30 greatest NFL defensive players of all-time
By Daniel Tran
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.