Fill out the form below to subscribe to the Sports 2.0 Daily Digest email newsletter. One of thebest cornerbacks of all timewas on top of the leagues statistics in interceptions two times, in 1998 and 2005. One of the greatest games he had was the matchup from 2002 against famed Brady. Josh Norman had one of the greatest seasons of all time for a cornerback in 2015. Blount won four Super Bowls during his career while playing a key role in one of the greatest defenses ever in the steel curtain. Mel Blount Mel Blount changed the NFL more than any cornerback has ever done by changing the rule book. Begin with the end in mind, Williams said during his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech per The Pro Football Hall of Fames transcription of it. Bailey may also be one of the best tackling and run-support cornerbacks of all time with 832 solo career tackles, which ranks 28th all-time and fourth for cornerbacks. I wasnt ready before. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends. You cant wait for society to tell you youre beautiful or that youre a good person. Do you have a sports website? New England is one of the greatest sports franchises of the last 20 years. The greatest NFL cornerbacks of all time each held serve at the point of attack, never got beat deep, and were rarely even challenged. During his prime, he was the biggest nightmare of most receivers, including Calvin Johnson and Randy Moss. A list of the best cornerbacks in the game. #NewProfilePic pic.twitter.com/SvP7Fu2g7W, Since I got drafted to Detroit, the city has shown nothing but love & respect, imma really miss pulling up to all the high school games here in Detroit & showing yall love., I cant thank yall enough, Slay said in an Instagram post. You cant wait for somebody else to tell you that youre great. Last but not least, Connor Rogers of NBC Sports reiterates the "plug-and-play" tag, with Pro Football Focus giving him a 92.3 overall grade in his final collegiate season, predicting that . I had to understand what a hundred percent was all about and I had to understand that that goal kept moving higher because the better I got, the higher the standard became, Haynes said. We have tools and resources that can help you use sports data. The spirited speedster talked the talk and backed it up in a way few people can, all while setting the gold standard at cornerback. Theres a lot of good corners in todays game and there were a lot of talented corners who retired and eventually made it to the Hall of Fame. 1. ', 14 years later, thats why you cant give up on your dream, your promise, because 14 years later, this dream, this promise came. Your email address will not be published. His 12 interceptions returned for a touchdown rank first in NFL history, as do his 32 fumble recoveries by a defensive player. They are our future!, A post shared by Ja $ (@jairealexander). That I was able to allow my mama to go into a job and say Im not doing it anymore. You have to be worked on, cornered in and cornered out to become as good as you can be. So, in this list, youll hear from some of the top 18s Hall of Fame enshrinement speeches, along with the rest of todays corners from various points throughout their career, so you, too can strive for a Hall of Fame-type career or endeavor or familywhatever good you want to bring to the world. The one-time Super Bowl champion was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1993, and he made it to the First-Team All-Pro six times during his career. In 2015, he retired with an NFL record 13 defensive touchdowns (tied with Rod Woodson and Darren Sharper), 65 interceptions (fifth most in history), 20 sacks, 155 passes deflected, and 1,105 total tackles. Lonnie Johnson Jr. did his best to have the worst rookie season of a cornerback in Houston history last yeardespite going 54th overall in the 2019 NFL Draft earning a PFF grade of just 36.0 . That mark makes him the fastest defensive tackle in combine history since NFL Network . Adderley also had good size for the position, standing an even six-foot-tall and weighing 205 pounds. She was working two jobs just to see if ends could see one another because they never met. pic.twitter.com/jdEVqA4mre, I am grateful and very proud to be part of this great Class of 2012, and I congratulate the five tremendous men who join me here, Butler said. Following his amazing success with the San Francisco 49ers, Sanders joined the Dallas Cowboys, and he remained on the team for four years until 1999. Players must meet the minimum requirements to show up on this leaderboard. A blazing undersized corner carved out a 20-year career in the NFL, winning two Super Bowls and making the 1990s NFL All-Decade Team. This means that while the NCAA recognizes Barry Sanders ' single-season rushing yards record of 2,628 as the national record, Oklahoma State counts his stats from the 1988 Holiday Bowl as well and recognizes the record as 2,850 yards. Sanders finished his superior career in the NFL with 54 interceptions, 1,331 interception yards, 60 receptions, 784 receiving yards, and 22 touchdowns. He retired from the sport with 1,049 tackles, 71 interceptions, 17 touchdowns, and 20 forced fumbles. In four years, three of which he played mostly outside cornerback, Clark played in 43 games. Deion Sanders is the only athleteever to scorean NFL touchdown and hitan MLB home runin the same week30 years ago today: 3-for-5 with HR, pair of doublesFivedays later, returns punt68 yards for a TDin his NFL debutLegend pic.twitter.com/S6l8RhU2H7, Thank you, Lord, I thank you, Sanders said. Jesus saved my soul, gave me a different perspective on