Bob Lilly was the first draft pick in Dallas Cowboys history and became the foundation of their defense. Playing defensive tackle in the 1960s and early 1970s, Lilly was known for his strength, quickness, and intelligence on the field. He played his entire career with the Cowboys and helped lead them to multiple Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl VI. Lilly was one of the first defensive linemen to disrupt both the run and the pass consistently.
What set Lilly apart was his consistency and leadership. He rarely missed games and was respected by teammates and opponents alike. His impact helped define the Cowboys as a dominant defensive team, earning him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Mean Joe Greene was the heart of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense. Drafted in 1969, Greene helped transform the Steelers from a struggling team into a dynasty. As a defensive tackle, he was explosive, powerful, and nearly impossible to block. Greene played a major role in Pittsburgh’s four Super Bowl titles during the 1970s and became the emotional leader of the team.
Greene’s toughness and intensity set the tone for everyone around him. Opposing offenses had to change their entire game plan because of his presence. His influence went beyond statistics, as he inspired one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history and remains a symbol of Steelers football.
Reggie White joined the Green Bay Packers in 1993 and immediately changed the team’s defense. Known as the “Minister of Defense,” White combined elite strength with quick hands and smart technique. As a defensive end, he dominated offensive linemen and consistently pressured quarterbacks. His leadership helped the Packers return to championship contention after years of struggle.
White played a huge role in Green Bay’s Super Bowl XXXI victory and earned multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards during his career. His ability to stop the run and rush the passer made him one of the most complete defenders ever. White’s impact on the Packers is still felt today.
Tedy Bruschi was a cornerstone of the New England Patriots' defense during their rise to dominance in the early 2000s. Originally drafted as a defensive end, Bruschi transitioned to linebacker and became known for his intelligence and versatility. He played a key role in the Patriots’ first three Super Bowl championships and was often responsible for calling defensive plays.
Bruschi’s leadership and preparation made him invaluable to the team. Even after suffering a stroke in 2005, he returned to play at a high level. His toughness and dedication embodied the Patriots’ culture and helped establish New England as one of the most successful franchises in NFL history.
Ronnie Lott was one of the most feared defensive players in NFL history. Playing safety for the San Francisco 49ers, Lott was known for his hard hits, speed, and football intelligence. He was a key part of the 49ers’ dominant defenses during the 1980s and helped the team win four Super Bowl titles.
Lott’s versatility allowed him to play multiple positions in the secondary at an elite level. His physical style set the standard for defensive backs of his era. More than just a hitter, Lott was also a leader who elevated everyone around him, making him one of the greatest safeties ever.
Lawrence Taylor completely changed how defense was played in the NFL. As a linebacker for the New York Giants, Taylor used speed, power, and aggression to overwhelm offenses. He was one of only two defensive players to win the NFL MVP honor, and he helped lead the Giants to two Super Bowl championships in the 1980s.
Taylor’s ability to rush the quarterback forced teams to redesign offensive schemes. His presence made the outside linebacker position one of the most important roles in football. Even decades later, many consider Taylor the most dominant defensive player the league has ever seen.
Dick Butkus was the definition of toughness and intensity. Playing linebacker for the Chicago Bears in the 1960s and early 1970s, Butkus was known for his aggressive style and powerful tackles. He played through injuries and brought an unmatched level of passion to every game.
Butkus excelled at stopping the run, covering receivers, and forcing turnovers. His leadership and fearless approach made him a symbol of Bears football. Although team success was limited during his career, Butkus’s individual dominance earned him a place among the greatest defenders in NFL history.
Reggie White began his NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he quickly became one of the league’s most dominant defensive ends. His combination of size, strength, and technique allowed him to overpower offensive linemen with ease. White consistently ranked among the league leaders in sacks during his time in Philadelphia.
White’s impact helped turn the Eagles into a strong defensive team in the late 1980s and early 1990s. His leadership both on and off the field made him a fan favorite. The Eagles honored his legacy by retiring his jersey, recognizing his lasting influence on the franchise.
Von Miller is one of the most explosive pass rushers in NFL history. Playing for the Denver Broncos, Miller became known for his speed off the edge and ability to disrupt quarterbacks. His greatest performance came in Super Bowl 50, where he dominated the game and earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
Miller’s presence changed how offenses approached Denver’s defense. He combined athleticism with smart technique, making him effective against both the pass and the run. His impact helped define the Broncos’ defensive identity and solidified his place as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Howie Long was a dominant defensive end for the Raiders throughout the 1980s. Known for his strength and relentless effort, Long consistently pressured quarterbacks and shut down running games. He played his entire career with the franchise and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl victory.
Long’s leadership and physical play made him one of the most respected defenders of his era. He was especially effective in big games, using his size and power to control the line of scrimmage. His contributions earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jason Taylor was a key defensive leader for the Miami Dolphins for over a decade. As a defensive end, Taylor used speed, length, and athleticism to rush the passer and force turnovers. He became the franchise’s all-time sack leader and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2006.
Taylor’s versatility allowed him to drop into coverage and make plays all over the field. His consistency and durability helped stabilize the Dolphins’ defense for years. Taylor’s impact remains one of the greatest in Miami Dolphins history.
Alan Page was a dominant defensive tackle for the Minnesota Vikings during the 1970s. He played a key role in the Vikings’ “Purple People Eaters” defense, which was one of the best in NFL history. Page combined speed and intelligence to disrupt offenses from the interior line.
Page made history by becoming the first defensive player to win NFL MVP honors. His leadership and work ethic helped elevate the entire defense. After football, Page continued to serve the public as a judge, further adding to his remarkable legacy.
Cortez Kennedy was the anchor of the Seattle Seahawks' defense during the 1990s. As a defensive tackle, he was known for his quickness, strength, and ability to pressure quarterbacks. Despite playing on teams with limited success, Kennedy consistently performed at an elite level.
In 1992, Kennedy won Defensive Player of the Year honors after recording 14 sacks from the interior line. His impact went far beyond statistics, as he demanded double teams and opened opportunities for teammates. Kennedy remains one of the greatest players in Seahawks history.
Aaron Donald is widely considered the most dominant defensive tackle of the modern era. Playing for the Rams, Donald uses elite strength, speed, and technique to overpower offensive linemen. He has won multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards and consistently leads the league in interior pressure.
Donald played a major role in the Rams’ Super Bowl LVI victory. His ability to change games from the inside makes him nearly unstoppable. Even among great defenders, Donald stands out as a player who reshaped expectations for the defensive tackle position.
Derrick Thomas was a legendary pass rusher for the Kansas City Chiefs. As a linebacker, he was known for his explosive speed and ability to bend around offensive tackles. Thomas recorded seven sacks in a single game, a record that still stands today.
Beyond his on-field success, Thomas was a leader in the Kansas City community. His impact helped establish the Chiefs as a strong defensive team throughout the 1990s. Thomas’s legacy lives on as one of the most respected and dominant defenders in NFL history.
