As the NFL approaches the unveiling of its Top 100 Players list for the 2025 season, the methodology behind its creation has captivated the attention of analysts and fans alike. Jayna Bardahl from Moneyline reports that this list is determined through a player-driven voting process, where participants rank their peers. Each player compiles a personal list of their top 20 choices, with specific point allocations awarded based on their rankings. A player receiving a first-place vote earns 20 points, descending to 1 point for a 20th place vote. Notably, players are permitted to vote for themselves, should they believe their performance warrants such recognition.

The evolution of player participation has been significant since the NFL began traveling to team facilities in 2015, according to Adam Ryan, a supervising producer for NFL Films. The number of participating players surged from around 300 annually to approximately 1,100. The voting process traditionally commences around Thanksgiving, with the majority of ballots submitted prior to the Super Bowl. Historical trends highlight a noticeable tilt towards skill position players on the list since its inception in 2010. For instance, from 2011 to 2024, 141 running backs have made the list, significantly more than the 125 offensive linemen. However, there has been a decline in the representation of running backs in recent years, with only five making the 2024 list in contrast to 15 in 2012.

Quarterbacks have consistently dominated the rankings, having topped the list ten times in the past 14 years. Tom Brady holds the record for the most No. 1 appearances, claiming that honor four times, while Patrick Mahomes has achieved this distinction twice. Lamar Jackson uniquely stands out as the only player to ascend to the top spot without being previously featured, an achievement he realized after earning MVP honors in 2019. Aaron Rodgers has maintained a presence on the list annually; however, he has yet to appear on the 2025 edition, which is being revealed through a daily announcement format on X, culminating in a full reveal of the top ten on NFL Network on September 1. The voting process can create palpable tension among players, with Erin O’Toole, a senior talent producer for NFL Films, highlighting the Minnesota Vikings as a particularly heated environment. Notably, there have been instances of significant conflicts among teammates, including a memorable altercation in 2015 involving then-Steelers running back Le'Veon Bell. O'Toole pointed out that players like Maxx Crosby of the Las Vegas Raiders and Pat Surtain II are recognized as credible voters, given their serious approach to the voting procedure. While the process may lack scientific rigor due to the varying levels of consideration among players, it ultimately serves the same purpose as fan discussions: to spark debates regarding the current best players in the NFL. Such debates are amplified, especially in cases where unexpected players emerge at the top of the list; last year, for instance, Tyreek Hill was voted No. 1, surpassing luminaries like Lamar Jackson, Christian McCaffrey, and Patrick Mahomes. This year, a similar surprise may be on the horizon, with Ryan expressing that he was 'slightly surprised' by the anticipated leading player, though fans will have to wait until next month for the official announcement.