life. His 25.1 yards per interception return is the best in NFL history, and hes fifth in interceptions returned for a touchdown (9). Im so honored Im going to be in there with them., "Without reservation the greatest defensive back who ever lived": @49ers CB Jimmy Johnson https://t.co/v5bjuZxxcw pic.twitter.com/5AXvsSR4nz, Toiling in a situation, trying to be the best that I could be, but in my mind knowing the only way you can be the best that you could be is by repetition, repetition, Johnson said according to the Pro Football Hall of Fames transcription of his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech. After retiring from the sport in 1983, he was inducted into the Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame. His 57 career interceptions rank tied for 13th all-time. When dreams of being able to utilize his God given skills and talents and attributes to make them manifest to make them fruits. Each quote from these players is an excerpt from their Hall of Fame enshrinement speech according to their page on the Pro Football Hall of Fame website. Hawks vs Heat Player Props, For Saturday, March 4th, Pistons vs Cavaliers Player Props, For Saturday, March 4th, Timberwolves vs Kings Player Props, For Saturday, March 4th, Raptors vs Wizards Player Props, For Saturday, March 4th. NFL Football Career Defensive Leaders ranked by Sacks. He missed most of the season after having reconstructive surgery but returned to play in the Steelers 27-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XXX. Every day our sports experts send you news, articles, picks, tips, bonuses, promotions & more. Law retired back in 2009 with 838 tackles, 169 pass deflections, 53 interceptions, and 7 touchdowns. We need to present an image to people who want to do the right thing. The 40-yard dash times are in, and the best of this year so far is also one of the top marks in recent combine history. In 2000, he received the Bart Starr Award and the Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor. In that time, he won four Super Bowls, A 6-foot-2-inch, 190-pounder, Ricks, 21, projects as a boundary corner at the next level. Statistically speaking, Darrelle Revis rsum isnt earth-shattering compared to other cornerbacks, but the numbers dont tell the entire story. Image courtesy of steelcityunderground.com. We are responsible for creating change. He spent four seasons playing for the Atlanta Falcons and also competed for the San Francisco 49ers one season. A post shared by Richard Sherman (@rsherman25). Revis could shut down any teams No. He totaled 95 tackles, two tackles for loss and 11 interceptions over his career. NFL films ranked Darrell Green as the fastest player to ever play in the NFL. My Dad just mentioned how God plays important part in our lives. It was the only time quarterback Russell Wilson targeted Baldwin the entire game. When it comes to his professional NFL career, he joined the Atlanta Falcons in 1989, and he remained on the team for four years until 1993. For opposing quarterbacks, betting the house against these ten shutdown corners was almost always a losing bet. Weve put our handprints in it. He also made receivers tasks way more challenging due to his imposing six-foot-three frame. During his time in the NFL, the four-time Super Bowl champion was also praised for his ability to easily adjust coverage tactics and remain mentally strong no matter what was going on on the field. This was probably one of his best seasons in the NFL, with a record of six interceptions and three touchdowns. He showed me I could be a man and walk right, the things my son talked about. Then, he entered the NFL Draft in 1970 and was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. NFL Career Leaders - Sacks. The Ravens' defense was absolutely decimated by injury in 2021, and that left Humphrey to carry much of the . Considered one of the greatest shutdown corners in NFL history, Williams also tied an NFL record in 2000, when he returned a fumble 104 yards for a touchdown in a game against Washington. Darrell Greens speed was unfair. Green was also a threat in the return game, though not being asked to do so for most of his career. Age: 26 (27 on 7/27/23) Playing time: 16 games (15 starts), 969 defensive snaps (92.2% of team total), 50 special teams snaps (12.2% of team total) Key statistics: 90 tackles, 6 tackles for loss . All rights reserved. #20 of 85. They don't do this, however, and there are a few other things to consider. He was drafted into the NFL after graduating from college in 1952 by the Los Angeles Rams. In 2009, Bailey didnt allow a touchdown pass in 80 targets and was credited with holding Larry Fitzgerald to just three catches for 19 yards in a game against the Cardinals in the 2010 season. From 2004-2006 Champ Bailey may have had the greatest three-year stretch of any cornerback ever. By doing that, I was able to get to distance part of the field that normally I would not have.. My son is only 5 years old, and aware of whats going on in our world today, Gillmore said in an Instagram post. Cornerback: Asante Samuel, New England Patriots (2006) 93.2 The seven-time Pro Bowler built a reputation as such a deadly defender that opposing quarterbacks did their best to steer clear of his spot on the field nicknamed Revis Island. The eight-time Pro Bowler was also the NFL kickoff return leader in 1992. He entered the NFL Draft in 2007, and he was selected by the New York Jets, where he remained until 2012. Who are the best cornerbacks of all time? You have to believe that for yourself. So, Im starting here today. He is a top-15 tackler all time at Wisconsin and totaled 338 stops in his four years. This leads us to Deion Sanders, the best cornerback of all time based on his impressive career statistics and other accomplishments. I feel now that I am ready. 