Defensive players are the harbingers of pain in the NFL. Here is a list of the greatest NFL defensive players to ever play the game.
The NFL has the prestige of hosting one of the most violent sports in the world. Although the game has it’s beauty with the aerial attack and the grace of the ball carriers, the heart of the NFL is in the bone-crushing hits and fearsome power that it’s players deliver to one another week in and week out. Most of those punishing hits are delivered by the designated stoppers of the NFL: the defensive players.
Defensive players have the time-honored tradition of inflicting pain upon offensive players for the sole purpose of preventing the other team from scoring. These are the players that teams lean on during the cold winters of the NFL playoffs to stop other franchises from winning the NFL title that every player sweats and bleeds for every year. They say that offensive wins games, but it is the defense and it’s players that win championships.
There are warriors on the defensive side of the ball that have struck fear into many offensive players who want nothing more than to avoid them completely. It is imperative that the best players on defense receive recognition for the havoc and agony they inflicted upon other players.
The main parameters of this list are based on longevity and impact on their specific era of football. They can be active (which none coincidently were) or retired, inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame or not, but their greatness cannot be denied. Here are the greatest defensive players to ever play in the NFL.
Next: The Gap-Toothed Terror
30. Michael Strahan, Defensive End
In the salary cap era where cash strapped teams let go of players at the first hint of underperforming and players bolt for teams that offer more cash, rarely do you see one player stick with a single team for the duration of his career. Michael Strahan was a rare exception.
The gap-toothed terror from Texas Southern University played his entire 15-season career with the New York Giants and won a Super Bowl with the team in his final season. The fearsome pressure that he brought in that game was the dessert of the defensive feast that he provided for New York for the length of his career.
Strahan finished his career with 141.5 total sacks, ranking fifth all-time in the NFL. In 2001, he won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year on the strength of his record-breaking 22.5 sacks, the most sacks ever in a single season.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time First-team All-Pro selection, Strahan was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.
Next: (Practically) No-Toothed Terror
29. Jack Lambert, Middle Linebacker
If Michael Strahan were the gap-toothed terror, Jack Lambert would be the barely-toothed behemoth. Jack Lambert and his signature in-game snarl featuring four missing front teeth terrorized and intimidated opponents from the middle linebacker position where he made a reputation of lighting up receivers coming over the middle of the field.
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Initially thought too small to play in the NFL, the 6’4, (rookie year listed) 204-pound Lambert would use his speed to be the classic middle linebacker in the Tampa Two defense for the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would cover and destroy any receiver that dared to roam into his zone of the field. He would end his 11-year career with 28 interceptions and 1,479 tackles.
Lambert’s list of accomplishments is fitting for a player who was a critical cog of four Super Bowl teams. He was named NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and later won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. He was also named to two NFL All-Decade teams (1970s and 1980s) and was a part of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team.
After nine Pro Bowl and six First-team All-Pro selections, Lambert was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.
Next: The All-time Ball Hawk
28. Paul Krause, Defensive Back
In an era when quarterbacks were not throwing the ball like it was a plague-laden leather contraption, safety Paul Krause made the most of his opportunities. Playing both wide receiver and defensive back at Iowa, Krause was one of the first players to pioneer the term “ball hawk.”
In his first season in the NFL, Krause amassed 12 interceptions, which lead the NFL, and had two fumble recoveries for the Washington Redskins, earning him a First-team All-Pro selection his rookie year. It would not be the first time that Krause would be mentioned with the best of the NFL during that era.
Krause ended his 16-year career with the Minnesota Vikings, but not before he was selected to eight All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections. His ability to make plays on the ball resulted in 81 career interceptions, a mark that has never been reached by any other player.
He also won an NFL Championship in 1969 with the Redskins and was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Next: Off the rails on a crazy (night) train
27. Dick “Night Train” Lane, Defensive Back
There was a reason that Richard Lane was given the nickname “Night Train.” Yes, Tom Fears incessant playing of Buddy Morrow’s “Night Train” when Lane would get tutored on the game of football was most likely the origin of the moniker, but it was Lane and his freight train-like power that helped the nickname stick.
Lane was known for his overwhelming strength from the defensive back position where he made a living out of punishing receivers and ball carriers. After spending four years in the United States Army, that toughness and grit was not surprising.
Though he was powerful, Lane was not a one-trick magician on the football field. He also possessed great speed and ball skills, which were evident when he initially tried out for the Los Angeles Rams as a wide receiver. After making the switch to defensive back, Lane was able to translate those skills to be one of the greatest interception machines ever.
