In the history of the National Football League, defense has always been and will remain the cornerstone of champion teams.
While QBs and offenses often grab headlines, the defensive greats dictate the game’s tempo. They are responsible for turning the tide on the football pitch.
Historically, defensive players and positions were often unsung heroes in the NFL, remaining underrated for decades. However, in modern times, people understand the importance and requirements of a team.
Over its storied history, the NFL and viewers have seen a plethora of defensive talents. Each has left an indelible mark on the league, imprinting footprints forever.
Here, we remember and take a closer look at the list of the best defensive players in the history of the sport. It includes names like Reggie White, Dick Butkus, and many other greats.
| Defensive Player | Active Years |
| Lawrence Taylor, LB | 1981–1993 |
| Reggie White, DE | 1985–2000 |
| Ronnie Lott, Safety | 1981–1994 |
| Dick Butkus, LB | 1965–1973 |
| Deacon Jones, DE | 1961–1974 |
| Joe Greene, DT | 1969–1981 |
| Ray Lewis, LB | 1996–2012 |
| Rod Woodson, CB/Safety | 1987–2003 |
| Deion Sanders, CB | 1989–2005 |
| Ed Reed, Safety | 2002–2013 |
10. Ed Reed, Safety
Born September 11, 1978, Ed Reed emerged as a formidable safety, playing for the University of Miami.
The NFL great entered the NFL in 2002 after the Baltimore Ravens selected him in the draft’s first round.
Reed gave almost a decade of his playing career with the Ravens from 2002 to 2012. However, he had brief stints at the Houston Texans and New York Jets in 2013.
He still holds the record for the two longest interception returns (107 and 106 yards) made in the 2000s.
Ed Reed was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019 with nine Pro Bowl selections and five First-team All-Pro honors.
9. Deion Sanders, Cornerback
Deion Sanders, famously known as “Prime Time,” was born in Fort Myers, Florida. The 1667-born burst onto the NFL in his early 20s and played for almost three decades.
He appeared in the NFL after the Atlanta Falcons drafted him on fifth overall draft in 1989.
Prime Time represented multiple teams during his long-standing career. The cornerback played for the Falcons (1989–1993), 49ers (1994), Cowboys (1995–1999), Washington Redskins (2000), and Baltimore Ravens (2004–2005).
Sanders is the only player to have both a reception and an interception in the Super Bowl. He had achieved the feat with the San Fransisco 49ers and Cowboys, securing championships with both teams.
He boasts 53 interceptions, 1,331 interception return yards, and 22 total touchdowns, from his illustrious career.
8. Rod Woodson, Cornerback/Safety
America’s finest cornerback, Rod Woodson, made his NFL debut in 1987 and played 17 seasons with numerous teams.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected him as the tenth overall draft in the 1987 NFL Draft. Throughout his 17-season career, he played for the Steelers, 29ers, Ravens, and Oakland Raiders.
Woodson’s versatility and skills allowed him to play as a cornerback and safety in his almost two-decades-long journey.
He holds the second-highest NFL record for the most interception return yards (1,483). Besides, he is tied for the most interceptions returned for touchdowns (12).
Rod Woodson’s resume includes 71 interceptions, 13.5 sacks, and 32 fumble recoveries. The CB also won Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens, alongside 11 Pro Bowl selections.
7. Ray Lewis, Linebacker
Ray Lewis, born on May 15, 1975, in Bartow, Florida, became the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens in 1996.
The Ravens drafted him in the first round of the 1996 NFL Draft and he played all his career for the Baltimore Ravens.
Pro Football Hall of Famer Ray is a two-time Super Bowl champion (XXXV, XLVII) and was named Super Bowl XXXV MVP.
The linebacker recorded 2,061 total tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 31 interceptions over his almost two-decade-long career.
Ray Lewis is the only player in NFL history with at least 40 sacks and 30 interceptions in a career.
His list of accolades also includes 13 Pro Bowl selections and seven First-team All-Pro honors.
6. Joe Greene, Defensive Tackle
“Mean” Joe Greene is among the greatest players ever to play the sport. He was the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense.
