The 2010s were loaded with dominant offensive lines, and at the center of it all were the guys snapping the ball. The best centers of this decade were more than just reliable; they were the brains of the line, calling protections, keeping quarterbacks upright, and clearing paths for star running backs. These men defined toughness, leadership, and consistency throughout the decade.

1. Travis Frederick

1. Travis Frederick
Wisconsin offensive lineman Travis Frederick blocks Illinois Akeem Spence during the third quarter of their game Saturday, October 6, 2012 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Wisconsin beat Illinois 31-14. Credit: MARK HOFFMAN/[email protected]

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2013–2019)

Career Highlights: First-team All-Pro (2016), 2x Second-team All-Pro (2014, 2015), 5x Pro Bowl (2014–2017, 2019)

2. Rodney Hudson

2. Rodney Hudson
Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals center Rodney Hudson (61) gets ready before a home game against the Seattle Seahawks. Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2011–2014), Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2015–2020), Arizona Cardinals (2021–2022)

Career Highlights: Second-team All-Pro (2019), 3x Pro Bowl (2016, 2017, 2019), Jacobs Blocking Trophy (2009)

3. Ryan Kalil

3. Ryan Kalil
Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers center Ryan Kalil (67) runs on to the field at Bank of America Stadium. Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2007–2018), New York Jets (2019)

Career Highlights: 2x First-team All-Pro (2013, 2015), Second-team All-Pro (2011), 5x Pro Bowl (2009–2011, 2013, 2015)

4. Jason Kelce

4. Jason Kelce
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce (62) walks off the field after a victory against the Washington Football Team at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (2011–2023)

Career Highlights: Super Bowl champion (LII), 6x First-team All-Pro (2017–2019, 2021–2023), 7x Pro Bowl (2014, 2016, 2019–2023)

5. Alex Mack

5. Alex Mack
Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers center Alex Mack (50) stands on the field before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Levi’s Stadium. Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Cleveland Browns (2009–2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016–2020), San Francisco 49ers (2021)

Career Highlights: 3x Second-team All-Pro (2013, 2016, 2017), 7x Pro Bowl (2010, 2013, 2015–2018, 2021), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

6. Nick Mangold

6. Nick Mangold
Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: New York Jets (2006–2016)

Career Highlights: 2x First-team All-Pro (2009, 2010), Second-team All-Pro (2011), 7x Pro Bowl (2008–2011, 2013–2015)

7. Chris Myers

7. Chris Myers
Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans center Chris Myers (55) on the sidelines during the fourth quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Denver Broncos (2005–2007), Houston Texans (2008–2014)

Career Highlights: 2x Pro Bowl (2011, 2012)

8. Maurkice Pouncey

8. Maurkice Pouncey
Glendale, AZ, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (53) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (2010–2020)

Career Highlights: 2x Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII), 3x First-team All-Pro (1999, 2000, 2003), 5x Pro Bowl (1997–2000, 2003)

9. Mike Pouncey

9. Mike Pouncey
London, United Kingdom; Los Angeles Chargers center Mike Pouncey (53) on the sidelines against the Tennessee Titans in the second half during an NFL International Series game at Wembley Stadium. The Chargers defeated the Titans 20-19. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Miami Dolphins (2011–2017), Los Angeles Chargers (2018–2020)

Career Highlights: 4x Pro Bowl (2013–2015, 2018), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2011)

10. Max Unger

10. Max Unger
Orchard Park, NY, USA; New Orleans Saints center Max Unger (60) against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Teams: Seattle Seahawks (2009–2014), New Orleans Saints (2015–2018)

Career Highlights: Super Bowl champion (XLVIII), First-team All-Pro (2012), 3x Pro Bowl (2012, 2013, 2018)

Conclusion

Conclusion
Paradise, Nevada, USA; NFC center Alex Mack of the San Francisco 49ers (50) readies the ball against the AFC during the fourth quarter during the Pro Bowl football game at Allegiant Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

From Jason Kelce’s athleticism to Alex Mack’s steadiness and Maurkice Pouncey’s leadership, the 2010s gave us centers who were both anchors and innovators. They kept high-powered offenses running smoothly and proved why the position is one of the most important in football year after year.