Top 25 hardest hitters in NFL history

Detroit Lions player Barry Sanders (L) is tackled by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defender John Lynch (R) after a short pass reception in the first quarter of their game 07 September at the Silverdome in Pontiac, MI. AFP PHOTO/Matt CAMPBELL (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL / AFP) (Photo by MATT CAMPBELL/AFP via Getty Images) /

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SAN DIEGO, : Bernie Parmalee of the Miami Dolphins (C) is gang-tackled by San Diego Chargers from (L): John Parrella, Junior Seau and Dennis Gibson during their 08 January playoff game in San Diego, CA. The Chargers’ defense didn’t allow Miami to score in the second half as the Chargers won 22-21. (COLOR KEY: Chargers wear blue). (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images) /

Football is a violent game played by incredibly athletic, and hard-hitting, individuals. These players stood out among the hardest-hitting in NFL history.

It seems that the more time goes on, the less physical of a league the NFL becomes. Long gone are the days “NFL’s Hardest Hits” VHS tapes, but there have evidently been some absolute wrecking balls that have plagued offenses with their bloodthirsty brutality. These are the 25 hardest hitters in NFL history.

Who are the hardest hitters in NFL history?

25. Junior Seau

Junior Seau was the face of the San Diego Chargers for 13 seasons. From when he was drafted No. 5 overall out of USC in 1990 until his retirement following the 2009 season, Seau was one of the best, and most beloved, players in the NFL.

He was a star almost instantly. He was named a Pro Bowler in his second season in 1991, totaling 129 tackles and seven sacks from his inside linebacker position. From 1992-94, he made the Pro Bowl every year and was named All-Pro in each season, as well. Seau played a huge part in the Chargers upset win in the AFC Championship Game over the Steelers that sent them to the Super Bowl.

Seau continued to dominate throughout the 1990s and into the 2000s. He was selected to his final Pro Bowl in 2002, which would also be his final year with the Chargers. He spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins before finishing out his career with the New England Patriots from 2006-09.

It goes without say that it is hard to glorify Seau being such a big hitter because of what we know now- by no means is this attempting to ignore the manner in which he lost his life. That said, everything that he accomplished earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015 where he will forever be recognized as one of the game’s all-time greats.

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