This list of the greatest defenders in NFL history is here to decide definitively who is the best defender in NFL history. These are beasts of men who played for some of the best sports franchises ever and were (or are) among the best NFL 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.
Some of these exceptional NFL players include the legendary Dick Butkus, "Mean" Joe Greene, and hard hitter-turned-coach Mike Singletary. Whatever it is that you factor into the skills of the best NFL defenders (speed, aggression, determination, stamina), these NFL players are the best at what they do from a defensive player standpoint.
What makes a great NFL defender? Who are the best NFL defenders of all time? Who is the top NFL defender in history? You decide! Vote for the NFL players you think make the biggest impact as defensive players and vote them up to the top of this list of the greatest defenders in NFL history. If you don't see your favorite NFL defender on this top NFL defenders list, make sure to add him so others can revel in his athletic glory. So who are the best defensive players in NFL history? Vote!
Check out more lists like the best NFL players in history, the top quarterbacks, and the greatest linebackers of all time.26
1,276651Derrick Thomas
Linebacker27
1,168597Mel Blount
Cornerback, Defensive back28
881433Julius Peppers
Defensive end29
469189Kevin Greene
Linebacker30
1,258719Jack Ham
Linebacker31
1,102612Michael Strahan
Defensive end32
744385Derrick Brooks
Linebacker33
744374Steve Atwater
Safety, Defensive back34
1,078636Junior Seau
Linebacker35
406175Richard Dent
Defensive end36
456199John Lynch
Safety37
645370Jack Youngblood
Defensive end38
801487Bob Lilly
Defensive tackle39
520283Charles Haley
Defensive end, Linebacker40
468235L. C. Greenwood
Defensive end41
560299DeMarcus Ware
Defensive end, Linebacker42
478258Ed Jones
Defensive end43
768482Darrell Green
Cornerback44
788513Warren Sapp
Defensive tackle, Defensive end45
493264Sean Taylor
Safety46
430228Jack Tatum
Safety, Defensive back47
848574Randy White
Defensive tackle, Defensive end48
579329James Harrison
Outside Linebacker49
593379Chuck Bednarik
Linebacker, Center50
727502Merlin Olsen
Defensive tackle