Football Digest
Encyclopedia
Football Digest was a sports magazine for fans interested in professional American football
, with in-depth coverage of the National Football League
. The magazine modeled the Reader's Digest
idea, bring the best in football journalism from newspapers and magazines that the fans would otherwise not had an opportunity to read.
The final issue was published in November 2005.
From 1973 through 1988 the magazine chose not only NFL MVPs but the top player at each position in the NFL, which was an editorial choice that was ahead of its time and involved a poll of the players.
It also had its own independent All-Rookie team which began in 1971 and its own All-pro team which began in the 1980s. The All-Pro team was chosen by the editorial staff which gave them the freedom to choose otherwise less-publicized players on the second-team selections. By interviewing coaches and players the editors felt they got the inside "scoop" on who the "sleepers" were for an All-Pro Team.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
, with in-depth coverage of the National Football League
National Football League
The National Football League is the highest level of professional American football in the United States, and is considered the top professional American football league in the world. It was formed by eleven teams in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association, with the league changing...
. The magazine modeled the Reader's Digest
Reader's Digest
Reader's Digest is a general interest family magazine, published ten times annually. Formerly based in Chappaqua, New York, its headquarters is now in New York City. It was founded in 1922, by DeWitt Wallace and Lila Bell Wallace...
idea, bring the best in football journalism from newspapers and magazines that the fans would otherwise not had an opportunity to read.
The final issue was published in November 2005.
From 1973 through 1988 the magazine chose not only NFL MVPs but the top player at each position in the NFL, which was an editorial choice that was ahead of its time and involved a poll of the players.
It also had its own independent All-Rookie team which began in 1971 and its own All-pro team which began in the 1980s. The All-Pro team was chosen by the editorial staff which gave them the freedom to choose otherwise less-publicized players on the second-team selections. By interviewing coaches and players the editors felt they got the inside "scoop" on who the "sleepers" were for an All-Pro Team.
NFL Defensive Back of the Year
- 1973— Jack TatumJack TatumJohn David Tatum was an American football defensive back who played ten seasons from 1971 through 1980 for the Oakland Raiders and Houston Oilers in the National Football League...
, Oak - 1974— Jake Scott, Mia
- 1975— Mel Blount, Pit
- 1976— Monte JacksonMonte JacksonMonte Jackson is a retired American football player. Jackson played in the NFL between 1975 and 1983. He played college football at San Diego State University. Jackson prepped at St Augustine High School in San Diego....
, LA - 1977— Louis Wright, Den
- 1978— Thom DardenThom DardenThomas Vincent Darden is a former American football cornerback, safety, and punt returner who played for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League . In the NFL, he was a three-time All-Pro free safety. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in 1978. He holds most Cleveland Browns franchise...
, Cle - 1979— Lemar ParrishLemar ParrishLemar R. Parrish is a former professional American football player who played defensive back in the National Football League for the Cincinnati Bengals , Washington Redskins , and the Buffalo Bills ....
, Was - 1980— Nolan CromwellNolan CromwellNolan Neil Cromwell is the wide receiver coach for the St. Louis Rams. He was an All-Pro safety for the Los Angeles Rams of the NFL and was the offensive coordinator at Texas A&M University. Cromwell played for the Rams from 1977 through 1987 and was named to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive...
, LA - 1981— Nolan Cromwell, LA
- 1982— Nolan Cromwell, LA
- 1983— Nolan Cromwell, LA
- 1984— Kenny EasleyKenny EasleyKenny Mason Easley Jr. is a former American football strong safety who played seven seasons for the Seattle Seahawks from 1981 to 1987 in the National Football League...
, Sea - 1985— Wes HopkinsWes HopkinsWesley Carl Hopkins is a former professional American football safety who played for the Philadelphia Eagles his entire 11-year National Football League career from 1983 through 1993...
, Phi - 1986— Ronnie LottRonnie LottRonald Mandel "Ronnie" Lott is a former American football player who starred as a cornerback, free safety, and strong safety in college football and the NFL. He is most well known for his crushing hits on opposing players...
