Top 50 Players In Baltimore Sports History: Countdown 10-6

8. Jim Parker, OL, Baltimore Colts

nfl.com

Many consider Parker to be the greatest lineman in NFL history. Another man that falls in this discussion is a player who also spent his playing days in Baltimore, a man by the name of Jonathan Ogden. Whichever way you slice it, two of the best offensive lineman of all-time played in Baltimore and that is something that people in Baltimore can be proud about.

Parker was selected eighth overall by the Baltimore Colts in the first round of the 1957 NFL Draft. With quarterback Johnny Unitas at the helm, the Colts relied on a pass-heavy offense which was very different from the running offense that he was featured in at Ohio State. Parker soon came to be known as the premier pass blocker in the game. From 1957 through 1962, Parker was selected to five Pro Bowl teams as an offensive tackle before moving to guard in ’63. He was selected to three more Pro Bowls at the guard position.

Parker won two world championships with the Colts — in ’58 and in’ 59. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973 which was his first year of eligibility. In 1999, he was ranked number 24 on The Sporting News’ list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, third among offensive lineman behind John Hannah and Nahant Munoz.