Top 5 NFL Defensive Ends of All-Time

When it comes to defensive ends in the NFL, there have been some truly dominant players throughout the history of the league. These players have been able to consistently disrupt opposing offenses and make life difficult for quarterbacks. Here are the top 5 defensive ends in NFL history:

Top 5 NFL Defensive Ends of All-Time

1 Reggie White

Widely considered one of the greatest defensive ends of all time, White recorded 198 sacks in his career, which is still the 2nd most by any player in league history. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler, 8-time All-Pro, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice. White was known for his quick first step and his ability to overpower offensive linemen. He was also a leader on and off the field, earning the nickname "Minister of Defense".

Reggie White destroying the opposition with his one armed bull rush… 😤🏈😤🏈 #NFL #Nostalgia https://t.co/s35tApiCaL

2 Bruce Smith

Smith is number one on the all-time sack list with 200 sacks in his 19-year career. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler, 8-time First Team All-Pro, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice. Smith was known for his quickness and agility, which allowed him to get to the quarterback with ease. He was also a strong run defender and was often double-teamed by opposing offenses.

NFL Hall of Famer, Bruce Smith fakes the rip upfield, then spins inside.

Have a #passrush plan! https://t.co/rsWUYhDno0

3 Deacon Jones

Known as one of the greatest pass rushers in NFL history, Jones recorded 173.5 sacks in his career. He is an eight-time Pro Bowler and 5-time All-Pro. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice. Jones was known for his speed and power, which he used to overwhelm offensive linemen. He was also a leader on the field and was often credited with popularizing the term "sack".

4 Gino Marchetti

Marchetti played for the Baltimore Colts from 1952 to 1966 and recorded 106.5 sacks in his career. He was an 11-time Pro Bowler, and a 9-time All-Pro. Marchetti was known for his strength and quickness, which helped him dominate the line of scrimmage. He was also a key contributor to the Colts' two NFL Championship wins in 1958 and 1959.

5 J.J. Watt

Watt played for the Houston Texans and the Arizona Cardinals, and recorded 114.5 sacks in his career. He was a five-time First-Team All-Pro and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times in four years for arguably the most dominant four-year stretch of any defensive player ever. Watt is known for his strength, quickness, and versatility. He was a dominant force against the pass and run. He is also heavily involved in charity and community work.

J.J. Watt’s 2014 season is one for the record books:
▫️20.5 sacks (led the NFL)
▫️29 tackles for loss (led the NFL)
▫️4 FF, 5 fumbles recovered, 1 returned for a TD
▫️1 INT returned for an 80-yard TD
▫️NFL DPOY and All Pro
▫️And 3 TD *catches*

https://t.co/zZvtPJ0EVx

All of these players have left an indelible mark on the NFL and have set the standard for future defensive ends to follow. Their dominance on the field, their statistics, and their awards are a testament to their greatness. They are true legends of the game, and their legacies will be remembered for years to come.