, SF - 1987— Ronnie Lott, SF
- 1988— Joey BrownerJoey BrownerJoey Matthew Browner is a former American football strong safety for the Minnesota Vikings from 1983 until 1991.-Professional career:...
, Min
NFL Defensive Linemen of the Year
- 1973— Alan PageAlan PageAlan Cedric Page is a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1963, received his B.A. in political science from the University of Notre Dame in 1967, and received his J.D. from the University of...
, Min - 1974— Joe GreeneJoe Greene (American football)Charles Edward Greene, known as “Mean Joe” Greene, is a former all-pro American football defensive tackle who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the NFL. Throughout the early 1970s he was the one of most dominant defensive players in the National Football League...
, Pit - 1975— Joe Greene, Pit
- 1976— Wally ChambersWally ChambersWallace Hashim Chambers is a former American football defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears and defensive end for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 1970s...
, Chi - 1977— Harvey MartinHarvey MartinHarvey Banks Martin was an American football defensive end in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys from 1973 until 1983. He started playing football in high school, only because he overheard his father tell his mother that he was ashamed that his son did not play like his friends'...
, Dal - 1978— Bubba Baker, Det
- 1979— Lee Roy SelmonLee Roy SelmonLee Roy Selmon was a Hall of Fame NFL football defensive lineman.-Early life:Selmon was the youngest of nine children of Lucious and Jessie Selmon, raised on a farm near Eufaula, Oklahoma...
, TB - 1980— Randy WhiteRandy White (American football)Randall Lee "Randy" White is a former American football defensive lineman and linebacker. He attended the University of Maryland from 1971 to 1974, and played professionally for the Dallas Cowboys from 1975 to 1988. He is a member of the College Football Hall of Fame, the Pro Football Hall of Fame...
, Dal - 1981— Joe KleckoJoe KleckoJoseph Edward Klecko is a former American football player as a defensive lineman best remembered for his days as a member of the New York Jets' famed "New York Sack Exchange."-Temple University Owls:...
, NYJ - 1982— Mark GastineauMark GastineauMarcus Dell Gastineau is a former American football player who was a leading defensive end for the New York Jets from 1979 to 1988. A five-time Pro Bowler, his 100½ quarterback sacks in only his first 100 starts in the NFL made him one of the quickest and most feared pass rushers of his generation...
, NYJ - 1983— Doug BettersDoug BettersDoug Betters is an American football player who played defensive end for the Miami Dolphins from 1978 to 1987.After graduating from Arlington Heights High School in Illinois, Betters played college Division I football for the University of Montana Grizzlies from 1974 to 1976, then transferred to...
, Mia - 1984— Mark Gastineau, NYJ
- 1985— Howie LongHowie LongHoward "Howie" Matthew Moses Long is an American former National Football League defensive end and actor. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000...
, Raid - 1986— Reggie WhiteReggie WhiteReginald Howard "Reggie" White was a professional American football player. He played 15 seasons as a defensive end in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, becoming one of the most decorated players in NFL history...
, Phi - 1987— Reggie WhiteReggie WhiteReginald Howard "Reggie" White was a professional American football player. He played 15 seasons as a defensive end in the National Football League for the Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers and Carolina Panthers, becoming one of the most decorated players in NFL history...
, Phi - 1988— Dan HamptonDan HamptonDaniel Oliver Hampton also known as "Danimal" is a retired Hall of Fame American football defensive tackle who played twelve seasons for the Chicago Bears from 1979 to 1990 in the National Football League. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002...
, Chi
NFL Linebacker of the Year
- 1973— Lee Roy JordanLee Roy JordanLee Roy Jordan is a retired American football linebacker. After attending the University of Alabama, playing under head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, he spent 14 years in the National Football League playing for the Dallas Cowboys between 1963–1976...
