NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
5. Reggie White, DE
- Philadelphia Eagles (1985-92), Green Bay Packers (1993-98), Carolina Panthers (2000)
- 1987 and 1998 Defensive POY / 1996 Super Bowl Champion / 8-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Reggie White was unlike any football player we laid eyes on previously. For “The Minister of Defense,” Sundays meant two things: god and football.
Because of his championship success in Green Bay – and taking unrestricted free agency to new heights for the NFLPA – White was a dominant figure for Buddy Ryan with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Everything ran through him.
Offenses had to regularly put together gameplans that featured a double-team on White for every play. As good as he was rushing the passer, he was just as superb against the run.
Still though, he was pretty damn good rushing the passer.
Only Bruce Smith has more sacks in NFL history than White’s 198. It took Smith three more seasons to surpass White in the category.
White was an all-pro an obscene 13 seasons during his 15 year NFL career and was one of the very few to win the Defensive Player of the Year award twice.
Next: Number 4