NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
23. Emlen Tunnell, DB
- New York Giants (1948-58), Green Bay Packers (1959-61)
- 1956 and 1961 NFL Champion / 4-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Perhaps the first legendary safety the NFL laid eyes on was New York Giant’s defensive back Emlen Tunnell.
The reason Tunnell became the first great at the position was largely due to the era he played in. Finally, thanks to guys like Johnny Unitas, the forward became somewhat regular which forced defenses to assemble real secondaries.
Tunnell ended his career as the all-time leader in interceptions with 79. That was until Paul Krause passed him with 81.
Tunnell is still second all-time in interceptions and had the great honor of becoming the first African-American to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
Next: Number 22