Best nfl defensive players of all time. These nfl legends are all here in one place so you can vote on the best nfl defender to ever play football. The official encyclopedia of the national football leaguethe associated press ap has been giving the award since 1972. White also was twice named the nfl defensive player of the year.
They were ferocious pass rushers and in 1985 they were key players. Dent played alongside defensive linemen dan hampton and steve mcmichael for most of his career and all three are bears legends. Several organizations give out nfl defensive player of the year awards that are listed in the nfl record and fact book and total football ii.
Reggie white was credited with 1985 sacks second all time to bruce smith. He won the nagurski lott and butkus awards. Lott brought toughness to 1980s san francisco 49ers teams more so identified with finesse and precise west coast passing.
And sporting news has announced winners since 2008. Ronnie lott is the greatest nfl defensive back of all time as an all pro at both cornerback and safety. Ronnie lott has gone down in nfl lore as a devastating hitter with no regard for his own body.
Walter payton nfl man of the year 2017. The three time nfl defensive player of the year isnt the same unstoppable force he once was but hes still one of the leagues better defenders. Some of these exceptional nfl players include the legendary dick butkus mean joe greene and hard hitter turned coach mike singletary.
Last season watt suffered a torn pectoral muscle. Laurinaitis was a three time consensus first team all american and the only player to win two big ten defensive player of the year awards. Taylors praise inspired the powers that be at nfl media to ask if watt would make the top 10 defensive players of all time already.
Known for his tenacious pass rush from the defensive end position reggie white earned pro bowl and all pro honors in 13 out of his 15 nfl seasons. 3 time nfl defensive player of the year 2012 2014 2015.