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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SAN FRANCISCO, CA-CIRCA 1989: Ronnie Lott of the San Francisco 49ers takes a break on the sidelines at Candlestick Park circa 1989 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Owen C. Shaw/Getty Images) /

6. Ronnie Lott

There will be no harping on the fact that Ronnie Lott cut off his own pinky- that was already done in the Top Players of the 1900s list (go read that by the way). Right off the bat, Lott was one of the best defensive backs in the NFL. In his rookie year of 1981, Lott was named First-Team All-Pro. He notched seven interceptions, returning three of them for touchdowns. He made four consecutive Pro Bowls from 1981-84, and made a total of eight appearances throughout the decade.

In 1986, Lott led the NFL with 10 interceptions while playing in just 14 games. He also forced three fumbles that season. He had five interceptions the next season in 1987, and was once again named first-team All-Pro for his play.

The legendary 49ers safety was the best defensive player on the 49ers’ teams that won four Super Bowls throughout the course of the 1980s. He made it to 10 Pro Bowls, and was a six-time All-Pro in that span, as well. He was selected as a member of the 1980s All-Decade team, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000 alongside teammate Joe Montana.

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