NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
18. Night Train Lane, CB
- Los Angeles Rams (1952-53), Chicago Cardinals (1955-59), Detroit Lions (1960-65)
- 3-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Simply one of the most devastating defensive backs to ever play football was Dick “Night Train” Lane.
He started with the Los Angeles Rams. Once he got to Chicago and started playing for the Cardinals, however, is when the entire league started to really take notice.
His freakish athletic abilities in those days were awe inspiring. Not only could he roam in the defensive backfield while covering receivers, but he would destroy ball carriers with his patented closed-line, high neck area tackle (later to be outlawed of course).
Lane finished his career with 68 interceptions, currently good enough for fourth all-time. He was also a 10 time All-Pro.
Next: Number 17