In his rookie season with the Rams, Lane picked off a NFL record 14 passes in 12 games. After playing for the Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions, he ended his 14-year career with 68 interceptions (4th best ever), seven Pro Bowl selections, six First-team All-Pro selections, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Next: Going Ham
26. Jack Ham, Outside Linebacker
In many NFL circles, Jack Ham maybe the best outside linebacker ever to play the game. With his special mix of speed, strength, and intelligence, Ham was able to assist the Pittsburgh Steelers to four Super Bowl titles during his tenure.
If there were one word to describe Ham’s skill set, it would be versatile. He was always in position to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback (25 sacks), but where he really made an impact was turning the ball over.
Ham used his quickness to break for passes in the air and intercepted the ball 32 times in his career, which ranks third among linebackers. He also recovered 21 fumbles, resulting in an NFL record 53 total takeaways for a non-defensive back.
Playing alongside Jack Lambert, who is No. 29 on this list, Ham was selected to eight Pro Bowls and six First-team All-Pro teams. He was also inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Next: The Little Lion
25. Joe Schmidt, Linebacker
If NFL experts thought Jack Lambert was too small to play in the NFL, Joe Schmidt must have been miniscule to the Detroit Lions when they drafted him in the seventh round of the NFL draft in 1953. As it turns out, 6’0, 195 pounds is good enough to be one of the best linebackers ever.
After recovering a then-NFL record eight fumbles in 1955, Schmidt became the defensive captain for the Detroit Lions in 1956 and earned Defensive Player of the Year in 1957. Despite his size, he ended his career with 24 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
After 13 seasons in the NFL with the Detroit Lions, Schmidt finished his career with 10 Pro Bowl selections, eight First-team All-Pro selections, and two NFL Championships. In 1973, Schmidt was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Detroit Lion after coaching the team from 1967-1972.
Next: The Italian-American War Hero
24. Andy Robustelli, Defensive End
When Andy Robustelli played football at Arnold College in Milford, Connecticut, and picked in the nineteenth round of the 1951 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, it was an understatement to say that he was a long shot to make the roster. Through pure grit and determination he acquired while fighting in the Pacific Theater of World War II, he became a stud defensive lineman that would dominate the NFL.
Considered small at the defensive end position, the 6’0, 230-pound Robustelli used his never-ending motor and unquestioned toughness to put pressure on the quarterback and stop any ball carrier that wandered onto his side of the field. He won two NFL Championships with two different teams (1951 Rams, 1956 New York Giants) and recovered 22 fumbles.
In 1962, Robustelli became one of the only defensive players to win the NFL MVP award and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.
Next: Pittsburgh B.S.C. (Before Steel Curtain)
23. Ernie Stautner, Defensive Lineman
Before the Steel Curtain, there was Ernie Stautner who was bullying offensive linemen in the trenches of the NFL for the Pittsburgh Steelers. If fans want to know where the Steelers tradition of tenacious, hard hitting defensive players came from, Stautner was one of the first.
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After growing up an immigrant in New York and joining the United States Marine Corp, Stautner had no choice but to grow up toughened by his circumstances. After attending Boston College and being drafted by the Steelers in the second round, Stautner went on to become a nine-time Pro-Bowler and ten-time All-Pro selection.
Though he was considered small, the 6’1, 235-pound lineman used his determination to put amazing pressure on the quarterback and ball carriers coming out of the backfield. He finished his career with two Super Bowl Championships, 23 fumbles recovered, and retired as the career leader in safeties with three.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
Next: The Last Two-Way Star
22. Chuck Bednarik, Linebacker
There is nobody quite like Chuck Bednarik on this list. Bednarik is the last regular two-way player that played in the NFL, playing snaps at both linebacker and center for the duration of his 14-year career with the Philadelphia Eagles.
It was not just the length of his playing career that was impressive. Although Bednarik was the NFL’s last “60-Minute Men,” he managed to stay healthy enough to play all but three games in his career.
Bednarik toughness most likely stems from the time he spent in the United States Air Force where he spent four years flying 30 combat missions over Germany during World War II. After the war, Bednarik attended the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia where his versatility made him a three-time All-American.
After winning two NFL Championships in 1949 and 1960, and finishing his career with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962, Bednarik had been selected to eight Pro Bowls, ten All-Pro teams and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
21. Ted Hendricks, Linebacker
A lot of the names so far on this list have been scrappy little players that made the most of their limited stature to become great players in the NFL. Ted Hendricks was by no means a little player.
