Halloween 2016: Five scariest players in the NFL

2. James Harrison – Pittsburgh Steelers

Ever since his high school days, James Harrison has been a scary individual. During his senior year at Coventry High School in Ohio, he was suspended for challenging an assistant coach to a fight. After he returned from suspension, he found himself in court for allegedly shooting a BB gun towards a defensive coach in the locker room. There was clearly some issues that Harrison needed to address and it seemed like he did once his college career was over at Kent State.

Unfortunately, he displayed some behavioral issues during his initial stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. It led to him being cut a total of four times and he strongly considered not playing football. However, a second stint with the Steelers proved to be just what he needed as his career blossomed in 2007. Since that time, he’s been selected to five Pro Bowls and was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008.

His nightmare-inducing play reached its pinnacle in 2010 when it seemed like he was getting fined every week for illegal hits. Whether it was his flipping of Vince Young, knocking out two Cleveland Browns receivers in one game or numerous late hits to quarterbacks, players started to fear for their safety when Harrison was on the field. Another scary thing about James was his workout regime. When a man can leg press 1,100 pounds and plays volleyball with a medicine ball, then it takes the term scary to a whole new level.

James Harrison’s most popular nickname is “Silverback” and we all know that being in a cage with a silverback gorilla is beyond frightening. However, being in one with Harrison may be even worse.

1. Vontaze Burfict – Cincinnati Bengals

Most NFL players look intimidating due to their musculature and intense behavior on the field. Therefore, the best way to define who the scariest ones are is to observe their style of play. When it comes to that aspect, no player in the league may be scarier than Vontaze Burfict. He’s had the reputation of being a loose cannon and his actions have proven it throughout his young career.

Standing at 6’1″ and weighing 248 pounds, one can assume that Burfict is a strong man. Therefore, it’s scary to know that he’s committed violations such as hitting a defenseless receiver, hitting a player in the groin and allegedly twisting the ankles of players after a play was dead. The pinnacle of his unnecessary violation transgressions took place in 2016 AFC Wild Card game against the Steelers. Not only did he commit an illegal and intentional hit to Antonio Brown’s head, but it concussed the All-Pro receiver. It literally looked like he tried to end Brown’s life. The hit led to Burfict being fined and suspended for the first three games of this season.

To be fair, Burfict has promised to change his style of play after the incident with Brown. However, unless he suddenly decides to change careers and become a priest, he will still be feared by many players, especially quarterbacks. It’s not like he will dial down his intensity and take it easy on the opposition. He will simply avoid trying to decapitate players. However, this will not stop him from inflicting painful tackles and you never know what may happen during the heat of competition.

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As a result, Vontaze Burfict is the scariest player in the NFL as of today. He can literally be himself for Halloween and still generate blood-curdling screams.