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30 greatest NFL defensive players of all-time

By Daniel Tran

Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants former players Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson listen to Michael Strahan (left) speak to fans after receiving his NFL Hall of Fame ring during half time ceremony at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 3, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants former players Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson listen to Michael Strahan (left) speak to fans after receiving his NFL Hall of Fame ring during half time ceremony at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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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

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