Standing at an imposing 6’7, Hendricks lived up to his “Mad Stork” nickname, using his long limbs and athletic ability to negatively affect the offense. In his career, Hendricks had 60.5 unofficial sacks (the stat was not awarded to individuals until 1982), 26 interceptions. He was also a monster defending field goals and punts, using his length to block 25 kicks in his career.
The four-time Super Bowl Champion was named to eight Pro Bowls, selected to nine All-Pro teams by the time his career was finished. The Pro Football Hall of Fame gave him a call in 1990 letting him know he was going to be immortalized in their facility.
Next: D.T. goes H.A.R.D.
20. Derrick Thomas, Linebacker
When Lawrence Taylor’s career was beginning to wind down, a lot of NFL fans were wondering who was going to be the next pass rushing star in the League. Enter Derrick Thomas.
In the first round of the 1989 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs drafted Derrick Thomas. Thomas’ impact was felt immediately.
Using incredible explosiveness and speed, Thomas recorded 10 sacks, three forced fumbles, and a Pro Bowl selection during his rook campaign. The next season, Thomas exploded for 20 sacks and 6 forced fumbles and established himself as the next big thing in terms of pass rushing in the NFL.
Though his career was tragically cut short by complications resulting from an automobile accident, Thomas still accumulated 126.5 sacks and recorded 41 forced fumbles in his 11-year career. He was also selected to nine Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams.
Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Next: The Lion from Lucca
19. Leo Nomellini, Defensive Tackle
After fighting in World War II with the United States Marine Corp and playing football while at war, Leo Nomellini subsequently attended to Minnesota where he became a two-time All-American. After playing out his scholarship, Nomellini made the jump to the NFL in 1950.
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1950, Nomellini would earn the nickname “the Lion” for his gutsy play through out his career and it was no surprise why. The gritty player from Lucca, Italy would go on to play every game of his 14-year career playing as both an offensive and defensive tackle.
Nomellini would go on to have a fruitful career, being selected to ten Pro Bowls. He was also featured on nine All-Pro teams; some for his stubborn play on the defensive line and some for his equally tenacious play on the offensive line.
Nomellini would never win a championship, but his toughness on both sides of the ball contributed to his Pro Football Hall of Fame selection in 1969.
Next: 50 is the Mike
18. Mike Singletary, Linebacker
Another “diminutive” player by NFL standards, Mike Singletary was another player that showed that size was just a number. Though he was a two-time All-American at Baylor, teams still shied away from him due to his 6’0, 230-pound frame. He responded by being one of the most feared linebackers of all time.
Singletary spent the entirety of his 12-year career with Chicago Bears after being picked in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft. He was the heart of the Monsters of the Midway defense that won Super Bowl XX and eventually earned the nickname Samurai Mike for his intense focus and intimidating demeanor on the field.
Singletary would go on to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career and be selected to 10 Pro Bowls and eight First-team All-Pro teams. After amassing 1,488 tackles, 19 sacks, and 12 fumble recoveries for his career, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.
Next: Randy White
17. Randy White, Defensive Tackle
Somehow, on a defense with Harvey Martin and Ed “Too Tall” Jones, Randy White stood out the most. His combination of agility and speed at the position made him a nightmare for opposing linemen and quarterbacks alike.
After being picked in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys in 1975, Randy White would play mostly on special teams and backup starting linebacker Lee Roy Jordan for the next two years. When Jordan retired, White was moved to the defensive tackle position and never looked back.
White would be selected to nine Pro Bowls and First-team All-Pro teams during his 14-year career. He was also named Co-MVP of Super Bowl XII with fellow defenseman Harvey Martin.
For playing such a punishing position, White would only miss one game for the entirety of his career. That kind of durability would allow him to impact the game with 1,104 tackles, 111.0 unofficial sacks, and a Hall of Fame induction in 1994.
Next: Prime Time Defender
16. Deion Sanders, Cornerback
If you want a perfect model for the brash, self-confident, self-promoting NFL in the 90s, look no further than Deion “Prime Time” Sanders. Drafted in 1989 by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round, Sanders instantly made an impact with five interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a punt return for a touchdown during his rookie season. That would only be the beginning for “Neon” Deion.
Armed with unheard of speed and incredible athleticism, Sanders would become the greatest one on one cornerback ever, shutting down any wide receiver he was tasked to guard without any help. His defensive prowess would allow him to intercept the ball 53 times in his 14-year career. Defense was not the only way he would hurt you, either.
