Every NFL Team's Best Defensive Player of All Time

By Jason Fletcher

When compiling a list of the greatest players of all time, it’s always a blast because it’s subjective. It creates a lot of dialogue and discussion because in one person’s eyes, a certain player is the clear-cut best, but to another it’s completely different. With that in mind, I’ve compiled a list of the greatest defensive player in each NFL franchise’s history. I’d love to hear your feedback in the comments section, as I know not everyone will agree with my choices.

Every NFL Team\'s Best Defensive Player of All Time
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Arizona Cardinals -- Aeneas Williams

Arizona Cardinals -- Aeneas Williams Credit: Getty Images
Williams was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-team All-Pro and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2014. He finished his career with 795 tackles, 55 interceptions and nine touchdowns. Williams played for the Cardinals from 1991-2000.

Arizona Cardinals -- Aeneas Williams

Williams was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-team All-Pro and was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2014. He finished his career with 795 tackles, 55 interceptions and nine touchdowns. Williams played for the Cardinals from 1991-2000.

Atlanta Falcons -- CB Deion Sanders

Atlanta Falcons -- CB Deion Sanders Credit: Getty Images
Although he only spent five seasons with the Falcons, Deion Sanders recorded 24 interceptions and three touchdowns in those five seasons. Sanders was a three-time Pro Bowler in those five seasons with the Falcons and he's since been enshrined in the Falcons' Ring of Honor and the NFL Hall of Fame.

Atlanta Falcons -- CB Deion Sanders

Although he only spent five seasons with the Falcons, Deion Sanders recorded 24 interceptions and three touchdowns in those five seasons. Sanders was a three-time Pro Bowler in those five seasons with the Falcons and he's since been enshrined in the Falcons' Ring of Honor and the NFL Hall of Fame.

Baltimore Ravens -- LB Ray Lewis

Baltimore Ravens -- LB Ray Lewis Credit: Getty Images
Lewis played 17 seasons with the Ravens, recording 1,336 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions and 17 forced fumbles. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, 13-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time First-team All-Pro. Lewis will be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection as soon as he's eligible.

Baltimore Ravens -- LB Ray Lewis

Lewis played 17 seasons with the Ravens, recording 1,336 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions and 17 forced fumbles. He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, 13-time Pro Bowl selection and seven-time First-team All-Pro. Lewis will be a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection as soon as he's eligible.

Buffalo Bills -- DE Bruce Smith

Buffalo Bills -- DE Bruce Smith Credit: Getty Images
Smith spent 15 seasons with the Bills and was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time First-team All-Pro and recorded 200 sacks during his 19-year career, 171 coming with the Bills.

Buffalo Bills -- DE Bruce Smith

Smith spent 15 seasons with the Bills and was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time First-team All-Pro and recorded 200 sacks during his 19-year career, 171 coming with the Bills.

Carolina Panthers -- DE Julius Peppers

Carolina Panthers -- DE Julius Peppers Credit: Getty Images
There's no doubt in my mind that Luke Kuechly will end up in this spot by the time he retires, but as of now, the honor has to go to Peppers. The former University of North Carolina star recorded 309 tackles, 81 sacks and 30 forced fumbles during his eight-year tenure with the Panthers. While in Charlotte, Peppers made five Pro Bowls, two First-team All-Pros and is the Panthers' career leader in sacks.

Carolina Panthers -- DE Julius Peppers

There's no doubt in my mind that Luke Kuechly will end up in this spot by the time he retires, but as of now, the honor has to go to Peppers. The former University of North Carolina star recorded 309 tackles, 81 sacks and 30 forced fumbles during his eight-year tenure with the Panthers. While in Charlotte, Peppers made five Pro Bowls, two First-team All-Pros and is the Panthers' career leader in sacks.

Chicago Bears -- LB Mike Singletary

Chicago Bears -- LB Mike Singletary Credit: Getty Images
Picking the greatest defensive player of all time for the Bears was extremely difficult. Dick Butkus, Richard Dent and Brian Urlacher were all considered for this spot, and who can forget about the impact of William Perry? I went with Singletary based solely on the fact that he has the most career Pro Bowl selections (10) and First-team All-Pro selections (8) in team history.

