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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PITTSBURGH, PA. – NOVEMBER 16: James Harrison #92 of the Pittsburgh Steelers celebrates his saftey-causing sack against the San Diego Chargers at Heinz Field on November 16, 2008 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers beat the Chargers 11-10. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images) /

19. James Harrison

Harrison is remembered for being constantly fined, and actually being the poster child, for this new era of punishing players for violent hits.

Harrison had a number of devastating hits throughout his NFL career. He hit Browns receiver Mohamed Massaquai, which resulted in a concussion for the receiver and a fine for Harrison. The Steelers linebacker had a lot of his biggest hits against Cleveland. He was suspended for a hit on Colt McCoy in 2011- there were a lot of fines in the career of James Harrison.

While some may think of Harrison as a dirty player, he also had a fantastic career, specifically in the late 2000s-early 2010s. He made his first Pro Bowl in 2007, notching 8.5 sacks and forcing seven fumbles. 2008, though, was the best year of Harrison’s career. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year after totaling 16 sacks and leading the league with seven forced fumbles once again. He helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XLIII with his 100 yard interception return for a touchdown in that same season.

Harrison was a five-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro and was one of the best defenders, and hardest hitters, of his era.

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