All the obvious ones were already mentioned. A few have said it, but people seem to forget that Lawrence Taylor in the original Tecmo Bowl was the defensive version of Bo in that game. And good luck making an extra point or FG.
One that hasn't been mentioned is Mario Lemieux in NHL '95.
Also, Kordell Stewart in Bill Walsh '95 was my equivalent to Vick's '04 Madden. Kordell with Rashaan Salaam in the backfield was too much to handle at once.
Karl Malone and Alvin Robertson had unstoppable signature moves in Bulls vs. Lakers.
the right answer on video game football imo is half here.
I forgot about this one.
after thinking about it for a while on the football side.
as i knew i did not remember seeing him mentioned till the post i quoted.
ea sports college football 1996
KORDELL STEWART ON COLORADO = GREATEST FOOTBAL VIDEOGAME PLAYER EVER.
better than bo in tecmo bowl.
as bo was the same as Walter, and roger Craig and LT on defense.
STEWART = more than likely the video game precursor.
to what would become Vick in the year 2004-2007 madden
art barr