall of Fame pass rusher. Looking back, he should have been credited with 99.5 sacks, a franchise record. Davis was also a great team leader on top of producing and game-wrecking at a high level from the  defensive end position. He also stayed in the game working for the organization and also as a television commentator.

Place in Packers history: Davis was an extension of coach Vince Lombardi's leadership during the Packers' dynasty. He is one of the NFL's all-time great defenders and was known for also being a venerable class act off the field.

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8. Reggie White (1993-1998)

Accolades: 6 seasons, 6 Pro Bowls, 2-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Reggie White made the Philadelphia Eagles' list as the No. 1 player in that franchise's history and with one fewer season, he makes the cut for the Packers' all-time top 10 because of his late-career spike. He is arguably the best pass-rushing defensive end of all time, and his play in his late 30s helped the Packers get back to a Super Bowl victory.

Place in Packers history: White is one of the rare players who had equal impact for two franchises. He was rewarded with his first ring as a Packer, and just like Charles Woodson a few years later, the team made a smart blockbuster move for an all-time elite defender.

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7. Willie Wood (1960-1971)

Accolades: 12 seasons, 8 Pro Bowls, 5-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL interceptions leader, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: The Hall of Fame safety is second among Packers all-time with his 48 interceptions. After going undrafted 1960, Willie Wood impressed Vince Lombardi enough as a defensive back and return man to stick as a key part of the team's dual 1960s dynasty.

Place in Packers history: Wood's work in coverage and making big plays on the back end of a tough defense gives him the edge over Charles Woodson, LeRoy Butler and Herb Adderley as the franchise's best-ever secondary performer.

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6. Jim Ringo (1953-1963)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 10 Pro Bowls, 7-time first-team All-Pro, 2-time NFL champion

Why he made SN's list: Jim Ringo was a dominant Hall of Fame center and team leader in the early part of the Packers' NFL title run with Vince Lombardi. He is known for being attached to snapping and blocking for Bart Starr to facilitate the play of his Hall of Fame quarterback.

Place in Packers history: Ringo stands out as Green Bay's best-ever interior lineman with his consistent winning play throughout his career.

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5. Forrest Gregg (1956, 1958-1970)

Accolades: 9 Pro Bowls, 7 first-team all-Pro, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Forrest Gregg was the ultimate pass-protecting offensive tackle of the day, drawing and often winning the toughest assignments vs. the best pass rushers. He was another piece of integral support for Bart Starr and the strong running game.

Place in Packers history: Gregg edges out Jim Ringo for the spot of team's best offensive lineman for his Hall of Fame work on the outside. He also spent time as the team's head coach in the 1980s after leading the Bengals to Super Bowl 16.

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4. Bart Starr (1956-1971)

Accolades: 16 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 1-time first-team All-Pro, 1-time NFL MVP, 4-time NFL passer rating leader, 4-time NFL completion percentage leader, 3-time NFL champion, 2-time Super Bowl champion, 2-time Super Bowl MVP

Why he made SN's list: Bart Starr had an apt surname as the first supernova of the Super Bowl era. He was the league's transitional star through the AFL-NFL merger, known for his toughness, leadership and super-efficient passing. He had the ideal makeup to lead a Vince Lombardi team to consistent glory.

Place in Packers history: The Packers are fortunate to have three all-time greats at the game's most important position. Until Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers ruled under center to add to the Super Bowl haul, Starr was the team's first-enduring top QB as the league embraced the modern passing era.

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3. Don Hutson (1935-1945)

Accolades: 11 seasons, 4 Pro Bowls, 8-time first-team All-Pro, 9-time receiving TDs later, 8-time NFL receptions leader, 7-time NFL receiving yardage leader, 5-time NFL scoring leader, 1-time NFL co-interceptions leader, 2-time NFL MVP, 3-time NFL champion

Why he made SN's list: Don Hutson was well ahead of his time as a Hall of Fame downfield go-to wide receiver who could have thrived in the modern era with his ideal size (6-foot-1, 183 pounds) and speed (16.3 career yards per catch). He was a dominant scorer from the position as well, falling one short of 100 career TDs. He also was a natural winner, helping Alabama get one of its many titles before helping to launch the first Packers dynasty.

Place in Packers history: Many talented receivers have come through Green Bay since, including fellow Hall of Famer Sterling Sharpe and recent prolific stars such as Davante Adams. But for them and all the great receivers in the post-merger passing boom, Hutson was the pioneer who helped the position transcend to offensive skill glamour.

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2. Aaron Rodgers (2005-2022)

Accolades: 18 seasons, 10 Pro Bowls, 4-time first-team all-Pro, 4-time NFL MVP,  4-time NFL passer rating leader, 2-time NFL passing TDs leader, 1-time NFL completion percentage leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion, 1-time Super Bowl MVP

Why he made SN's list: Regardless of his tumultuous exit from Green Bay, Aaron Rodgers raised the bar at the position with his arm, downfield passing accuracy, athleticism and clutch play to make any throw at any time. When time heals some wounds, No. 12 on the field in Green Bay was spectacular, often making his intermediate-to-deep efficiency seem easy. He picked up where Brett Favre left off and surpassed that level with more calculated gunslinging.

Place in Packers history: Rodgers might have been No.1 on the list had he added another Super Bowl ring during his time in Green Bay and finished his career with the team as many expected, matching most of the former Packers players ranked. But he is worthier to be capped at No. 2 with his late franchise issues.

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1. Brett Favre (1992-2007)

Accolades: 16 seasons, 11 Pro Bowls, 3-time first-team All-Pro, 3-time NFL MVP, 1-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year, 4-time NFL passing TDs leader, 2-time NFL passing yardage leader, 1-time NFL completion percentage leader, 1-time Super Bowl champion

Why he made SN's list: Brett Favre joined Aaron Rodgers in having a rocky exit from Green Bay while being replaced by Rodgers, giving the Packers back-to-back Hall of Fame quarterbacks. But as time has gone by since his retirement, his long tenure in Green Bay is dominating the memories vs. what happened later with the Jets and Vikings. The trade steal from the Falcons was a Mississippian through and through, but his folksiness, toughness and improv made him a natural Midwestern for the NFL's smallest market.

Place in Packers history: Favre didn't have the same efficiency as Rodgers and didn't get the expected multiple rings like Bart Starr. But he blended both well with his rifle arm and emotional iron-man leadership to earn the status of best Packer ever.

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