Lawrence Taylor was named the greatest defensive player of all time. It was 1:44. Quarterback Tom Brady was retired for just 40 days before returning for a 23rd season that could be his last, tight end Rob Gronkowski decided to hang up his cleats, and defensive tackle Donald signed a massive contract extension this summer. We thought about where the legends of the game stack up over the course of their careers. 50 experts, reporters and analysts were asked to name the greatest player in the history of the league. To narrow the field to just one GOAT, the goal was to have at least one of the following. We already named the best ever at every offensive position, and now we're moving on to the defense and special teams. Voters explained their decisions after we crowned each defensive/ special-teams position's best player of all time. Jeff Legwold broke down why each GOAT was chosen and the numbers were used to pick out key statistics. The first thing we should do is edge rusher. Jump to:
EDGE | DT | LB | CB | S
K/P | KR/ST GoAT at every position. Taylor received 40 of 50 votes. The career of a New York Giants player was from 1981 to 1993.
Hall of Fame: 1999
Pro Bowl selections: 10
Career stats: 184 games, 142 sacks, 9 interceptions
Edge rusher: Lawrence Taylor
Taylor won the league's Defensive Player of the Year award in 1981 after he had 133 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 pass knockdowns, 2 forced turnovers and an intercept in his first season in the league. Taylor changed the way people thought pass-rushers could be utilized in a defense. Taylor's best season was in 1986, when he led the league in sacks and was named the league's Most Valuable Player.
More than half of Taylor's official sacks came in a five-season span from 1985 to '89, which is a stat to know. He had at least 12.0 sacks in each of the five seasons, the longest streak since 1982.
Our voters spoke.
I have never seen a better football player. Philadelphia fans who don't want to admit the guy from New York was better than their guy, and I just don't see where White was better outside of longevity, are always the ones who argue against Reggie White. The best player in the history of the game is considered the best player by the coach.
I don't know how I could not vote for him. Two Super Bowls, 10 straight All- Pro seasons, and a league Most Valuable Player are more than enough to back it up. He was a game-changing edge defender who was feared by opposing offenses for his reckless play. His nickname was Superman. The vote is an auto vote.
Is it really that bad? He won a Super Bowl in the same season that he led the league in sacks and was named the defensive player of the year. He's a no-doubt choice.
Taylor is one of the best defensive players in the history of the National Football League. One of the most memorable seasons by a defensive player was in 1986. His aggressiveness and ability to take over games made him special.
Runners-up.
White had 12 double-digit-sack seasons over 15 years, compared to seven for Taylor. White was unstoppable for the better part of two decades. Mike Clay points out that there are 198.0 sacks, a pair of Defensive Player of the Year awards, 13 All-Pro appearances and a Super Bowl ring.
Bruce Smith received one vote.
Donald received 38 of 50 votes.
Career is St. Louis/ L.A. Rams.
Pro Bowl selections: 8
Career stats: 127 games, 98.0 sacks, 440 tackles, 23 forced fumbles
Donald gets a lot of attention when people acknowledge his place in NFL history. He has been a first-team All-Pro in seven of the eight seasons he has been in the league. Donald is constantly surrounded by blockers, but he is still able to come up with an offensive game plan. He won his first Super Bowl earlier this year.
Donald has recorded at least eight sacks in each of his eight seasons, and he is the only defensive tackle to record 20 sacks in a season.
Our voters spoke.
Donald's dominance allows him to be the best at his position in the past. Donald has over 100 more pass-rush wins than any other player in the league over the past five seasons, despite being double-teamed at the highest rate in the league. Sarah Barshop is a reporter for the Rams.
I'm biased because I've watched Donald's entire career with an up- close view of how he has made life a living hell for the other teams in the division. Donald makes a convincing case on his own, but he also makes blockers look like they are not trying.
Donald's tape was so bad that he wasn't a good fit for a few of the teams that drafted him. I've never seen a college or pro player with the combination of strength and flexibility that he has to advance his pass rush while engaged with an offensive linemen. Every coach and staff member in the Pitt program told the GM that Donald was the best practice player they had ever seen. How Donald has become the best interior pass-rusher in the history of the game is explained by this.
Donald has finished first in pass rush win rate at defensive tackle in all five seasons of the metric's existence, but his worst PRWR season in 2020 is more than two percentage points higher than the best season by any other defensive tackle. The level of dominance is wild.
Runners-up.
"Greene can be credited with revolutionizing defensive line play with his use of a tilted alignment that allowed him to use his unparalleled quickness to slice through gaps," the Colts reporter said. Moody pointed to Mean Joe as an important part of the dynasty. He was named to five first-team All-Pro teams and played in 10 Pro Bowls, and one offensive lineman couldn't block him, which made the Steelers' linebackers more effective.
The unofficial sack total of 173.5 would be third all time in NFL history and he had three seasons of at least 20 sacks. Mark Gastineau and J.J. Watt both had two 20-sack seasons.
