As the NFL reveals its annual ranking of the top 100 players heading into the 2025 season, the methodology behind this list often garners as much attention as the rankings themselves. Jayna Bardahl from Moneyline recently provided an in-depth look at how the NFL compiles this list, which is voted on by the players themselves. The process involves players creating their own top 20 lists, where points are assigned according to rankings—20 points for a first-place vote, down to one point for a twentieth-place vote. Players are allowed to vote for themselves if they believe they are among the best in the league, thereby promoting a personal stake in the outcome.

According to Adam Ryan, a supervising producer for NFL Films, the participation of players in this voting process has significantly increased since the NFL began visiting all 32 team facilities in 2015. This initiative has raised player participation from approximately 300 votes per year to as high as 1,100. The voting process generally starts around Thanksgiving, with most ballots submitted prior to the Super Bowl. Since its inception in 2010, certain trends have emerged within the list. Notably, player representation has leaned heavily toward skill position players. Between 2011 and 2024, the list has featured more running backs (141) than offensive linemen (125). However, it has been observed that the presence of running backs has diminished in recent times, with only five appearing on the 2024 list compared to 15 in 2012.

The quarterback position has consistently dominated the rankings, with a quarterback topping the list 10 times across 14 years. Tom Brady holds the record for the most appearances at No. 1, having achieved this ranking four times. Patrick Mahomes is the only other player to have reached the top multiple times, doing so on two occasions. It is also noteworthy that Lamar Jackson stands out as the sole player to have achieved a No. 1 ranking after not being included in the previous year’s list, making that leap following his MVP season in 2019. Furthermore, Aaron Rodgers is the only player who has made the list every year thus far. However, he has yet to be included on the 2025 list, which is being disclosed gradually on X, with plans to unveil the full top 10 on NFL Network on September 1. The voting process can also lead to heightened emotions among players. Erin O’Toole, a senior talent producer at NFL Films, indicated that the Minnesota Vikings have experienced some of the most intense discussions in their locker room, recalling incidents of disagreements among teammates, including a notable confrontation in 2015 involving then-Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell. Within this context, O’Toole also identified Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Pat Surtain II as particularly credible voters who approach the process with the seriousness it deserves. Although the process may not be entirely scientific, as different players invest varying levels of consideration into their votes, it ultimately serves to fulfill a familiar pastime: debating who the best players in the NFL are at any given moment. The ranking's ability to surprise—such as last year's unexpected No. 1 selection of Tyreek Hill, overshadowing established stars like Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, and Patrick Mahomes—fuels ongoing discussions. Ryan expressed that he was 'slightly surprised' by who is expected to take the top spot this year, but the public will have to wait until next month to see the final outcome.