This list dives into the greatest left guards to ever play the game—gritty enforcers who combined power, technique, and intelligence to control the line of scrimmage. From bulldozing run blockers to elite pass protectors, these players left an undeniable mark on NFL history.

Top 15 Left Guards in NFL History: John Hannah Among the Best to ever do it

A key piece of the Cowboys' 1990s dynasty, Newton was a force at left guard. He helped power Dallas to three Super Bowl wins, clearing lanes for Emmitt Smith. His dominance earned him six Pro Bowls and multiple All-Pro honors. A true anchor in the trenches!

15. Nate Newton

A powerhouse in Washington’s iconic "Hogs" O-line, Jacoby’s strength and versatility made him a nightmare for defenders. Though he spent time at tackle, his dominance at left guard helped secure three Super Bowl titles. A four-time Pro Bowler, he remains one of the most respected linemen in NFL history.

14.Joe Jacoby

A true Raiders legend, Upshaw spent 15 seasons mauling defenders and paving the way for Hall of Fame careers. He was a cornerstone of two Super Bowl-winning teams and protected Ken Stabler with relentless power. With seven Pro Bowls and a Hall of Fame nod, his dominance remains undeniable.

13. Gene Upshaw

Tough, relentless, and built for the trenches—Mankins was the backbone of the Patriots’ offensive line for nearly a decade. A dominant blocker and fierce competitor, he racked up Pro Bowls while protecting Tom Brady and opening lanes for New England’s rushing attack. His grit carried over to Tampa Bay, solidifying his legacy as one of the best.

12.Logan Mankins

A mauler in the trenches, Hutchinson was a nightmare for defenders across three teams—Seattle, Minnesota, and Tennessee. His dominance earned him seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro selections, cementing his Hall of Fame legacy. Wherever he went, the run game flourished.

11.Steve Hutchinson

A Raider through and through, Wisniewski was the definition of consistency and toughness in the trenches. Whether in Los Angeles or Oakland, he dominated defenders, earning eight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nods. A relentless blocker, he was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ offensive line for over a decade.

10.Steve Wisniewski

A dominant force before the NFL-AFL merger, Shaw was the backbone of Buffalo’s offensive line. He powered the Bills to two AFL championships, earning eight Pro Bowl bids and five All-Pro selections. His legacy lives on in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

9.Billy Shaw

A cornerstone of the Detroit Lions’ dynasty in the 1950s, Creekmur’s dominance in the trenches earned him eight Pro Bowl nods and six All-Pro selections. A three-time NFL champion, his relentless play made him a Hall of Fame legend.

8.Lou Creekmur

Faneca wasn’t just a lineman—he was a road grader in cleats. His nine Pro Bowls and six All-Pro selections prove it. With the Steelers, he paved the way for a Super Bowl XL victory, mauling defenders with speed and power. A Hall of Famer, and one of the best to ever do it.

7.Alan Faneca

A one-man wrecking crew up front, Allen dominated for the Cowboys for 12 seasons. His sheer strength fueled Emmitt Smith’s rushing greatness, earning him 11 Pro Bowls and a Super Bowl ring. A Hall of Famer and a nightmare for defenders—one of the best to ever do it.

6.Larry Allen

A rock-solid force in the trenches, Brown quietly dominated for 13 NFL seasons with the Bills and Bears. His nine Pro Bowls prove he was no ordinary lineman—just a steady, elite protector who earned respect across the league.

5.Ruben Brown

Munchak dominated for 12 seasons in Houston. With nine Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro nods, he set the standard for left guards. His relentless blocking earned him a Gold Jacket and a spot among the NFL’s all-time greats.

4.Mike Munchak

A pillar of the Rams’ offense, Mack’s blocking powered L.A. 's ground attack through the '70s. With 11 Pro Bowls and a Hall of Fame bust, he cemented his place as one of the most dominant guards in NFL history.

3.Tom Mack

McDaniel brought rare athleticism to the guard position, dominating for the Vikings in the '80s and '90s. With 12 Pro Bowls, 7 All-Pro nods, and a Hall of Fame induction, he redefined what it meant to be an offensive lineman. Even in Tampa Bay, he kept the trenches locked down.

2.Randall McDaniel

A nine-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Hannah set the standard for offensive line play. Drafted by the Patriots in 1973, he was an elite run blocker and a fortress in pass protection. One of the rare players named to two All-Decade Teams, his dominance spanned generations.