On Thursday night at 9 p.m., the NFL Network will reveal who it deems the 10 greatest NFL players of all time. It is the final episode of the network’s “The Top 100: NFL’s Greatest Players” series.
NFL Films again demonstrates why it is the gold standard in sports filmmaking. This series has been a fascinating look at history. It has caused a great debate thus far, and the final episode will cause only more conversation.
I spoke to series producer Paul Camarata, and we discussed the success of the programs.
JW » So who are the top 10?
Camarata » I can’t tell you. As a matter of fact, there are only a dozen people who know, and I have been very proud that we have had no leaks. I will tell you that I don’t think that any real NFL football fan will be surprised at the final 10. All of them are very worthy of being on the list and are the best of the best. Even the blue ribbon panel of 85 voters who were made up of present and former players, front office people and league officials don’t know who the top 10 are, so everyone will find out together.
JW » What did you enjoy most about doing the series?
Camarata » Many things to be honest. I was impressed with learning the history about the great players of different eras. I loved people like Frank Deford talking with such passion about the Colts and Raymond Berry or Dennis Miller talking with fans about his love for the Steelers and Terry Bradshaw. Spike Lee talking about one of his teachers dating Broadway Joe and Wynton Marsalis talking about Barry Sanders’ ability to improvise like a world-class jazz musician.
JW » Are you surprised with the success of the series?
Camarata » Football fans, like all sports fans, love a good debate. We knew when we took on this project that — depending on your favorite team or player or era that you followed — the list of the top 100 players of all time in the NFL was going to spark a water cooler conversation. The fact that it became a national sports talk show debate is both flattering to all of us at NFL Films and with the NFL Network. That we could create a series that would hit home with so many viewers makes this whole project worthwhile.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
