As the NFL approaches the unveiling of its top 100 players for the 2025 season, the methodology behind the compilation of this list proves to be as intriguing as the list itself. Jayna Bardahl from Moneyline has reported on the intricacies of the process, which incorporates input solely from players. Each participating player is tasked with creating a top 20 list, with specific point values assigned to their rankings. A first-place vote earns the player 20 points, while a second-place vote amounts to 19 points, continuing down the line. The absence of voting restrictions allows players the freedom to nominate themselves if they believe they exemplify the highest caliber of talent in the league.

Since 2015, the NFL has significantly increased player participation by conducting visits to all 32 team facilities. Adam Ryan, a supervising producer for NFL Films, highlighted that participation jumped from approximately 300 players annually to as many as 1,100 in recent years. The process typically begins with the distribution of ballots around Thanksgiving, with the majority of votes submitted before the Super Bowl. Notable trends have emerged since the inception of the NFL Top 100 in 2010, including a pronounced focus on skill position players. From 2011 to 2024, the list has seen 141 running backs compared to just 125 offensive linemen. However, recent years have shown a downward trend in the representation of running backs, decreasing to only five on the 2024 list, a stark contrast to the 15 who made the cut in 2012.

In terms of individual rankings, quarterbacks have dominated the list, achieving the top spot 10 times over 14 years, with Tom Brady holding the record for the most No. 1 appearances at four. Patrick Mahomes has also achieved this feat twice, while Lamar Jackson remains a unique case, having landed at No. 1 after being unlisted the previous year, following his MVP-winning season in 2019. Interestingly, Aaron Rodgers stands out as the only player to have made the list in every year since its inception, although he has yet to be featured on the 2025 list, which is being announced in stages via X, culminating in a full reveal of the top 10 on NFL Network on September 1. Tensions can run high during the voting process, with NFL Films senior talent producer Erin O’Toole noting that the Minnesota Vikings locker room exhibits some of the most intense discussions. O'Toole recounted genuine locker room skirmishes among players, including a notable disagreement instigated by former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell in 2015. Among the current generation, Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Pat Surtain II are recognized as particularly credible voters due to their earnest approach to the process. Although the voting process lacks strict scientific rigor—reflecting varying degrees of thoughtfulness from players—it serves the same purpose as fans' discussions: igniting debate regarding the best players in the NFL at any given time. This objective is often achieved, particularly when a surprising player ascends to the top of the list. This was exemplified last year when Tyreek Hill was voted No. 1, surpassing notable names like Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, and Patrick Mahomes. This year, speculation looms over the identity of the player who will claim the top spot, with Ryan expressing mild surprise over the leading candidate, though it will require an additional month for fans to discover the outcome.