5 greatest players to have been coached by NFL legend John Madden

John Madden is one of the greatest head coaches in NFL history. He never had a losing season in his ten-year career and owns the best winning percentage of all time. He is a Hall of Famer and a Super Bowl champion. John Madden has coached many great players in his successful career. Here are the five of the best who played for John Madden's Oakland Raiders.

From Ray Guy to Gene Upshaw, John Madden coached some elite players in the NFL

#5 - Ray Guy

NFL Hall of Fame punter Ray Guy

It's rare for a punter to be ranked so high on this type of a list, but Ray Guy is a special case. He is the only punter in NFL history to be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft. John Madden was the coach when Guy was drafted by the Raiders. Ray Guy is also the only Hall of Famer in NFL history whose primary position is punter.

These accolades make Ray Guy one of the best special-teamers in NFL history. He was also selected to seven Pro Bowls and won three Super Bowls as a member of the Oakland Raiders. One of those three was Super Bowl XI, when John Madden was the head coach.

#4 - Fred Biletnikoff

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff

Fred Biletnikoff was one of the most consistent wide receivers of his generation. He recorded at least 40 receptions and 500 receiving yards in ten consecutive seasons with the Oakland Raiders. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pros on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

The highlight of Biletnikoff's career came in Super Bowl XI while John Madden was his head coach. He was named Super Bowl MVP for his contributions to the Raiders' 32-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings. He recorded four receptions for 79 yards in crucial points during the game.

#3 - Art Shell

Oakland Raiders coach Art Shell

Art Shell is a Hall of Fame offensive lineman who played for John Madden's Oakland Raiders. He was a part of the dominant offensive line that helped them win Super Bowl XI with John Madden. Shell was also a part of the Super Bowl XV winning team. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls and two first-team All-Pros in his legendary career.

After his career as a player, Art Shell became a head coach. Like John Madden, Art Shell was first hired by Raiders owner Al Davis. Shell was selected AFC Coach of the Year for the 1990 NFL season. The Raiders made it all the way to the conference championship game that year.

#2 - Ken Stabler

Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler

Ken Stabler was John Madden's quarterback for the vast majority of his run as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders. The pair had winning seasons every year when they were together and accomplished a Super Bowl victory. Stabler was selected to four Pro Bowls and won the 1974 NFL MVP award on his way to a Hall of Fame career.

John Madden's final seven years as head coach of the Oakland Raiders featured Stabler as his starting quarterback. Both of their careers are defined by being winners. John Madden's career record is 112-39-7 including playoffs as head coach. Stabler has a 69-26-1 record as the starting quarterback for the Raiders.

#1 - Gene Upshaw

Hall of Fame offensive lineman Gene Upshaw

Gene Upshaw was part of two Super Bowl teams with the Oakland Raiders. One of those was Super Bowl XI when John Madden was the head coach. Upshaw is a Hall of Famer and one of the best offensive linemen in Raiders history. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pros. He is one of the best guards in NFL history.

Gene Upshaw is a former active member of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA), a role he started during his playing days in the 1970s and continued after retirement. He was appointed as the executive director of the NFLPA and remained in the position until he passed away in 2008.