Top 30 NFL players of the 1980s

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1980s

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 30: Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants in action against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game September 30, 1990 at The Meadowlands in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Taylor played for the Giants from 1981-93. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Safety Kenny Easley #45 of the Seattle Seahawks looks on from the field as he stands near linebacker Bruce Scholtz #58 during a playoff game against the Miami Dolphins at the Orange Bowl on December 29, 1984 in Miami, Florida. Miami defeated Seattle 31-10. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

17. Kenny Easley

The second straight Seahawk on the list was also one of the best defensive players of the decade. There are few highlight tapes more fun to watch from the 1980s than those of Kenny Easley. Watching him run around intercepting passes and dropping the shoulder into opponents in those old school Seahawks uniforms with the silver domes is exquisite to the eye.

Easley was one of the best defensive backs of his generation. From 1982 until his retirement after the 1987 season, he made it to five Pro Bowls, and was a First-Team All-Pro on three occasions. He intercepted seven passes in 1983 and made it two his second Pro Bowl. His 1984 season, though, was his absolute best. He led the NFL with 10 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns and winning Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

He repeated as both a Pro Bowler and All-Pro in 1985, having two interceptions that season. He retired following the 1987 season after just seven seasons in the league due to kidney disease. While his career was cut short, he is still recognized as one of the best safeties of all time.

He is a member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade team, and he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

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