, Dal - 1974— Mike CurtisMike Curtis (American football)James Michael "Mike" Curtis is a former professional American football player for the Baltimore Colts, the Seattle Seahawks and the Washington Redskins, who played 14 seasons from 1965 to 1978 in the National Football League. He was a four-time Pro Bowler in 1968, 1970, 1971 and 1974. He was...
, Bal - 1975— Jack Ham, Pit
- 1976— Jack Lambert, Pit
- 1977— Jack Ham, Pit
- 1978— Randy GradisharRandy GradisharRandy Charles Gradishar is a former college and professional American football linebacker who played in the 1970s and 1980s. Randy Gradishar is currently the Director of Corporate Communications for the Phil Long Dealerships in Colorado...
, Den - 1979— Randy Gradishar, Den
- 1980— Ted HendricksTed HendricksTheodore Paul Hendricks is a Hall of Fame former American football linebacker who logged 15 seasons for the Baltimore Colts , the Green Bay Packers and the Oakland and Los Angeles Raiders in the National Football League...
, Oak - 1981— Lawrence TaylorLawrence TaylorLawrence Julius Taylor , nicknamed "L.T.", is a Hall of Fame former American football player. Taylor played his entire professional career as a linebacker for the New York Giants in the National Football League...
, NYG - 1982— Lawrence Taylor, NYG
- 1983— Lawrence Taylor, NYG
- 1984— Lawrence Taylor, NYG
- 1985— Mike SingletaryMike SingletaryMichael "Mike" Singletary is an American football coach and former professional football player. He is currently the linebacker coach and assistant head coach for the Minnesota Vikings of the NFL....
, Chi - 1986— Lawrence Taylor, NYG
- 1987— Andre TippettAndre TippettAndre Bernard Tippett is a former American football linebacker who played for the New England Patriots of the NFL. Currently, he is the Patriots' Executive Director of Community Affairs. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008.-Personal life:Tippett was born in Birmingham,...
, NE - 1988— Mike Singletary, Chi
NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year
- 1973— Ron YaryRon YaryAnthony Ronald "Ron" Yary is a former professional American football offensive tackle, playing primarily for the Minnesota Vikings and also for the Los Angeles Rams. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001...
, Min - 1974— Larry LittleLarry LittleLawrence Chatmon Little is a former offensive guard in college and professional American football in the National Football League. He has been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993...
, Mia - 1975— Dan DierdorfDan DierdorfDaniel Lee "Dan" Dierdorf is a former American football player and current television sportscaster. He played 13 NFL seasons and has worked for ABC's Monday Night Football and CBS as a color commentator since retiring from football....
, Stl - 1976— John Hannah, NE
- 1977— Art ShellArt ShellArthur "Art" Shell is an American former collegiate and professional football player in the American Football League and later in the NFL, a Hall of Fame offensive tackle, and a two-time former head coach of the Oakland Raiders...
, Oak - 1978— John Hannah, NE
- 1979— John Hannah, NE
- 1980— John Hannah, NE
- 1981— Anthony MunozAnthony MuñozMichael Anthony Muñoz , is a Pro Football Hall of Fame offensive tackle who played most of his career for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals...
, Cin - 1982— Anthony Munoz, Cin
- 1983— John Hannah, NE
- 1984— Russ GrimmRuss GrimmRussell Scott Grimm is a former American football guard for the Washington Redskins of the National Football League. As a collegian, he was an All-American center at the University of Pittsburgh. As a professional, Grimm had multi-selections to both the All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams, and was...
, Was
NFL Running Back of the Year
- 1973— O.J. Simpson, Buf
- 1974— Otis ArmstrongOtis ArmstrongOtis Armstrong was a running back in the NFL. He played for the Denver Broncos for his entire career from 1973-1980. Before his NFL career, Armstrong played for Purdue University becoming the school's all-time leading rusher...
