Beyond the quarterback, no position in football handles the ball more than the center. This player usually acts as a captain on the field, a key communicator for the offense, and serves as the foundation for the entire unit. Yet, despite these critical responsibilities, the center position often receives less recognition and lower financial rewards compared to other positions.
This context helps explain why Creed Humphrey, the All-Pro center for the Kansas City Chiefs, sparked debate when he was ranked No. 93 in the NFL‘s Top 100 Players for 2025, as revealed just before the July 4 weekend. The ranking was announced amid a playful video celebrating Humphrey’s skills, technique, and personality, including a humorous clip of him at a Creed concert—a fun nod to his name but perhaps mistimed given the ranking’s controversy.
Why Creed Humphrey Stands Out Among NFL Centers
Creed Humphrey has firmly established himself as the NFL’s top center, a rare consensus across analysts both inside and outside Kansas City. Unlike many positions, where debates often surround several candidates, Humphrey is widely accepted as the best at his role. He made a name for himself early in his career, gaining Pro Bowl recognition by his second season and quickly being viewed as a rising star.
For years, Jason Kelce was considered the leading veteran center, but after Kelce’s retirement, Humphrey emerged without serious competition. He cemented his status by helping lead the Chiefs to three straight Super Bowl appearances, earning selections to the Pro Bowl in three of his four seasons and achieving first-team All-Pro honors in 2024. Humphrey’s leadership has only grown, especially after the team traded longtime guard Joe Thuney, making Humphrey an even more vital part of the offensive line.
The Discrepancy in Rankings and What It Means
The critical question remains: why did the NFL place Humphrey at No. 93 in their Top 100 list when other outlets rank him much higher? For comparison, CBS Sports ranked him No. 16 on their 2025 Top 100 list, a jump of nearly 80 spots higher. Even in the previous season, CBS had him at No. 48, indicating steady recognition of his impact.
Such a low NFL ranking implies some players ranked ahead of Humphrey, often in less impactful roles or lower tiers, receive more respect and attention. This is puzzling given Humphrey’s proven excellence and leadership on one of the league’s best offenses. While Humphrey himself might appreciate any inclusion on such a prestigious list, being placed so low diminishes his elite status in the eyes of many fans and experts.
The Broader Impact of Undervaluing Centers Like Humphrey
This situation highlights a broader issue of how centers and offensive linemen are often undervalued despite their essential contributions. Creed Humphrey’s ranking controversy shines a light on an important conversation about respect and recognition within professional football, emphasizing the need to reassess how key positions are evaluated.
As the Chiefs prepare for the next season, Humphrey’s role remains crucial. His continued excellence will likely force further acknowledgement, but this ranking dispute may also influence future considerations by media and analysts, pushing for more accurate recognition of players who shape their teams from the center position outward.