Jerry Rice, Walter Payton and the 30 best HBCU football players of all time

6. Robert Brazile, defensive end/outside linebacker, Jackson State University

Brazile’s nickname, “Doctor Doom,” should get him on this list. However, much like Deacon Jones, who precedes him on this list, Brazile changed how his position is played. Before Lawrence Taylor became arguably the greatest outside linebacker in football history, Brazile terrorized quarterbacks.

Brazile played for Jackson State’s talented 1974 team. Three players from that team, Brazile, Walter Payton, and Jackie Slater, are all enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Starting as a tight end, Brazile switched to linebacker in 1972 to take advantage of his combination of size and speed. Besides, you couldn’t call a tight end, Dr. Doom.

While at Jackson State, Brazile was an All-American in 1974, setting the school record for tackles in one season (129)  and received an invitation to the Senior Bowl. Brazile also led the SWAC in interceptions the same season.

Brazile was impressive enough for the Oilers to draft him sixth overall in the 1975 NFL Draft. Bum Phillips, who drafted Brazile, switched to a 3-4 defense, which fit Brazile perfectly.

Phillips and Brazile popularized sending the outside linebacker off of the edge to rush the passer years before Lawrence Taylor perfected the art. Unofficially, Brazile has 48 career sacks.

Brazile was not simply a pass-rush specialist. The Jackson State standout ended his career with 13 interceptions and 14 fumble recoveries.