Eight unanimous selections to the NFL’s all-decade team in the 2010’s

The National Football League named its all-decade team on Monday according to Judy Battista of www.nfl.com. There are some great names on the list including Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski. However, only eight players chosen received a unanimous selection. Let’s take a look at the players that made the list and did not require debate from the panel.

Tom Brady–New England Patriots–Brady may now be with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but throughout the 2010’s, was at the helm in New England. For nine straight seasons from 2010 to 2018, Brady was selected to the Pro Bowl as a quarterback. In the decade, Brady won three Super Bowls (2014, 2016, 2018). Twice he led the NFL in touchdown passes with 36 (2010 and 2015), and in 2017 led the NFL in passing yards (4577) and yards per game (286.1). Brady was also the Super Bowl MVP in 2015 and 2017 and the NFL MVP in 2010 and 2017.

Aaron Donald–Los Angeles Rams–The defensive tackle from Pittsburgh has reached the Pro Bowl in each of the last six seasons as a member of the Rams organization (two years in St. Louis and four in Los Angeles). In 94 games, he has had 15 forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 72 sacks, 312 combined tackles and 117 tackles for a loss. In the last two seasons, Donald has led the NFL in tackles for a loss (25 in 2018 and 20 in 2019) and led the NFL with 20.5 sacks in 2018. He was also the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2017 and 2018.

Von Miller–Denver Broncos–The linebacker from DeSoto, Texas went to the Pro Bowl eight times this past decade. In 135 games, he had two interceptions, 26 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries, two touchdowns, 106 sacks, 490 combined tackles and 135 tackles for a loss. Miller was also the Super Bowl most valuable player in 2016 as he had two forced fumbles in the Broncos 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. In 2011, Miller was also the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Adrian Peterson–Minnesota Vikings–The running back from Palestine, Texas was with the Vikings from 2010 to 2016, the Arizona Cardinals and New Orleans Saints in 2017 and Washington Redskins in 2018 and 2019. A four-time Pro Bowler with the Vikings (2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015), Peterson led the NFL in rushing yards in 2012 (2097) and in 2015 (1485). For three straight seasons to begin the decade, Peterson had 12 rushing touchdowns each season. He then had 11 rushing touchdowns to lead the NFL in 2015, and was the NFL MVP in 2012.

Joe Thomas–Cleveland Browns–There was not much to celebrate for the Cleveland Browns on the field in the last decade, but left tackle Joe Thomas of Brookfield, Wisconsin provided the Browns offensive line with a steady presence. For seven straight seasons from 2010 to 2016, Thomas played in the Pro Bowl and had seven fumble recoveries in 119 games.

Justin Tucker–Baltimore Ravens–Over the last eight years, Justin Tucker has been extremely consistent for Baltimore in the kicking game. In 128 games, Tucker has made 265 of 292 field goals, including successfully kicking 39 field goals from 50 yards or more. The native of Houston has also played in the 2013, 2016 and 2019 Pro Bowls and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2013.

J. J. Watt–Houston Texans–The native of Pewaukee, Wisconsin played 112 games with the Texans from 2011 to 2019. While playing defensive end, Watt represented the Texans in five Pro Bowls. He has had 96 sacks, 479 combined tackles, 158 tackles for a loss, 15 fumble recoveries, one interception and two touchdowns. Watt led the NFL in sacks in 2012 (20.5) and in 2015 (17.5). He also had seven forced fumbles to lead the NFL in 2018. Watt was also the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2012, 2014 and 2015.

Marshal Yanda–Baltimore Ravens–The native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, played for the Ravens from 2011 to 2019 as a right guard on Baltimore’s offensive line. In 140 games, Yanda had six fumble recoveries, was selected to the Pro Bowl eight times and won a Super Bowl with the Ravens in 2013.