Sanders would also pick teams apart on special teams where he has nine total return touchdowns for his career. He even played on the offensive side of the ball where he had three career touchdown receptions. Sanders, it seemed, could do it all.
The question about Sanders is what could have been if he did not lose three years to playing baseball. However, it is all a moot point after Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
15. Emlen Tunnell, Defensive Back
Before there was Deion Sanders, there was Emlen Tunnell. Tunnell may have lacked the outward confidence of Sanders, but he had nearly the same skill set as Prime Time during the span of his 14-year career.
Like Sanders, Tunnell excelled at defending the pass and had a knack for coming up with the ball. During his tenure with the New York Giants and Green Bay Packers, Tunnell intercepted the ball 79 times, leading the NFL at the time of his retirement in 1960. He was also very adept at recovering loose balls, retrieving 16 fumbles for his career.
Tunnell also took some snaps on the offensive end, but his play on special teams was where he made a bigger impact. Tunnell scored six total return touchdowns in his career and led the league with 489 punt return yards in 1951.
After being selected to nine Pro Bowls and eight All-Pro teams, Tunnell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967; the first African-American to do so.
Next: Open wide and Seau
14. Junior Seau, Linebacker
In San Diego, California, there are two sports figures that are universally revered from the sandy beaches of Oceanside all the way down to the border town of San Ysidro: Tony Gwynn and Junior Seau. Seau was born and raised in America’s Finest City and dominated NFL teams during his career there.
Noted for leadership ability and on field intensity, Seau played 13 impressive seasons in San Diego before moving on to the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots. He finished his 20-year career with 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks, and 18 interceptions.
A 12-time Pro Bowler, eight-time First-team All-Pro selection, and NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Seau leaves a lasting legacy in San Diego and the rest of the NFL. His tragic suicide still weighs heavy on a lot of people’s minds about the dangers of head injuries in the game and has provided evidence towards actions to make football a safer game.
He will be honored with a Hall of Fame election sooner rather than later.
Next: Rod Woodson
13. Rod Woodson, Defensive Back
There may not have been a more productive defensive back than Rod Woodson. His unbelievable athleticism (10.26 100-meter dash) allowed him to make big plays and become one of the greatest shows in the NFL.
For eight of his 17-year career, Woodson was tasked with return duties, scoring four touchdowns for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In addition to being a good return man, his defensive skills also put him on the road to greatness.
Woodson spent his career playing for the Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders. He finished with 71 interceptions (third all time), 12 of which he returned for touchdowns, which is an NFL record. He also recovered 32 fumbles and had 1,163 tackles.
In order to extend his career, Woodson made the switch from cornerback to safety where he led the league in interceptions twice. After being selected to participate in 11 Pro Bowls and selected to six First-team All-Pro teams, Woodson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Next: Hall of Fame Amputee
12. Ronnie Lott, Defensive Back
There may be more productive defensive backs than Ronnie Lott, but there are not any defensive backs tougher than Ronnie Lott. A product of the University of Southern California, Lott played with a determination that made him one of the most feared defensive players of all time.
After starting his career in 1981 as a cornerback, Lott made the switch to free safety in 1985 where he could better see what was going on in front of him so he could either make an explosive hit or intercept the ball. Lott finished with 63 career interceptions (five being returned for touchdowns) and credited with 17 fumble recoveries. It was that sort of awareness that made him nearly unstoppable on defense.
Once his awareness was paired with that unequaled resilience, Lott was guaranteed to be an all-time great. In one game against the Dallas Cowboys in 1985, Lott had his pinky finger amputated mid game when it was crushed tackling running back Timmy Newsome. That moment would be the most indicative of Lott’s legendary toughness.
After winning four super bowls and being named to 10 Pro Bowls, Lott was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
Next: Fearsome Olsen
11. Merlin Olson, Defensive Tackle
Every one talks about Deacon Jones (for good reason) and his production on the Fearsome Foursome defensive line of the Los Angeles Rams, but Merlin Olsen was the guy in the middle that helped Jones get all those sacks. In fact, it was Olsen and not Jones that won the NFL MVP in 1974, one of the rare defensive players to ever win the award.
Olsen played all 15 years of his productive career in Los Angeles with the Rams. He was a 14-time Pro Bowler and selected to nine All-Pro teams. Olsen may have played one of the more grueling positions in the NFL, but he never missed a game in his entire career.
Always an intelligent player, Olsen would be able to diagnose screen passes or draws quickly and led a defense that allowed the fewest yards ever in a 14 game season during the 1968 season. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1982.