Alan Page received one vote.
Lewis received 23 votes.
There was a career in Baltimore from 1996 to 2012.
Hall of Fame: 2018
Pro Bowl selections: 12
Career stats: 228 games, 2,050 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions, 19 forced fumbles
Lewis was the Ravens' leader in tackles in 14 of his 17 seasons with the team. Baltimore's record-setting defense in 2000 was powered by him, and the Ravens won the Super Bowl. The 16-game record for fewest points allowed is still held by that defense. Baltimore won the Super Bowl to end the 2012 season.
Lewis is the only player in the history of the league to have at least 40 sacks and 30 turnovers.
Our voters spoke.
Lewis was able to shut down the game's top running backs with his strength and range. He is the only middle linebacker to have won multiple Super Bowls.
More than 50 people were asked to rank every position's top 10.
• Defense: DE/OLB | DT | LB | CB | S
• Offense: QB | RB | WR | TE | OT | G/C
I covered Lewis until the night he won his second Super Bowl. He was one of the smartest players I've ever encountered. Lewis was able to observe things on the field before they happened. Both Brady and Manning would tell you Lewis rented space in their minds before and after the game.
Physical skill is not the reason why the greats are different. Football intelligence, instincts and execution are what it's all about. Lewis was the best at getting the most out of everything he had mentally before the ball was snapped, which allowed his physical skills to shine. I think that is a GOAT.
Runners-up.
Jets reporter Rich Cimini said that Dick Butkus defined the 1960s/ 1970s defensive player. He averaged more picks than Lewis. Josh Weinfuss said that Butkus was more physical and feared than anyone else. His game could change over time because of how hard he hit.
Jake Trotter pointed to Singletary's "icy intensity" and said, "He anchored arguably the best defense inNFL history in 1985 as his Bears allowed just 12 points per game on the way to a Super Bowl."
"He was as feared a player as the NFL has ever seen, with his ability to impact the game in different ways, and he was one of the most feared players in the league," Cowboys reporter Todd Archer said. The Steel Curtain defense was tough in the 70s.
Ted Hendricks received two votes, Chuck Bednarik received one, and Bill George received one.
The 32 of 50 votes that were cast went to Sanders.
Atlanta, San Francisco, Dallas, and Washington were all in the 90's.
Hall of Fame: 2011
Pro Bowl selections: 8
Career stats: 188 games, 53 interceptions
The combination of talent and desire to win made him the GOAT. He ended his career with 53 intercepts, including two in his final season, despite not being consistently challenged by opposing quarterbacks. The total was impacted by a three year retirement. In 1994 he had only one season with the 49ers, but he returned three of them for touchdown. He led the league in triples in 1992 while playing for four teams in Major League Baseball.
One of only two players in NFL history to score a touchdown in six different ways, Sanders displayed his versatile skills on the gridiron. Bill Dudley was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He collected 1,132 return yards in his career, more than any other defensive back.
Our voters spoke.
The awards include six first-team All- Pro recognitions, eight Pro Bowls and a Defensive Player of the Year honor. The eye test is the most important thing. I haven't seen teams avoid defenders as much as they used to do with Sanders in his prime. He allowed the defense to call a different game even though he was on the field.
What it meant to be a shutdown corner was defined by the man. He had 53 picks. He did it against some of the best players of all time. Jerry Rice said Darrell Green gave him the most trouble. It's good for me.
When he wasn't playing baseball, he closed half the field. His legend is based on all the passes that weren't thrown in his direction.
In order to be a GOAT in any category, you have to have the skills and awards. Is it possible that they changed the game? They might have had the swagger. Is it possible to influence? Is it possible to be charismatic? They might be a household name. All of the boxes are checked by Prime. He was the person.
Runners-up.
Vikings reporter Kevin Seifert said that Woodson'sVersatility as a tackler and pass-rusher allowed coaches to build their defenses around him. He retired at age 39 after doing it at the highest level for almost two decades.
Stephania Bell leaned towards another Woodson. "Versatility within a position is a sign of greatness, and Woodson's ability to make the tough tackles, steal the ball and sprint either direction -- when in coverage or following a pick -- definitely fits the bill." He is the only player in the past 60 years to have five seasons with at least six picks and a pick-six, and of his 1,483 return yards,320 came at age 35 or older.
Darrelle Revis dominated the league during a time when passing statistics were on the rise. During a time when many secondaries were trying to find answers, he was an eraser. The best cover corner in the game was Revis.
Champ Bailey received one vote, Mel Blount received one, Mike Haynes received one, and Night Train Lane received one.
Lott received 27 of 50 votes.
The career was in San Francisco, L.A. Raiders, and the N.Y. Jets.
Hall of Fame: 2000
Pro Bowl selections: 10
Career stats: 192 games, 63 interceptions, 8.5 sacks
Lott started his career as one of the hardest-hitting corners in the league, but he moved to safety after five years. His four Super Bowl rings are the most of any player in the history of the game. Lott scored two touchdown in the playoffs.
