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NFL: Creating the all-time roster with football’s legends

ByHans Themistode|
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Hall of Fame enshrinee Ray Lewis is introduced before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 23: Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker and Hall of Fame enshrinee Ray Lewis is introduced before the game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
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Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

NFL: Creating the all-time roster with football’s legends: DE, Michael Strahan

Career stats:

  • 141.5 sacks
  • 854 total tackles

Accolades: 

  • 7 time Pro Bowler
  • 4 time All-Pro
  • 1 time Super Bowl Champ
  • 1 time Defensive Player of the Year

There should be little to no trouble for the offense to put up monster numbers on just about anyone. But, as is often the case in football, defense wins championships.

Everything starts with putting pressure on the quarterback. It takes them out of their rhythm and throws their entire game plan off track. One player who brought the pressure all night and every Sunday, was defensive end, Michael Strahan. The former New York Giant could bully just about anyone he was lined up against. He ranks sixth all-time with 141 and a half sacks but more importantly, his 22.5 sacks during the 2002 season is still an all-time record.

For Strahan, it wasn’t just about sacking the QB but rushing their progressions and making them hit the dirt a few was just as vital. He had multiple seasons of over 20 QB hits and his overall pressure every snap was insane. Ironically enough, Strahan was one of the main reasons why Tom Brady and the New England Patriots failed to close the show in their bid for an undefeated season in 2007. Working together may repulse them but they’re simply too great to not have them on the same squad.

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