Next: His Fearsome Teammate
10. Deacon Jones, Defensive End
It would not feel right to have a list of the greatest defensive players ever and not have Deacon Jones in his appropriate position next to Merlin Olsen. Jones spent a great 10 seasons alongside Merlin in the Fearsome Foursome and his career was a product of that on-field chemistry.
One revolutionary aspect of Jones game was the art of the sack. Credited with coining the term, Jones made a living out of destroying offensive linemen and then subsequently destroying the quarterback. His patented head slap to the offensive linemen was the signature start to most of his successful rushes to the quarterback. He coupled the slap with an incredible first step to terrorize quarterbacks weekly.
The sack was not a statistic that was credited to individual players until 1982. However, according to Pro Football Weekly, if Deacon Jones’ sacks were all accounted for, he would have finished his 14-year career with 173.5 sacks; first on the all-time list when he retired.
Jones finished his career with eight Pro Bowl and eight All-Pro selections. He also won Defensive Player of the Year in back-to-back years in 1967 and 1968, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Next: The Don
9. Gino Marchetti, Defensive End
In 1972, Gino Marchetti was voted as the greatest defensive end ever by the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he was elected in that year. There are still some today that would agree with that assessment.
Marchetti spent about three years in the United States Army fighting in World War II. After finishing his service, he attended Modesto Junior College and then transferred to the University of San Francisco where helped the Dons to an undefeated season in 1951. Marchetti was then drafted by the New York Yanks (which would turn into the Dallas Texans) in the second round of the 1952 NFL Draft, beginning a superstar career.
Marchetti would go on to help the Baltimore Colts (formerly the Dallas Texans) win two consecutive championships, get selected to 11 Pro Bowls and 10 All-Pro teams. He was so good that opposing coach Sid Gillman of the Los Angeles Rams would say that it was a waste of time running a play towards Marchetti’s side. That kind of fear and respect is rare to find even in today’s NFL.
Next: Purple People Eater, Esq.
8. Alan Page, Defensive Tackle
When you are born in Canton, Ohio (the site of the Pro Football Hall of Fame), and you play football, there is a special kind of motivation for you to make an immortal homecoming and be enshrined in your town’s most recognizable football facility. Alan Page made it home with that honor.
Born in Canton, (the now Honorable) Alan Page was an integral part of the notorious “Purple People Eaters” defense with the Minnesota Vikings. He made a living off pressing the quarterback with his colleagues on the defensive line, collecting 148.5 unofficial sacks for in his career. It was not just his sack numbers that were impressive; it was also his durability that is notable.
Page played in 218 consecutive games for the Vikings and the Chicago Bears. His production and reliability allowed him to earn an NFL MVP award in 1971, and the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1971 and 1973.
After nine Pro-Bowl and All-Pro selections, Page was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988.
Next: Doomsday Device
7. Bob Lilly, Defensive Lineman
Before Randy White, Harvey Martin, and Ed “Too Tall” Jones, there was the Doomsday Defense of the Dallas Cowboys that was led by Bob Lilly. After beginning his career as a defensive end, head coach Tom Landry moved Lilly to the defensive tackle position and the rest is history.
Lilly played 196 straight games for the Dallas Cowboys and anchored an intimidating defense that required teams to double team him, freeing up his teammates to work one on one more often. He used the unorthodox four-point stance when rushing the quarterback, which allowed him to use his agility more effectively.
Lilly amassed 94.5 sacks and earned 11 Pro Bowl and nine All-Pro selections during his 14-year career. He also helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl VI with a record-setting 29-yard sack of Miami Dolphin’s quarterback Bob Griese.
Mr. Cowboy, as he was affectionately known was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.
Next: Buffalo Sack Master
6. Bruce Smith, Defensive End
One of the best pass rushers ever, Bruce Smith was an intimidating force for the Buffalo Bills during their (ultimately unsuccessful) four-year Super Bowl run. Though they never got over the hump to actually win football’s biggest game, Bruce Smith still established himself as one of the most unstoppable pass rushers ever.
During his incredible 19-year tenure in the NFL, Bruce Smith accrued an NFL-record 200 sacks for his career and 1,225 tackles. He also recovered 15 fumbles and accounted for two safeties in regular season and one safety in the Super Bowl, becoming one of only five players accomplish that feat.
Those impressive numbers earned Smith seven different Defensive Player of Year awards and he was also named to the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Teams. The accolades continued to pile up for Smith when he was selected to 11 Pro Bowls and All-Pro teams.
