It’s Halloween this week, so our latest YouTube video hits on the most feared players in NFL history. From Reggie White to Lawrence Taylor, these guys caused nightmares for the opposition.
DE Reggie White
Is there a more underrated player in NFL history than White? The former Eagles and Packers legend, who is second all-time with 198.0 career sacks, was virtually impossible to block. White once had 21.0 sacks in a season… in 12 games! Plus, “The Minister of Defense” had 23.5 sacks in two USFL seasons to begin his professional career. His hump move would literally get offensive linemen off their feet on his way to the quarterback, no doubt causing many sleepless nights before matchups.
LB Lawrence Taylor
Talk about a boogeyman. LT’s speed-power combination was not something you wanted to see on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Taylor won Defensive Rookie of the Year, was a multiple time Defensive Player of the Year, and even won NFL MVP in 1986—which is insane as a defensive player. LT’s game-wrecking ability is credited with another LT—the left tackle position—becoming a premium position for teams.
LB Ray Lewis
Moving to even more of the modern era, longtime Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis is a great representation for feared players from the 2000s—along with former safety Brian Dawkins and Lewis’ teammate Ed Reed. The intensity of the two-time Super Bowl champion Lewis was frightening, and his hard-hitting paired with his intelligence were a dominant combination. Lewis is even credited with the creation of the “hit stick” in the Madden video game series.
Most Feared Offensive Players
Moving to the offensive side of the ball, there are some honorable mentions who struck fear into the opposition: Randy Moss, Calvin Johnson, Jim Brown, and Earl Campbell. But the pick for most feared NFL offensive player of all-time is still playing—it’s current Ravens running back Derrick Henry. King Henry gets scarier as seasons progress, and his devastating stiff-arm might be the most disrespectful offensive move in history.
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