Everyone has this one favorite player because of whom they started watching a particular sport. Being a lacrosse player and critic, Paul Rabil is the greatest lacrosse player of all time. However, that is my opinion because many debates go around about who is the real G.O.A.T of lacrosse!
Let’s not just throw our opinions out there. We should see what the stats are saying. Numbers don’t deceive, and you can’t get on top without surpassing the charts.
So, in this article, I am going to list the top five famous lacrosse players who dominate the charts with their absolute greatness, including the legends and current players.
My top 5 list of the greatest lacrosse players of all time might not resonate with you, but I come bearing stats and influence.
What Defines “The Greatest”?
Before I start listing the names, what sets the greatest lacrosse player of all time apart? Is it only the number of goals scored? Perhaps their ability to inspire teammates? Or maybe how much their game influences others worldwide?
Typically, greatness in lacrosse comes down to:
- Exceptional stick handling, shooting accuracy, and defensive prowess.
- Championships, MVP titles, and records.
- Impact on the game’s growth and popularity.
Based on all the above, let’s start with the list of the best lacrosse players.
Greatest Lacrosse Players of All Time – Top 5
1. John Grant Jr.
Years Active: 2020-2017 and 2019-2020
Achievements: Multiple NLL MVP awards, Mann Cup titles, and one of the all-time leading scorers in lacrosse history
A list of the greatest lacrosse players of all time, and John Grant Jr. not on top? That’s impossible. He was a man to look at when he played on the field. His unique playing style, blending finesse with power, has inspired countless players.
At 44, John Grant Jr. made an incredible comeback from retirement, shattering the league’s all-time scoring record. His comeback was the greatest thing ever that happened to me as a lacrosse fan at that time.
Even at that age, he was Denver’s third-highest scorer, racking up 21 goals and 18 assists.
In his 14-year career, he earned two MVP awards (2007, 2008), and three Offensive Player of the Year titles (2001, 2007, 2008), and played a key role in winning five MLL championships.
2. Jim Brown
- Years Active: 1954-1959
- Achievements: All-American at Syracuse, renowned for his athletic versatility.
We might not have seen Jim Brown play, but the stories that we all have heard about him are enough to convince us to count him as a legend.
Before he played NFL, he dominated lacrosse. Brown once said, “If pro lacrosse had been an option, I would have chosen that over football.” Just imagining the great Jim Brown as a lacrosse star is pretty exciting!
If you watch old clips of him playing, you realize that he was genuinely skilled, which makes his legacy even more impressive.
One fascinating fact is that Brown was ahead of his time with the underhand submarine shot, which wasn’t common in college lacrosse during his era. He’d skip the ball off the turf at 90 mph, scoring countless goals.
On top of that, he even played box lacrosse in Onondaga. Jim Brown was a trailblazer both on and off the field.
3. Gary Gait
- Years Active: 1987-2006
- Achievements: 3x NCAA Champion, 4x MLL All-Star
Gary Gait had to make this list—no question about it. The Air Gait is still one of the most iconic moments in lacrosse history. Gary played for what felt like forever, on just about every type of team imaginable, and he won everywhere he went.
Now, he’s dominating as a women’s lacrosse coach, where he’s still racking up victories. For years, he was the face of lacrosse, and honestly, no one wanted that to change.
What makes Gary stand out even more is his down-to-earth personality. He always made time to sign autographs and left fans amazed every time he stepped on the field.
Gary played in the MLL’s very first season at 34 years old, where he scored 30 goals and helped the Lizards win the league’s first championship. For the next four seasons, he served as a player-coach for the Bayhawks, winning two more championships.
His 2005 season was legendary. He was named both MLL MVP and championship game MVP, scoring six goals in the final. Talk about leaving your mark!
4. Paul Rabil
- Years Active: 2008-2021
- Achievements: 2x PLL MVP, PLL Founder
If you are a Gen Z kid and a lacrosse fan, then I am sure you would know Paul Rabil. He is one of the most famous lacrosse players, and for good reason.
He was a part of the league for 12 years and made his mark by founding the Premier Lacrosse League.
His achievements include a two-time MVP (2009, 2011), a three-time Offensive Player of the Year (2009, 2011, 2012), an eight-time All-Star, and a two-time league champion.
In 2018, he set a new record for career points, ending his MLL career with 571. He now holds the second-highest career points total, following Grant Jr.
He also shot one of the fastest lacrosse shots in lacrosse history at 111 mph in 2009.
5. Casey Powell
- Years Active: 1998-2016
Achievements: NCAA All-Time Leading Scorer at Syracuse, MLL MVP (2014), National Lacrosse Hall of Fame Inductee
Casey Powell was the first and only American to win NLL MVP in 2010 while playing for the Orlando Titans. Powell carved out a special place in lacrosse history.
He left the league for four years and returned stronger than ever in Anaheim, which makes him stand out. Despite facing setbacks, he always got back up and ultimately conquered.
In his last MLL game in 2016, he scored two goals and added an assist, securing his place as the league’s all-time points leader with 527 at the time. Although that record was later broken by John Grant Jr.,
Powell’s accomplishments include three league championships, an MLL MVP title in 2014, and two Offensive Player of the Year awards (2005, 2014).
If you want to learn more about professional lacrosse players, then you must read: How Much Do Professional Lacrosse Players Make?
People Also Ask
Who Was the Greatest Lacrosse Player of All Time?
The greatest lacrosse player of all time is subjective, but many consider Paul Rabil or John Grant Jr. for their records, achievements, and significant influence on the sport.
Is Paul Rabil the Best Lacrosse Player Ever?
Paul Rabil is widely regarded as one of the best lacrosse players, with two MVP titles, eight All-Star appearances, and a 111 mph shot, showcasing his incredible skill and contribution to the game.
Was Jim Brown the Greatest Lacrosse Player Ever?
Jim Brown is often mentioned as one of lacrosse’s greatest players due to his groundbreaking skills, athleticism, and legacy, making him a trailblazer in the sport’s early days.
Where Is Lacrosse the Most Popular?
Lacrosse is most popular in the United States and Canada, where the sport originated and continues to grow rapidly at high school and collegiate levels.
What Makes a Lacrosse Player the Greatest of All Time?
The greatest lacrosse players are defined by exceptional skill, achievements like MVP titles and championships, and their impact on popularizing and growing the sport worldwide.
There are many more famous lacrosse players whose records are set to make the list of greatest lacrosse players of all time, and I mentioned only 5 of them.
The world of lacrosse has many best lacrosse players, and as a lacrosse fan, it is always the more the merrier.
If you look at all these lacrosse players, you will notice that conventional is boring and you need to go above, beyond, and out of the box to make your mark.
