Each year, NFL players vote to identify the top 100 performers from the previous season, a list usually dominated by quarterbacks. Centers, who play a critical role in snapping the ball and leading the offensive line, often go unnoticed despite their importance. This year, however, Chiefs center Creed Humphrey made history by becoming the only center named to the NFL Top 100, ranking at No. 93. His inclusion highlights his rising prominence in a league that rarely spotlights this position.
Recognition Long Overdue for Centers in the NFL
Centers are the unsung heroes on offense, responsible not only for delivering the snap but for coordinating blocking schemes that protect the quarterback and create running lanes. Despite this, centers seldom receive the accolades they deserve, with only four pure centers inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame and very few making the NFL Top 100 list. The last to do so was Jason Kelce, who achieved a historic No. 37 ranking in 2023, the highest ever for a center.
Humphrey’s Impact Celebrated by Teammates and Opponents
NFL Films produces the Top 100 series with highlight reels for each player, and Humphrey’s feature underscored his skill and leadership. Teammates like star tight end Travis Kelce openly praised him, reflecting the respect Humphrey commands within the Chiefs’ locker room. In the video, Kelce emphatically told Humphrey,
” Come on, now. Always rocking with you. Remember that man. For life.” —Travis Kelce, Tight End
Opponents also recognized Humphrey’s mastery of pre-snap communication and his ability to direct the offensive line. His quickness and attention to detail make him a cornerstone of the Chiefs’ offense and a player opponents must prepare to face carefully.
Consistency and Durability Cement Humphrey’s Elite Status
Humphrey’s performance last season included only one fumble and two penalties — a holding call and an ineligible receiver downfield penalty — across 1,117 offensive snaps, representing 97 percent of his team’s available snaps. He also contributed 75 snaps on special teams, showing his versatility and endurance.
The Chiefs rewarded Humphrey’s steady excellence by making him the highest-paid center in NFL history, signing him to a four-year, $72 million contract with $50 million guaranteed. This investment reflects the organization’s confidence in his ability to anchor one of the league’s most formidable offensive lines.
The Broader Significance of Humphrey’s Recognition
Humphrey’s breakthrough on the NFL Top 100 list signals a growing appreciation for the center position’s critical role in modern football. His performance and leadership not only reinforce the Chiefs’ offensive strength but also challenge the traditional quarterback-centric view of football honors. Moving forward, Humphrey’s example may pave the way for greater recognition of linemen who impact every play but rarely receive the spotlight.