NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
4. Ray Lewis, MLB
- Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012)
- 2000 Super Bowl MVP / 2000 and 2003 Defensive POY / 2000 and 2012 Super Bowl Champion / 7-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Passion, intensity, reckless behavior and controlled insanity – this is how Baltimore Ravens middle linebacker Ray Lewis played football.
Even though most of the NFL knew Lewis was going to be good, nobody knew he was going to turn out to be a living legend.
Rivaling the 1985 Chicago Bears, Lewis’ 2000 Ravens defense is arguably the greatest unit ever assembled. He was a tackling machine who never featured an “off” button. Lewis amassed 1,562 tackles and 41.5 sacks during his illustrious 15-year NFL career and was Super Bowl XXXV’s Most Valuable Player.
There’s only a few middle linebackers who could claim to be on Lewis’ level.
A fantastic heart and soul-type leader, Lewis defined an era for the NFL.
Next: Number 3