By BOB MATTHEWS
Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle

Out of sight, out of mind. A classic case of that happened at the NFL Rookie Symposium this summer, when the league's 2004 draft picks were asked a series of questions, including who was "the greatest NFL player ever."

The top five vote-getters were Walter Payton (44), Jerry Rice (33), Barry Sanders (19), Joe Montana (17) and Jim Brown (10).

All due respect to Payton, a terrific player and by all accounts an even better person, but when he outpolls Brown 44-10, we have a prime example of a generation gap.

Not only was Brown by far the best running back in NFL history, he had the talent to be an All-Pro linebacker.

ESPN recently conducted a preseason poll of its 11 pro football "experts" to pick the "greatest all-time NFL player" and the results were far more satisfying for Brown's fans and admirers.

Each ESPN panelist picked his top 10 players, and Brown was a landslide winner with 102 total points. He was the only player to appear on all 11 ballots (four votes for No. 1, six votes for No. 2 and one vote for No. 3).

The rest of the top 10 (first-place votes in parentheses): Jerry Rice (2), Joe Montana (1), Payton (1), Lawrence Taylor, Johnny Unitas, John Elway (2), Dick Butkus, Reggie White and (tie for 10th) Sammy Baugh (1) and Deacon Jones.

A total of 27 players received at least one vote (14 on offense and 13 on defense). Dan Marino was a surprisingly low 14th with 9 points. Emmitt Smith received only one 10th-place vote. Rice was the only wide receiver to receive a vote. Players completely blanked included O.J. Simpson and Brett Favre.

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