The Steelers drafted the 1946-born young lad fourth overall in the 1969 NFL Draft.
Joe was in his early 20s, and his presence on the ground was transformative for the Steelers.
The retired defensive tackle played his entire career with Pittsburgh and was extremely dominant. He was essential to the team’s four Super Bowl victories in the 1970s (IX, X, XIII, XIV).
With a ten-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time First-team All-Pro on credit, he is undoubtedly one of the greatest DTs ever.
Joe Greene’s impact on the game and contributions to the Steelers earned him the Hall of Fame induction in 1987.
5. Deacon Jones, Defensive End
1938-born David “Deacon” Jones earned the Pro Football Hall of Fame for his more than a decade-long journey in the NFL.
He revolutionized the defensive end position with his aggressive play and innovative techniques in the field. People remember him as ‘an icon among the icons.’
David entered the professional football scene in 1961 after the Los Angeles Rams drafted him in 1961. During his career from 1961 to 1974, he played for three NFL giants.
NFL fans, especially Rams fans, still remember him as a member of the “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line for the Los Angeles Rams.
Unfortunately, the defensive end is no longer alive. The legendary athlete passed away on June 3, 2013, at the age of 74, amidst complications from lung cancer and heart disease.
4. Dick Butkus, Linebacker
Dick Butkus, recognized by many names like The Enforcer and The Maestro of Mayhem, was the perfect example of a great middle linebacker.
Due to his ferocious gameplay, he earned respect even from the harshest opponents.
He epitomized the linebacker role, and people still remember him as the greatest to ever play the sport.
After the Chicago Bears drafted him in 1965, no one knew he would spend his entire career with his hometown team.
Despite exceptional talent, Butkus’ career included multiple injuries and breaks from football.
However, the athlete made it large and even ventured into films and TV shows later on in his life.
Over his nine-year career, he accumulated 1,020 tackles, 22 interceptions, and 27 fumble recoveries. The record remained a challenge for other defensive players to break.
3. Ronnie Lott, safety
Ronnie Lott, born on May 8, 1959, played for 14 seasons in the NFL. He is one of the most celebrated defensive players in the league’s history.
Lott played college football at the University of Southern California. He turned pro after the 49ers selected him in the first round of the 1981 NFL Draft, as 8th overall pick.
The safety and cornerback quickly established himself as a key player, recording seven interceptions in his rookie season.
His contributions helped the 49ers win Super Bowl XVI that year. Ronnie Lott made him only the second rookie in NFL history to return three interceptions for touchdowns.
In 1985, Lott transitioned to safety. However, problems never left him alone and even led to left pinky finger amputation following a severe injury.
2. Reggie White, Defensive End
Late NFL legend Reggie White was one of the most celebrated defensive end to ever step on the football field. Unfortunately, the athlete is no more with us.
Over a 15-season career in the National Football League, Reggie won a Super Bowl XXXI championship with the Packers.
He didn’t directly join the NFL. White began his professional career with the Memphis Showboats of the United States Football League (USFL) in 1984.
After 1985, he joined the NFL and went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles, Packers, and Carolina Panthers.
Reggie White and Lawrence Taylor are often the people in debate for the greatest-ever defensive player of all time.
Reggie won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice and 13 Pro Bowl Selections, including leading the NFL career sacks list.
1. Lawrence Taylor, Linebacker
Lawrence Julius Taylor, aka “L.T.,” is the GOAT defensive player in NFL history with 1088 tackles, 132,5 sacks, and 9 interceptions.
After retiring from professional football, Taylor pursued various ventures, including acting and writing. He worked on films and TV series like ‘The Waterboy‘ and ‘Any Given Sunday.‘
Beginning his football career at the University of North Carolina and was selected by the Giants.
The New York Giants drafted the greatest LB as the second overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft.
He played the entire 13 seasons with the Giants, revolutionizing the linebacker position with his aggressive style.
Taylor’s rookie season was exceptional, recording a career-high 133 tackles and 9.5 sacks. That year, due to his results on the ground, he was also awarded the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
