NFL Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Defensive Players Of All-Time
By Robby Sabo
3. Dick Butkus, MLB
- Chicago Bears (1965-73)
- 6-Time 1st Team All-Pro
Green Bay fans won’t like this submission, but they must respect it.
It’s funny, some think Packers legend Ray Nitschke was a better overall player, but regardless of who you root for, Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus can easily be called the greatest quarterback on defense in NFL history.
Nitschke played with a flock of legends on defense. Butkus had very little around him. I believe this is what has separated the two and given Butkus all of the fame while Nitschke took home the titles.
The cover boy of the article, Butkus had a look that screamed grittiness. He pounded NFL running backs on a weekly basis – and he loved it. Some of the most wicked hits this league has ever seen were laid down by Butkus during his “Monsters of the Midway” days.
Because of injuries Butkus only played nine seasons. Nevertheless, those seasons propelled him to one of the best defenders of all-time.
Next: Number 2