Lott was a defensive player who won four Super Bowls and 10 Pro Bowls. He made at least 100 tackles five times.
Our voters spoke.
An athlete who defines the way a position should be played and requires his opponents to change their strategies is the GOAT. Lott's ability to defend the open field with his exceptional instincts made him an ever present threat. Stephania Bell is a fantasy writer.
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Lott was well-rounded in his defense. Lott missed one game in his last four seasons.
Lott was known for his physical aggressiveness. His hits would change the complexion of the game. He stood out because of his resilience, tenacity and leadership.
Runners-up.
"Reed was the ultimate game-changer with rare instincts and ball skills, totaling 64 career intercepts and seven defensive touchdown," said Matt Bowen, a former NFL safety himself. According to Michael Proia of Stats & Information, Reed is the only free safety to ever win Defensive Player of the Year and is tied for most picks in the playoffs.
Dawkins is the only safety in NFL history to record at least 25 sacks, picks, and forced turnovers. He took the traditional role and made it safer.
Troy Polamalu received 2 votes.
Vinatieri received 22 votes.
Career: Indianapolis from 2006 to 2019.
Pro Bowl selections: 3
Career stats: 365 games, 599-of-715 field goals (83.8%), 874-of-898 extra points (97.3%)
Vinatieri's field goals made are the most by any player, as are his career seasons with more than 20 points. He kicked the game winner in two Super Bowls and made 56 field goals in the playoffs, so he may have an even stronger case.
Vinatieri is the all-time leader in career points in the National Football League.
Our voters spoke.
Vinatieri is the only one who can make kicks under pressure. During the 2001 playoffs, he converted kicks on a snow-covered field and in the Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII. His longevity and excellence make him the greatest of all time.
It comes down to the last kick. According to Football Outsiders, Vinatieri nailed 39 kicks in the final two minutes of regulation or overtime to help his team win. It felt automatic when he stepped on the field in a big moment.
Vinatieri was good when he needed to be. He missed two fourth quarter kicks in 1999. Pete Carroll was let go by New England after they went 8-8 instead of 10-6). Two years later, when he hit a 45-yarder in a snow globe against the Raiders in the playoffs, he started a run of unprecedented reliance in the highest-leverage moments.
Runners-up.
The Ravens reporter said that Tucker is the best kicker in the game because of his accuracy and ability to come through in the most pressure-filled situations. He has connected on 58 straight field goals in the fourth quarter and overtime. The five-time All-Pro is definitely one of the most clutch kickers of all time, but he's also one of the most reliable.
DavidNewton said that Ray Guy's hang time and height of kicks were eye-pleasing. The video board in the New Orleans Superdome was raised after a punt hit it. It was enough said.
There were also votes received by Morten Anderson.
Hester received 29 votes.
Chicago, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Seattle all had careers.
Pro Bowl selections: 4
Career stats: 156 games, 14 punt-return TDs, 5 kickoff-return TDs, 16 receiving TDs (255 receptions)
"Yes, I'm the guy who decided to kick off to Hester in the Super Bowl," Tony Dungy once said, acknowledging the mistake after a touchdown return. Hester led the league in punt-return average twice, led the league in punt-return touchdown three times, and at least tied for the league lead in kick return touchdown twice. In six of his seasons, he had a return touchdown. Hester's ability to turn touches into scores may never be seen again because of the trends in the kicking game.
Hester is the all time leader in punt return touchdown with 14 and non-offensive touchdown with 20.
Our voters spoke.
Hester is the best returner in the history of the league. Mike Clay, an analyst for the NFL, said that the impact of Hester was greater than the impact of the rest of the league.
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Hester was one of the most dynamic players with the ball in his hands. He was named first-team All- Pro three times and set a record for combined kick returns for touchdown in a year.
Hester is the best returner/special-teams player in the history of the game. He has a legitimate case for the Hall of Fame, which just doesn't happen for returners. He is going to make the Hall of Fame. It's self-explanatory.
Runners-up.
Matt Miller picked Deion Sanders, calling him "the original hold-your-breath-when-he-touches-the-ball player"
Mike Triplett, a reporter for the Saints, pointed out that Sayers' record 30.6 yards per kick return was one of the best in football history. Niners reporter Nick Wagoner said thatSayers is one of the few exceptions to the need for longevity to determine greatness because he was so dominant in an all-too- short career.
Commanders reporter John Keim said, "Mitchell averaged more than 11 yards per punt return eight times and owns a number of records, a testament in large part to his consistent high-level performance."
"Matthew has been named to 10 Pro Bowls as a special teams player," said the reporter. At his peak, teams had to plan for how disruptive he could be.
As far as pure special-teamers go, Tasker was one of the first to attract and beat double-teams with his speed and creativity. He was so valuable that Marv Levy didn't want to expose him as a wide receiver.
There were also votes received by Desmond Howard.
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