In 2009, Bruce Smith was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Next: The Minster of Defense
5. Reggie White, Defensive Lineman
At 6’5, 300 pounds, there should be no way that Reggie White was as fluid or as quick as he was. And yet, here we are talking about one of the greatest defensive lineman and sack masters to ever play football.
Reggie White lost two years playing in the USFL before it folded and then he began playing for the Philadelphia Eagles. There is no way to really know what he could have done in those two years but it is a safe bet that White would have improved on his record setting 198 total sack number and made it tougher for Bruce Smith to break his record. Fun fact: it took White 15 seasons to set that record; it took Smith 19 to break it.
He also contributed 1,112 tackles during his time with the Eagles, Green Bay Packers, and Carolina Panthers, and showed off his athleticism by successfully swatting 13 passes in 1991, a NFL record at the time. He was also awarded the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1987 and 1998.
An ordained minister, he was often referred to as the Minister of Defense and was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 after accumulating 13 Pro Bowl and 13 All-Pro selections.
4. Ray Lewis, Linebacker
There are few undisputed leaders in the modern NFL locker room. When he was playing, there was no doubt that when Ray Lewis spoke, everyone listened (well, most of the time).
There was good reason to listen, too. Lewis looked to motivate the Baltimore Ravens with his inspiring speeches and equally inspiring play. Lewis had a nose for the ball and the ball carrier, collecting 2,055 tackles for his career and intercepting the ball 31 times. He also accounted for 41.5 sacks and forced 17 fumbles.
The two-time Super Bowl Champion (and one-time Super Bowl MVP) played 17 seasons in the NFL, all of them with the Ravens. His ability to lead has been his greatest strength and helped him earn 13 Pro Bowl and 10 All-Pro selections. He also gained enough recognition to win two Defensive Player of the Year Awards.
He is not currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but he will be eventually.
Next: Hey, Kid. Catch
3. Joe Greene, Defensive Tackle
Joe Greene was the nastiest dude on a Pittsburgh Steelers defense known as the Steel Curtain. Think about that for a second. There was a defense that was so incredible that they named it after a Cold War ideological conflict and he was basically the chairman of that defense. Greene was a bad man.
Known for his anger on the field, Greene intimidated many opponents with his 6’4, 275-pound frame. He once allegedly kicked a Cleveland Browns player in the groin during one of his flare-ups and the name “Mean” Joe Greene became a fitting moniker.
Greene is widely considered to be the best defensive tackle that has ever set foot on the gridiron and it is a reputation that was well earned. Greene earned two Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1972 and 1974. He ended his 13-year career with 78.5 sacks and 16 fumble recoveries and four Super Bowl Championships with the Steelers.
After being named to 11 Pro Bowls and eight All-Pro teams, Greene was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1987.
Next: The Most Feared Man in Football
2. Dick Butkus, Linebacker
We talked about “Mean” Joe Greene in the last slide, but Dick Butkus was mean before there was Joe Greene. Growing up in Chicago’s notorious south side, Butkus acquired a toughness and nastiness about him that would become tantamount to Chicago Bears football for a long time.
Butkus played with a fury that had never been seen before and it resulted in eight Pro Bowls and All-Pro selections. He routinely led the team in a number of defensive categories like tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumbles recovered.
Though he only played nine years, Butkus recovered 27 fumbles, which was an NFL record at the time. His ability to rip the ball out of ball carriers hands resulted in his being named the “Most Feared Man in the Game” by Sports Illustrated in 1970.
Knee injuries ended Butkus’ career, but his time in the NFL impacted the mentality of the defense that was being played at the time and earned him a trip to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.
Next: Laying down the Law-rence
1. Lawrence Taylor, Linebacker
There is no question that Lawrence Taylor was the best defensive player to ever play the game. Looking at the game tape, there is no one that has the same combination of lightning speed and (literal) bone-breaking power that Taylor possesses.
His uncanny ability to get to the quarterback actually caused offensive coordinators to rethink entire blocking schemes just to stop him and he was still able to sack the quarterback at an incredible rate. In 13 seasons of play, Lawrence racked up 132.5 sacks and won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants.
In 1986, Taylor would win the NFL MVP on the strength of a then-NFL record 20.5 sacks for the season. He also garnered NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards a record three times.
Sure, there may be players with better sack numbers, tackles, or interceptions, but when it came to game changing defensive players that no team had an answer for, the 1999 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee was one of the only players that made the league adjust to him.