Chicago Bears -- LB Mike Singletary

Picking the greatest defensive player of all time for the Bears was extremely difficult. Dick Butkus, Richard Dent and Brian Urlacher were all considered for this spot, and who can forget about the impact of William Perry? I went with Singletary based solely on the fact that he has the most career Pro Bowl selections (10) and First-team All-Pro selections (8) in team history.

Cincinnati Bengals -- CB Lemar Parrish

Cincinnati Bengals -- CB Lemar Parrish Credit: Getty Images
The Bengals don't have a whole lot of great defensive players in their history. Parrish was selected by default as he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, one-time All-Pro and 25 interceptions in eight seasons with the Bengals.

Cincinnati Bengals -- CB Lemar Parrish

The Bengals don't have a whole lot of great defensive players in their history. Parrish was selected by default as he was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, one-time All-Pro and 25 interceptions in eight seasons with the Bengals.

Cleveland Browns -- LB Clay Matthews

Cleveland Browns -- LB Clay Matthews Credit: Getty Images
Matthews was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-team All-Pro selection and is the Browns' career leader in sacks with 62. And you wonder where the Clay Matthews III got his talent from.

Cleveland Browns -- LB Clay Matthews

Matthews was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-team All-Pro selection and is the Browns' career leader in sacks with 62. And you wonder where the Clay Matthews III got his talent from.

Dallas Cowboys -- DE Randy White

Dallas Cowboys -- DE Randy White Credit: Getty Images
White spent 14 seasons with the Cowboys, and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time First-team All-Pro and co-Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XII. He recorded 1,104 tackles and 111 sacks during his tenure with the Cowboys.

Dallas Cowboys -- DE Randy White

White spent 14 seasons with the Cowboys, and was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time First-team All-Pro and co-Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl XII. He recorded 1,104 tackles and 111 sacks during his tenure with the Cowboys.

Denver Broncos -- LB Karl Mecklenburg

Denver Broncos -- LB Karl Mecklenburg Credit: Getty Images
Steve Atwater and Champ Bailey were also considered for this spot, but I went with Mecklenburg because of his overall impact on the Broncos' defense in the late '80s and early '90s. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-team All-Pro selection and is a member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame. Mecklenburg recorded 1,118 tackles, 79.5 sacks and five interceptions during his 12-year career.

Denver Broncos -- LB Karl Mecklenburg

Steve Atwater and Champ Bailey were also considered for this spot, but I went with Mecklenburg because of his overall impact on the Broncos' defense in the late '80s and early '90s. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-team All-Pro selection and is a member of the Broncos' Ring of Fame. Mecklenburg recorded 1,118 tackles, 79.5 sacks and five interceptions during his 12-year career.

Detroit Lions -- LB Joe Schmidt

Detroit Lions -- LB Joe Schmidt Credit: Getty Images
Schmidt was a member of the Lions from 1953-1965 and made 10 Pro Bowls in those 13 seasons. He was also an eight-time First-team All-Pro selection, two-time NFL champion and a member of the NFL's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Detroit Lions -- LB Joe Schmidt

Schmidt was a member of the Lions from 1953-1965 and made 10 Pro Bowls in those 13 seasons. He was also an eight-time First-team All-Pro selection, two-time NFL champion and a member of the NFL's 50th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Green Bay Packers -- LB Ray Nitschke

Green Bay Packers -- LB Ray Nitschke Credit: Getty Images
Nitschke played 15 seasons for the Packers and was a five-time NFL champion and two-time Super Bowl champion. He anchored the defense of the greatest Packers teams of all-time and is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Although he was only selected to one Pro Bowl, Nitschke was a three-time First-team All-Pro selection.

Green Bay Packers -- LB Ray Nitschke

Nitschke played 15 seasons for the Packers and was a five-time NFL champion and two-time Super Bowl champion. He anchored the defense of the greatest Packers teams of all-time and is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame. Although he was only selected to one Pro Bowl, Nitschke was a three-time First-team All-Pro selection.