, Den - 1975— O.J. Simpson, Buf
- 1976— O.J. Simpson, Buf
- 1977— Walter PaytonWalter PaytonWalter Jerry Payton was an American football running back who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League for thirteen seasons. Walter Payton was known around the NFL as "Sweetness". He is remembered as one of the most prolific running backs in the history of American football...
, Chi - 1978— Earl CampbellEarl CampbellEarl Christian Campbell , nicknamed The Tyler Rose, is a former professional American Football running back. He, Paul Hornung and O.J Simpson are the only people to have won the Heisman Trophy , were first overall National Football League draft picks and are in both the Pro Football Hall of Fame...
, Hou - 1979— Earl Campbell, Hou
- 1980— Earl Campbell, Hou
- 1981— Tony DorsettTony DorsettAnthony "Tony" Drew Dorsett is a former American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.-Early years:...
, Dal - 1982— Marcus Allen, OAK
- 1983— Eric DickersonEric DickersonEric Demetric Dickerson is a former professional running back in the National Football League who in his career played for the Los Angeles Rams, Indianapolis Colts, Los Angeles Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons.-College career:...
, Rams - 1984— Eric Dickerson, Rams
- 1985— Marcus AllenMarcus AllenMarcus LeMarr Allen is a former American football player and, until recently, was affiliated with CBS as a game analyst. As a professional, Allen ran for 12,243 yards and caught 587 passes for 5,412 yards during his career for both the Los Angeles Raiders and the Kansas City Chiefs from 1982 to 1997...
, Raiders - 1986— Eric Dickerson, Rams
- 1987— Eric Dickerson, Colts
- 1988— Roger Craig, SF
NFL Receiver of the Year
- 1973 Paul WarfieldPaul WarfieldPaul Dryden Warfield is a former professional American football wide receiver in the 1960s and 1970s known for his speed, fluid moves, grace, jumping ability and hands.- Football career :...
, Mia - 1974 Cliff BranchCliff BranchCliff Branch is a retired American football wide receiver who spent his entire 14-year NFL career with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, winning three Super Bowl rings in Super Bowl XI, Super Bowl XV and Super Bowl XVIII...
, Oak - 1975 Lynn SwannLynn Swann-Collegiate:Swann attended the University of Southern California, where he was an All-American on the Trojans football team. He played under legendary coach John McKay, including the 1972 undefeated and national championship season. McKay said of Swann, "He has speed, soft hands, and grace." He...
, Pit - 1976 Cliff Branch, Oak
- 1977 Drew PearsonDrew Pearson (American football)Drew Pearson is a sportscaster and former American football wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League.-Early years:...
, Dal - 1978 Lynn Swann, Pit
- 1979 John JeffersonJohn JeffersonJohn Jefferson is a retired American football wide receiver in the National Football League . He was selected out of Arizona State University in the first round of the 1978 NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He played three seasons in San Diego, where he became the first NFL player to gain...
, SD - 1980 John Jefferson, SD
- 1981 Kellen WinslowKellen WinslowKellen Boswell Winslow is a former American football tight end with the Missouri Tigers and the San Diego Chargers. He is widely recognized as one of the greatest tight ends in the history of the game. He is currently the athletic director at Central State University.Winslow did not play high...
, SD - 1982 Wes ChandlerWes ChandlerWesley Sandy "Wes" Chandler is a former American college and professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League for eleven seasons in the 1970s and 1980s...
, SD - 1983 James LoftonJames LoftonJames David Lofton is a former American football player and coach. He is a former American football coach for the San Diego Chargers but is best known for his years in the National Football League as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers , Los Angeles Raiders , the Buffalo Bills...
, GB - 1984 Roy GreenRoy GreenRoy Calvin Green is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League who played for the St. Louis Cardinals , Phoenix Cardinals and Philadelphia Eagles ....
, StL - 1985 Mike QuickMike QuickMichael Anthony Quick is a former American football wide receiver who played his entire career with the Philadelphia Eagles .-Playing career:...
, Phi - 1986 Jerry RiceJerry RiceJerry Lee Rice is a retired American football wide receiver. He is generally regarded as the greatest wide receiver of all time and one of the greatest players in National Football League history...