21. Sanders also received the Jim Thorpe Award back in 1988. 2021 stats: 12 games (12 starts), 1 INT, 13 PBUs, 1 FF, 58 combined tackles (44 solo). This isnt about me. Featuring 2018-2019 Colts and some of the greatest NFL cornerbacks of all time, the best Colts CBs include Vontae Davis, Eugene Daniel, Kelvin Hayden, Nick Harper, and Chris Goode. He played the position of cornerback for the New England Patriots between 1005 and 2004. It took them a long time to be elevated to do the Lords work. With thirteen records set for the college team, Rod Woodson was inducted into the Purdue Athletics Hall of Fame back in 2003. No one ever dreams of getting to this spot once he comes into the NFL, if anyone ever dreams of getting into the Hall of Fame, he is having a nightmare. Our list of thetop10 cornerbacks of all timefeatures other highly successful NFL defensive players we discuss in the sections that follow, so make sure you stick around. He had one of the best games that I've ever seen an Eagles cornerback have Week 2 against the Vikings,. 1 15) Dick LeBeau. So on behalf of all the black men that Ive mentioned tonight, and many more out there, whove had the most of the same experiences that Ive had in my lifetime, we say this to all of our white friends: When we tell you about our fears, please listen. Now more than ever, teams realize the importance of the positions, so lets look at the ten greatest to play the position. What is more impressive is that 250 of those tackles were solo tackles. Gave them the lessons to wait, to be patient, to learn, and their time would come. Countless number of fans have told me I played the game with a high level of integrity., Cowboys' legend Mel Renfro among players in new lawsuit against NFL over painkillers http://t.co/73jJOaxwfq pic.twitter.com/xzM25nu7fZ, now I am trying to do something for the youth of this nation, Renfro said. Its challenged me to become a better man, husband, father, teammate, and human being on earth. #PFHOF19 #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/CsthjHvJih, I want to thank God for allowing me to be here and experience this with you guys, Law said. Playing under Vince Lombardi and Tom Landry for his entire career, there may not have been a smarter corner ever to play the position. It is not fair or pardonable for Blacks to be treated like stepchildren in Pro Football. Top 8 Cornerbacks of All-Time. They are well known for hosting the Betting on Sports series of events across the world. After finishing high school, he enrolled at Texas A&I University, where he ran track and played football. Thank God for getting me through the season healthy mentally and physically. Darrelle Revis is considered by many the best CB of all time, but he is third-placed on our list of the best cornerbacks of all time. He played for the Ravens until his retirement in 2005. Posted by Tate Hansen | Feb 16, 2023 | NFL. Even in today's NFL, Atwater, standing 6'3 and weighing 218 lbs is the perfect size for a hard hitting safety. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports. Not just cornerback, but any player regardless of position. Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks With Most Super Bowl Wins. In 2011, he had six interceptions for 173 yards and averaged 28.8 yards per return on those interceptions. Sanders also played for the Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens before retiring from the sport in 2005. Lem Barney is a great example of a player who went to a smaller college but hit the ground running. Seriously, thank you Mr. Davis. See, we left it on the field. Here is our ranking of the five biggest defensive linemen at the combine Pittsburgh could target in the 2023 NFL draft. He had four interceptions, two pick-sixes, three forced fumbles and quarterbacks had a 54.0 passer rating when . Check out Betting Superstore your one stop shop to everything betting! Couple his speed and longevity with a willingness to engage ball-carriers and make tackles, and Green was one of the most versatile corners of all time. The exact cause of death was never released. 2) Rod Woodson. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. With all the negativity going around lets do something positive! I wouldnt be standing here without that faith, which played a major role in my life. The previous year in 2010, he had five picks and averaged 20.2 yards per return. #803 of 880. And I said, mama, because I was tired of seeing her go to work and come home all tired. However, nobody can deny he dominated the league during his era. Not necessarily. Life has been good to me and if I die tonight, I wouldnt die blue because I have experienced great things in life. His career in the NFL kicked off in 1987 when he was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tasked . However, his family believes he died due to chronic traumatic encephalopathy he sustained after years of playing football. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. After his junior year, Ty Law left the college team to enter the NFL Draft in 1995, primarily due to financial issues. Charles Woodson 3. The following is a list of the NFL career defensive leaders ranked by sacks.Statistics are current through the 2022 NFL season and include stats accrued in NFL, AFL and APFA games. I appreciate you. Brown had 54 career interceptions in his 16-year career and is unofficially credited with 331 career pass breakups.