NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
7. Ronnie Lott, DB
- San Francisco 49ers (1981-90), Oakland Raiders (1991-92), New York Jets (1993-94)
- 1981, 1984, 1988 and 1989 Super Bowl Champion / 6-Time 1st Team All-Pro
If losing a part of your finger doesn’t stop you from playing the game then nothing will.
For safety Ronnie Lott, the man is an all-time old-school football player as he once cut off the tip of a finger so he wouldn’t have to endure surgery and miss games.
Much like Rod Woodson, Lott was also drafted as a cornerback and played four-plus seasons with the San Francisco 49ers in that spot before moving to safety. He was as athletic as he was brilliant.
Where Lott truly gained recognition was due to his vicious style of hitting offensive playmakers. He literally made offensive players fear their lives.
Lott led a very unheralded defense which helped Joe Montana and the rest of the 49ers to four Super Bowls during the 1980’s. In fact, that first championship in his rookie year had more to do with the defense than anything Walsh and Montana did on offense.
More than a hitter, Lott’s 63 career interceptions shows what a great center fielder he truly was.
Next: Number 6