, SF - 1987 Jerry Rice, SF
- 1988 Anthony Carter, Min
NFL Quarterback of the Year
- 1973— Bob GrieseBob GrieseRobert Allen "Bob" Griese is a former American collegiate and Professional Football quarterback who earned All-American honors with the Purdue Boilermakers before being drafted in 1967 by the American Football League's Miami Dolphins...
, Mia - 1974— Ken StablerKen StablerKenneth "Kenny" Michael Stabler , is a former American football quarterback in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders , the Houston Oilers , and the New Orleans Saints...
, Oak - 1975— Fran TarkentonFran TarkentonFrancis Asbury "Fran" Tarkenton is a former professional football player, TV personality, and computer software executive....
, Min - 1976— Ken Stabler, Oak
- 1977— Bob Griese, Mia
- 1978— Terry BradshawTerry BradshawTerry Paxton Bradshaw is a former American football quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League . He played 14 seasons. He is a football analyst and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday...
, Pit - 1979— Dan FoutsDan FoutsDaniel Francis Fouts is a retired Hall of Fame American football quarterback in the National Football League. Fouts played his entire professional career with the San Diego Chargers from 1973 through 1987...
, SD - 1980— Brian SipeBrian SipeBrian Winfield Sipe is a former professional American football quarterback who played in the National Football League from 1974 to 1983 and the United States Football League from 1984 to 1985....
, Cle - 1981— Ken Anderson, Cin
- 1982— Joe TheismannJoe TheismannJoseph Robert "Joe" Theismann is a former quarterback in the National Football League and Canadian Football League . He achieved his most enduring fame in his 12 seasons playing for the Washington Redskins, where he was a two-time Pro Bowler and quarterback of the winning team in Super Bowl XVII...
,Was - 1983— Joe Theismann,Was
- 1984— Dan MarinoDan MarinoDaniel Constantine "Dan" Marino, Jr. is a retired American football quarterback who played for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League...
, Mia - 1985— Dan Marino, Mia
- 1986— Dan Marino, Mia
- 1987— Joe MontanaJoe MontanaJoseph Clifford "Joe" Montana, Jr. , nicknamed Joe Cool, Golden Joe, The Golden Great and Comeback Joe, is a retired American football player. Montana started his NFL career in 1979 with the San Francisco 49ers, where he played quarterback for the next 14 seasons...
, SF - 1988— Boomer EsiasonBoomer EsiasonNorman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is a former American football quarterback and current network color commentator. He played for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets, and Arizona Cardinals before working as an analyst for ABC and HBO...
, Cin
NFL Specialists of the Year
- 1974— Terry MetcalfTerry MetcalfTerrance Randolph Metcalf is a former professional American football running back who played six total seasons in the National Football League, five of them with the St. Louis Cardinals, and one with the Washington Redskins. He attended Long Beach State University...
, StL - 1975— Billy (White Shoes) Johnson, Hou
- 1976— Rick UpchurchRick UpchurchRichard “Rick” Upchurch is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for the Denver Broncos of the NFL. Before his NFL career, he played for Centerville Community College in Centerville, Iowa and the University of Minnesota and went to high school at Springfield...
, Den - 1977— Billy (White Shoes) Johnson, Hou
- 1978— Rick Upchurch, Den
- 1979— Rich MautiRich MautiRichard Dominic Mauti is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League for the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Penn State University....
, NO - 1980— J. T. Smith, KC
- 1981— Mike NelmsMike NelmsMichael Craig Nelms is a former American football defensive back and kick returner in the National Football League who played five seasons with the Washington Redskins from 1980 to 1984. Before his NFL career, Nelms played in the Canadian Football League...
, Was - 1982— Rick Upchurch, Den
- 1983— Billy (White Shoes) Johnson, Atl
NFL Kicker of the Year
- 1974— Chester MarcolChester MarcolCzesław "Chester" Marcol is a former American Football Placekicker for the Green Bay Packers. He was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 1987.-Early years:...
