Backyard Football 1999: The Definitive Character Ranking

S-Tier: The Untouchable Legends

These players are the undisputed titans of Backyard Football. They are first-round draft picks who can single-handedly take over a game and lead your team to glory.

• Pablo Sanchez: The GOAT conversation in any Backyard Sports game begins and ends with one name. “The Secret Weapon” is a football prodigy. Despite his small stature, Pablo possesses a perfect combination of blistering speed, uncanny agility, and a surprisingly powerful arm. He is the ultimate dual-threat quarterback, a shutdown defensive back, and a kick returner who is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. His versatility is unmatched, making him the most valuable player in the game without question.
• Pete Wheeler: If Pablo is the GOAT, Pete is the lightning bolt. Possessing the highest speed rating in the game, he is an absolute blur on the field. As a wide receiver, he can burn any defender for a deep touchdown. As a running back, he can turn any handoff into a massive gain. His speed also makes him a hawk on defense, capable of covering the entire field from the safety position. Pete’s offensive and defensive prowess make him an essential piece for any championship-caliber team.
• Kiesha Phillips: Kiesha is a physical force of nature. She combines excellent speed with tremendous strength, making her an elite running back who is nearly impossible to tackle in the open field. She is also a lockdown defender, capable of playing linebacker or defensive end and disrupting the opponent’s backfield on every play. Her athletic ability and tenacity make her a game-changer on both sides of the ball.

A-Tier: Elite Franchise Cornerstones

These players are All-Pro talents who can dominate their positions. While not quite on the transcendent level of the S-Tier, they are foundational pieces for any winning team in Backyard Football.

• Ricky Johnson: Ricky is the definition of a pure athlete. His incredible size and strength make him the best tight end in the game, a reliable target who can outmuscle any defender for the ball. On defense, he is a dominant lineman or linebacker, consistently stuffing the run and putting pressure on the quarterback. While not the fastest, his raw power and versatility make him a top-tier draft pick.
• Dmitri Petrovich: The brainiac of the group, Dmitri is a surprisingly effective and versatile football player. He is an excellent quarterback with a strong and accurate arm, but his true value lies in his all-around skills. He can run, catch, and play solid defense, making him a “swiss-army knife” that you can plug into any position to see results.
• Jocinda Smith: Nicknamed “MVP,” Jocinda is a phenomenal all-around player with a high football IQ. She is an outstanding wide receiver with great hands and the strength to break tackles after the catch. Defensively, her strong arm and instincts make her an elite linebacker or safety. She is a reliable and tough competitor who elevates the play of everyone around her.

B-Tier: High-Quality Starters

This tier represents the core of a great team in Backyard Football. These players are dependable starters with well-defined strengths that contribute to winning.

• Dante Robinson: Dante is an electrifying player whose game is built on speed. He is an excellent slot receiver and a dangerous kick returner. On defense, his speed makes him a premier cornerback, capable of shutting down the opponent’s best receiver. His infectious energy and big-play ability make him a valuable asset.
• Tony Delvecchio: Tony brings a cool swagger and a powerful arm to the quarterback position. He excels at throwing the deep ball and isn’t afraid to take risks to make a big play. He’s also a surprisingly tough runner. While his accuracy can be inconsistent, his big-play potential makes him a quality starting quarterback.
• Annie Frazier: A balanced and reliable player, Annie is solid in every phase of the game. She can play quarterback, running back, or receiver on offense and is a capable defender. While she doesn’t have one elite trait, her lack of weaknesses makes her a dependable player who won’t make mistakes.
• Stephanie Morgan: As the daughter of a pro, Stephanie has great fundamentals and a high football IQ. She is a sure-handed receiver and a smart, disciplined defensive player. Her consistency and leadership make her a valuable presence on the field and in the huddle.

C-Tier: Dependable Role Players

These kids have specific strengths and can contribute in the right scheme, but they also come with limitations that keep them out of the upper tiers.

• Ernie Steele: An excellent defender with great hands, making him a ball-hawking safety. However, he is a liability on offense due to his poor running and catching skills.
• Mikey Thomas: A powerful player who excels on the offensive and defensive lines. His lack of speed limits his impact, but he is a great run-blocker and pass-rusher.
• Vicki Kawaguchi: Her elite speed makes her a deep threat at receiver, but her poor catching ability means she will drop a lot of passes.
• Achmed Khan: A decent power runner and blocker, but his lack of speed and defensive ability makes him a one-dimensional player.

D-Tier: The Benchwarmers

These players have significant flaws that make it difficult for them to see the field on a competitive team in Backyard Football.

• The Webber Twins (Ashley & Sidney): While they get a small boost playing together, neither twin has the individual skill to warrant a roster spot over more talented players.
• Maria Luna: She has decent speed but struggles with catching and throwing, limiting her to a special teams role.
• Kimmy Eckman: A one-trick pony who can only contribute as a kicker. Her slowness makes her unplayable at any other position.
• Lisa Crocket: An all-around mediocre player with no standout skills.
• Billy Jean Blackwood: Her height is her only asset, but she lacks the speed and coordination to be an effective football player.

F-Tier: Last Pick in the Draft

These are the players you avoid at all costs in Backyard Football. Their stats are too low to make any meaningful contribution.

• Sally Dobbs: Lacks the strength and speed to compete effectively.
• Marky Dubois: His stats are among the worst in the game across the board.
• Reese Worthington: His asthma and small size make him a non-factor.
• Luanne Lui: The youngest player, she is simply too small and undeveloped to play.
• Jorge Garcia: His poor eyesight and terrible stats make him the consensus worst player in the game.