Houston Texans -- DE J.J. Watt

Houston Texans -- DE J.J. Watt Credit: Getty Images
It's hard to imagine a player in only his fifth season being the best defensive player in a franchise's history, but with the brief history of the Texans, and Watt's dominance, his selection was an easy choice. He's already a three-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-team All-Pro selection and two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Houston Texans -- DE J.J. Watt

It's hard to imagine a player in only his fifth season being the best defensive player in a franchise's history, but with the brief history of the Texans, and Watt's dominance, his selection was an easy choice. He's already a three-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-team All-Pro selection and two-time AP Defensive Player of the Year.

Indianapolis Colts -- DB Bobby Boyd

Indianapolis Colts -- DB Bobby Boyd Credit: Getty Images
In nine seasons, Boyd recorded 57 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and had four return touchdowns. He was voted to two Pro Bowls, three First-team All-Pro teams and the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team. Boyd is also the Colts' all-time leader in interceptions.

Indianapolis Colts -- DB Bobby Boyd

In nine seasons, Boyd recorded 57 interceptions, 11 fumble recoveries and had four return touchdowns. He was voted to two Pro Bowls, three First-team All-Pro teams and the NFL's 1960s All-Decade Team. Boyd is also the Colts' all-time leader in interceptions.

Jacksonville Jaguars -- DE Tony Brackens

Jacksonville Jaguars -- DE Tony Brackens Credit: Getty Images
This was an extremely difficult decision as the Jaguars haven't had many great defensive players in their 20-year history. Others considered were Rashean Mathis, Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, but I went with Brackens because he's the Jaguars' career-leader in sacks with 55, which is 21 more than the next closest player. Brackens made the AFC Pro Bowl team in 1999.

Jacksonville Jaguars -- DE Tony Brackens

This was an extremely difficult decision as the Jaguars haven't had many great defensive players in their 20-year history. Others considered were Rashean Mathis, Marcus Stroud and John Henderson, but I went with Brackens because he's the Jaguars' career-leader in sacks with 55, which is 21 more than the next closest player. Brackens made the AFC Pro Bowl team in 1999.

Kansas City Chiefs -- LB Derrick Thomas

Kansas City Chiefs -- LB Derrick Thomas Credit: Getty Images
Thomas is the Chiefs' career-leader in sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and safeties. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 after a career that included nine Pro Bowl appearances and three First-team All-Pro selections. It's still shocking that he's been gone for 15 years.

Kansas City Chiefs -- LB Derrick Thomas

Thomas is the Chiefs' career-leader in sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries and safeties. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 after a career that included nine Pro Bowl appearances and three First-team All-Pro selections. It's still shocking that he's been gone for 15 years.

Miami Dolphins -- LB Zach Thomas

Miami Dolphins -- LB Zach Thomas Credit: Getty Images
This was a two-horse race between Thomas and Jason Taylor. Although Taylor was a dominant pass-rusher, Thomas had a greater impact over a shorter period of time with the Dolphins. In 12 seasons with the Dolphins, Thomas was selected to seven Pro Bowls and five First-team All-Pro teams.

Miami Dolphins -- LB Zach Thomas

This was a two-horse race between Thomas and Jason Taylor. Although Taylor was a dominant pass-rusher, Thomas had a greater impact over a shorter period of time with the Dolphins. In 12 seasons with the Dolphins, Thomas was selected to seven Pro Bowls and five First-team All-Pro teams.

Minnesota Vikings -- DE Carl Eller

Minnesota Vikings -- DE Carl Eller Credit: Getty Images
Eller played 15 of his 16 NFL seasons with the Vikings, and recorded 133.5 sacks. He was a member of the Vikings' vaunted "Purple People Eaters" of the 1970s and is a member of the Vikings' Ring of Honor. Eller was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time First-team All-Pro selection and was a member of the Vikings' NFL championship team in 1969.

Minnesota Vikings -- DE Carl Eller

Eller played 15 of his 16 NFL seasons with the Vikings, and recorded 133.5 sacks. He was a member of the Vikings' vaunted "Purple People Eaters" of the 1970s and is a member of the Vikings' Ring of Honor. Eller was a six-time Pro Bowl selection, five-time First-team All-Pro selection and was a member of the Vikings' NFL championship team in 1969.