, GB - 1975— Jim BakkenJim BakkenJames LeRoy Bakken is a former American football punter and placekicker for the St. Louis Cardinals. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and was named by the voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to the Professional Football 1960s All Decade Team, which included both NFL and American...
, Stl - 1976— Jim Bakken, StL
- 1977— Ray GuyRay GuyWilliam Ray Guy is a retired American football punter for the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders. Coming from the University of Southern Mississippi, he was the only pure punter ever to be drafted in the first round of the NFL draft when the Oakland Raiders selected him in 1973.Guy was a key member of...
, Oak - 1978— Ray Guy, Oak
- 1979— Toni Fritsch, Hou
- 1980— Dave JenningsDave Jennings (American football)David Tuthill Jennings is a former American football punter with a 14 year career from 1974 to 1987 in the National Football League. He played for the New York Giants and the New York Jets. He worked as a radio color commentator for Giants games from 2002 until 2007, when he was replaced by former...
, NYG - 1981— Pat McInallyPat McInallyJohn Patrick "Pat" McInally , is a former punter and wide receiver for the National Football League's Cincinnati Bengals from 1976 to 1985.-Early career:...
, Cin - 1982— Mark MoseleyMark MoseleyMark DeWayne Moseley is a former professional American football placekicker in the National Football League who played for the Philadelphia Eagles , the Houston Oilers , the Washington Redskins , and the Cleveland Browns . He won the Most Valuable Player Award during the strike-shortened 1982 season...
, Was - 1983— Ali Haji-SheikhAli Haji-SheikhAli S. Haji-Sheikh is a former American football placekicker for the University of Michigan and for three National Football League teams. Haji-Sheikh spent three seasons playing for the New York Giants. He had a superb rookie season, kicking 35 of 42 field goals and setting a then NFL record...
, NYG
NFL Coach of the Year
- 1974— Don CoryellDon CoryellDonald David Coryell was an American football coach, who coached in the NFL first with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1973–1977 and then the San Diego Chargers from 1978-1986. He was well known for his innovations to football's passing offense. Coryell's offense was commonly known as "Air Coryell"...
, stL - 1975— Ted MarchibrodaTed MarchibrodaTheodore "Ted" Joseph Marchibroda is a former American football quarterback and head coach in the National Football League.-Player:...
, Bal - 1976— Chuck FairbanksChuck FairbanksChuck Fairbanks is a former American football coach, a head coach at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. The offensive and defensive systems he introduced and helped develop have proven influential in the NFL....
, NE - 1977— Red MillerRed MillerRobert "Red" Miller is a former professional football coach with the Denver Broncos.- Early life and career :Miller was born and raised in Macomb, Illinois and attended Macomb Public Schools and Western Illinois University, where he was later a star player and coach for the Leathernecks football...
, Den - 1978— Walt MichaelsWalt MichaelsWalt Michaels was a former professional football player and coach who is best remembered for his six-year tenure as head coach of the NFL's New York Jets from 1977-1982.-Collegiate and early NFL career:...
, NYJ - 1979— Dick VermeilDick VermeilRichard Albert "Dick" Vermeil is a former American head coach for the National Football League's Philadelphia Eagles , St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs...
, Phi - 1980— Chuck KnoxChuck KnoxCharles Robert "Chuck" Knox is a former American football coach at the high school, collegiate and professional levels. He is best remembered as head coach of three National Football League teams, the Seattle Seahawks, the Buffalo Bills, and the Los Angeles Rams, serving two separate stints with...
, Buf - 1981— Bill Walsh, SF
- 1982— Joe GibbsJoe GibbsJoe Jackson Gibbs is a former American football coach, NASCAR Championship team owner, and two time NHRA Pro Stock team owner. He was the 20th and 26th head coach in the history of the Washington Redskins...
, Was - 1983— Joe Gibbs, Was