Top 5 NFL Safeties of All-Time
When it comes to safeties 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 receivers and running backs. Here are the top 5 safeties in NFL history:
Top 5 NFL Safeties of All-Time
1 Ronnie Lott
Lott played for the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Raiders, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs from 1981 to 1995, and recorded 63 interceptions in his career. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro 6 times. Lott is known for his physicality, intelligence, and versatility, which allowed him to play cornerback and safety effectively. He was also a strong tackler and a leader on and off the field. He was a key contributor to the 49ers' Super Bowl wins in 1981, 1984, 1988, and 1989.
2 Ed Reed
Reed played for the Baltimore Ravens and Houston Texans from 2002 to 2013 and recorded 64 interceptions in his career. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and a 5-time All-Pro. Reed is known for his intelligence, ball skills, and ability to make big plays in crucial moments. He was also a strong tackler and a leader on the field. He was a key contributor to the Ravens' Super Bowl win in 2000.
3 Brian Dawkins
Dawkins played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1996 to 2008, and the Denver Broncos from 2009-11 and recorded 37 interceptions in his career. He was a 9-time Pro Bowler and was named All-Pro 4 times. Dawkins was a strong tackler and a leader on the field.
4 Ken Houston
Houston played for the Houston Oilers, Washington Redskins, and Minnesota Vikings from 1967 to 1980, and recorded 49 interceptions in his career. He was a 12-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro 2 times. Houston is known for his intelligence, ball skills, and versatility, which allowed him to play both safety and cornerback effectively. He was also a strong tackler and a leader on the field.
5 Troy Polamalu
Polamalu played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 2003 to 2014, and recorded 32 interceptions in his career. He was an 8-time Pro Bowler and was named First-Team All-Pro 4 times. Polamalu is known for his intelligence, ball skills, and versatility, which allowed him to play both safety and cornerback effectively. He was also a strong tackler and a leader on the field. He was a key contributor to the Steelers' Super Bowl wins in 2005 and 2008.
All of these safeties have left an indelible mark on the NFL and have set the standard for future safeties to follow. Their dominance on the field, their statistics, and their awards are a testament to their greatness. They were also leaders on and off the field, and their contribution to the game will always be remembered.