The NFL has been gifted with elite defensive players throughout its 105-year history, enough greatness to ignite the debate of the greatest defensive player of all time. With the variety of defensive talent at multiple positions, it’s seemingly impossible to name the greatest defensive players ever without a debate.
Which brings us to Aaron Donald, who just retired from the NFL and wrapped up an historic career. Donald is already a first-ballot Hall of Famer and has established himself as one of the greatest defensive players ever. Where does Donald rank amongst the greats like Reggie White, Deion Sanders and others?
Let’s rank the top defensive players of all time — and see where Donald fits into the equation.
10. Ronnie Lott
What Lott has able to accomplish in his 14-year career rivals any safety in NFL history. A member of the NFL’s 100th anniversary team, Lott finished his stellar career with 10 Pro Bowls, six first-team All-Pro selections and a spot on the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade teams (and he retired from the league in 1994).
The leader of the 49ers defense in the 1980s, Lott won four Super Bowl championships in San Francisco. He finished with 1,146 tackles and 63 interceptions, leading the league in interceptions twice. In 20 playoff games (all starts), Lott had nine interceptions, 89 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and two touchdowns. Simply put, Lott redefined the safety position.
9. Rod Woodson
Not only was Woodson one of the best cornerbacks of his era, but he was one of the best safeties of his time when he transitioned to the position full time in 1999. Woodson earned 11 Pro Bowl appearances and six first-team All-Pro selections in his Hall of Fame career, the final one coming at age 37 when he had eight interceptions as a safety (which also led the league).
Woodson finished his career with 1,158 tackles 71 interceptions and 13.5 sacks in 17…
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Author : Jeff Kerr
Publish date : 2024-03-15 16:35:06
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