New England Patriots -- LB Andre Tippett

New England Patriots -- LB Andre Tippett Credit: Getty Images
Tippett was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2008, and has also a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame since 1999. He recorded 100 sacks during his 12-year career with the Patriots. Tippett was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-team All-Pro.

New England Patriots -- LB Andre Tippett

Tippett was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2008, and has also a member of the Patriots Hall of Fame since 1999. He recorded 100 sacks during his 12-year career with the Patriots. Tippett was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-team All-Pro.

New Orleans Saints -- LB Rickey Jackson

New Orleans Saints -- LB Rickey Jackson Credit: Getty Images
Jackson was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010 after a career that included 1,173 tackles, 128 sacks and 29 fumble recoveries. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time First-team All-Pro.

New Orleans Saints -- LB Rickey Jackson

Jackson was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2010 after a career that included 1,173 tackles, 128 sacks and 29 fumble recoveries. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and four-time First-team All-Pro.

New York Giants -- LB Lawrence Taylor

New York Giants -- LB Lawrence Taylor Credit: Getty Images
For my money, Taylor was the greatest defensive player that has ever lived. He was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, 10-time First-team All-Pro and three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Taylor was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1999 and is a member of the Giants' Ring of Honor.

New York Giants -- LB Lawrence Taylor

For my money, Taylor was the greatest defensive player that has ever lived. He was a 10-time Pro Bowl selection, 10-time First-team All-Pro and three-time AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Taylor was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1999 and is a member of the Giants' Ring of Honor.

New York Jets -- DE Mark Gastineau

New York Jets -- DE Mark Gastineau Credit: Getty Images
Gastineau is the Jets' all-time leader in sacks with 107.5 and held the NFL single-season sack record until Michael Strahan broke it in 2001. Gastineau was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time First-team All-Pro selection. He's also enshrined in the Jets' Ring of Honor.

New York Jets -- DE Mark Gastineau

Gastineau is the Jets' all-time leader in sacks with 107.5 and held the NFL single-season sack record until Michael Strahan broke it in 2001. Gastineau was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and five-time First-team All-Pro selection. He's also enshrined in the Jets' Ring of Honor.

Oakland Raiders -- DB Willie Brown

Oakland Raiders -- DB Willie Brown Credit: Getty Images
Brown recorded 39 interceptions in 12 seasons with the Raiders. He was selected to five Pro Bowls, two First-team All-Pro teams and three First-team All-AFL teams prior to the NFL merger. Brown was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1984.

Oakland Raiders -- DB Willie Brown

Brown recorded 39 interceptions in 12 seasons with the Raiders. He was selected to five Pro Bowls, two First-team All-Pro teams and three First-team All-AFL teams prior to the NFL merger. Brown was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1984.

Philadelphia Eagles -- DE Reggie White

Philadelphia Eagles -- DE Reggie White Credit: Getty Images
In only eight seasons with the Eagles, White recorded 124 sacks and was selected to seven Pro Bowls and seven First-team All-Pro teams. White was also selected into the Pro Football and Eagles Hall of Fames during 2006, following his death in 2004.

Philadelphia Eagles -- DE Reggie White

In only eight seasons with the Eagles, White recorded 124 sacks and was selected to seven Pro Bowls and seven First-team All-Pro teams. White was also selected into the Pro Football and Eagles Hall of Fames during 2006, following his death in 2004.

Pittsburgh Steelers -- LB Jack Ham

Pittsburgh Steelers -- LB Jack Ham Credit: Getty Images
Picking only one member from the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" of the 1970s was extremely difficult. It really could've been Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, Mel Blount or Ham, and I'm sure some readers will let me know I'm crazy for choosing Ham. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time First-team All-Pro selection and he holds the record for the most turnovers forced by a linebacker in NFL history with 53, despite only playing 12 seasons.

Pittsburgh Steelers -- LB Jack Ham

Picking only one member from the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" of the 1970s was extremely difficult. It really could've been Jack Lambert, Joe Greene, Mel Blount or Ham, and I'm sure some readers will let me know I'm crazy for choosing Ham. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, six-time First-team All-Pro selection and he holds the record for the most turnovers forced by a linebacker in NFL history with 53, despite only playing 12 seasons.

