3 legendary NFL defenders who changed their position

PASADENA - JANUARY 25 : Linebacker Lawrence Taylor #56 of the New York Giants looks over to the sideline against the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXlI at the Rose Bowl on January 25, 1987 in Pasadena, California. The Giants defeated the Broncos 39-20. (Photo by Nate Fine/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) /

NFL defenders that changed the game: 3. Ronnie Lott, DB, San Francisco 49ers

Before Ronnie Lott exchanged his USC Colors for the Scarlet and Gold of the San Francisco 49ers, the secondary in the Bay Area could be compared to the revolving door of the Plaza Hotel in Home Alone 2.

In and out players went, there was no form of consistency. So much so that head coach Bill Walsh, defensive coordinator George Seifert, and defensive backs coach Ray Rhodes knew they needed to fix it quickly. So, in typical Walh fashion, he got his guys all at once. Lott in Round 1 back in 1981, and Eric Wright and Carlton Williamson in Round 2. The other player or the “veteran of that secondary”? Dwight Hicks.

But it’s not about those guys. It’s about Lott. The former Trojan wore #42, just like the late great Jackie Robinson. Like Robinson, Lott was a hitter, and his hits did damage. Deion Sanders referred to Lott as “The Godfather” during the NFL 100 round table special, and why wouldn’t he?

Lott’s impact on the 49ers resulted in four Super Bowl victories, including one when Lott was a rookie. His outstanding play as a rookie resulted in him finishing second for Rookie of the Year honors in 1981. Who beat him out? More on that later.

Next up is a man that, at this very stage in his life, is far from what he was as a football player—the Gold standard of the line of scrimmage.

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