Sep 15, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Bill Parcells (left) talks with New York Giants hall of famer Lawrence Taylor during 1st quarter against the Denver Broncos at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Perlman/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
Often times it bugs many that offensive players get all the love. Today, however, we salute the 30 greatest defensive players in NFL history.
The Most Valuable Player, the Heisman Trophy, even Fantasy Football. Why is it always the flash of the offense that receives the absurd amount of the attention in football?
Actually, it’s extremely annoying at times.
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Unless Roger Goodell pulled off some of his identifiable sneaky stuff recently and completely eliminated one side of the game, I do believe defense counts for almost 50 percent of the snaps in the NFL.
Right? Well, let me think for a moment. After all, I don’t want to rush to judgement.
We have the quarterback who leads his offense onto the field for an average of 60-65 snaps a game. I don’t want to discount special teams (although the NFL would love to eliminate them all together). They account for a few kickoffs, field goals and punts.
Yup, the defense does still play football. I know at one point I saw J.J. Watt make a great defensive play in 2014 (although he’s turned to that offensive darkside as of late).
Luckily here at NFL Spin Zone, we realize defense is as important as offense. Most might say, more important.
Offense put the fannies in the seats. Defense wins championships.
It’s a cruel reality for defensive football players. Throughout their life, and seemingly for the entire lifespan American Football has graced our country, the average fan is much more enamored with the grace of elusiveness over grittiness; receptions over interceptions; touchdowns over perfect form-tackles.
While some of you fantasy nerds still think offense rules all, I dare you to tell Ray Lewis your thoughts on the subject. Go ahead, tell him it’s fair that only two defensive players have ever won the AP NFL MVP (Alan Page in 1971 and Lawrence Taylor in 1986).
I dare you.
Nevertheless, here are the 30 Greatest Defensive Players in NFL History including the Defensive All-Time NFL Team at the end of this slideshow:
Teaser: There are 11 defensive lineman, 10 linebackers and 9 defensive backs on the list.
Next: Notables