San Diego Chargers -- LB Junior Seau

San Diego Chargers -- LB Junior Seau Credit: Getty Images
Seau was a 12-time Pro Bowler, eight-time First-team All-Pro and was voted the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He's enshrined in both the Pro Football and Chargers' Hall of Fames and recorded 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks and 18 interceptions during his 20-year career.

San Diego Chargers -- LB Junior Seau

Seau was a 12-time Pro Bowler, eight-time First-team All-Pro and was voted the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He's enshrined in both the Pro Football and Chargers' Hall of Fames and recorded 1,849 tackles, 56.5 sacks and 18 interceptions during his 20-year career.

San Francisco 49ers -- S Ronnie Lott

San Francisco 49ers -- S Ronnie Lott Credit: Getty Images
Lott was the greatest safety in the history of the NFL. He was a four-time Super Bowl champion, 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time First-team All-Pro. He's a member of the NFL's 1980s and 1990s All-Decade teams, and was enshrined in Canton in 2000.

San Francisco 49ers -- S Ronnie Lott

Lott was the greatest safety in the history of the NFL. He was a four-time Super Bowl champion, 10-time Pro Bowler and eight-time First-team All-Pro. He's a member of the NFL's 1980s and 1990s All-Decade teams, and was enshrined in Canton in 2000.

Seattle Seahawks -- DT Cortez Kennedy

Seattle Seahawks -- DT Cortez Kennedy Credit: Getty Images
It's likely that Richard Sherman will end up taking this spot if he stays with the Seahawks through the end of his career, but as of now, Kennedy is the greatest Seahawks defensive player of all time. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-team All-Pro and was enshrined in Canton in 2012.

Seattle Seahawks -- DT Cortez Kennedy

It's likely that Richard Sherman will end up taking this spot if he stays with the Seahawks through the end of his career, but as of now, Kennedy is the greatest Seahawks defensive player of all time. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, three-time First-team All-Pro and was enshrined in Canton in 2012.

St. Louis Rams -- DT Merlin Olsen

St. Louis Rams -- DT Merlin Olsen Credit: Getty Images
When I started this list, I fully expected to put Deacon Jones in this spot, but after discovering that Olsen had 14 Pro Bowl selections in his 15 seasons, I couldn't leave him off. He was also a six-time First-team All-Pro selection, a member of the NFL's 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams and the 1962 NFL Rookie of the Year. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

St. Louis Rams -- DT Merlin Olsen

When I started this list, I fully expected to put Deacon Jones in this spot, but after discovering that Olsen had 14 Pro Bowl selections in his 15 seasons, I couldn't leave him off. He was also a six-time First-team All-Pro selection, a member of the NFL's 1960s and 1970s All-Decade Teams and the 1962 NFL Rookie of the Year. He is also a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- LB Derrick Brooks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- LB Derrick Brooks Credit: Getty Images
Brooks was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time First-team All-Pro and the 2002 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was a member of the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII team and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- LB Derrick Brooks

Brooks was an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, nine-time First-team All-Pro and the 2002 AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was a member of the Buccaneers' Super Bowl XXXVII team and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Tennessee Titans -- DT Ray Childress

Tennessee Titans -- DT Ray Childress Credit: Getty Images
Childress played 11 seasons for the former Houston Oilers, and was selected to five Pro Bowls, three First-team All-Pro teams and he is the Titans' career leader in sacks with 75.5.

Tennessee Titans -- DT Ray Childress

Childress played 11 seasons for the former Houston Oilers, and was selected to five Pro Bowls, three First-team All-Pro teams and he is the Titans' career leader in sacks with 75.5.

Washington Redskins -- DB Darrell Green

Washington Redskins -- DB Darrell Green Credit: Getty Images
Despite only standing 5-foot-8, Green used his speed and technique to become one of the greatest defensive backs of all-time. During his 20-year career with the Redskins, Green recorded 54 interceptions, including at least one in a NFL record 19 different seasons. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-team All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion.

Washington Redskins -- DB Darrell Green

Despite only standing 5-foot-8, Green used his speed and technique to become one of the greatest defensive backs of all-time. During his 20-year career with the Redskins, Green recorded 54 interceptions, including at least one in a NFL record 19 different seasons. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, four-time First-team All-Pro and two-time Super Bowl champion.

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