Ranking the top 10 defensive players in NFL history…
7. Ronnie Lott
Drafted eighth overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1981 NFL Draft out of USC, Lott quickly established himself as a versatile defensive back, transitioning from cornerback to safety and becoming a cornerstone of the 49ers’ dynasty.
Over 10 seasons with the 49ers, Lott contributed to four Super Bowl victories (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV), earning Super Bowl MVP consideration in most of them. As a rookie, he set an NFL record with three interception returns for touchdowns.
He led the league in interceptions twice (1986 with 10, 1991 with eight after joining the Los Angeles Raiders).
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Lott signed with the Raiders in 1991, adding two more Pro Bowls, then played for the New York Jets (1993-1994) and briefly the Kansas City Chiefs before retiring after a one-day 49ers contract in 1995. He holds 49ers records for career interceptions (51) and interception return yards (643).
Lott’s career totals include 1,146 tackles, 63 interceptions for 730 yards, five touchdowns, 8.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and 17 fumble recoveries across 192 games. He ranks among the all-time leaders in interceptions and was an eight-time All-Pro with 10 Pro Bowl selections.
Lott’s standout attributes were his exceptional awareness, physicality and leadership, allowing him to excel in coverage and as a tackler. Famously, he amputated part of his pinky finger to avoid missing games, showcasing his toughness.
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His playing style was aggressive and intelligent: a hard-hitting enforcer who combined elite ball skills with bone-jarring tackles, making him one of the hardest open-field hitters in history.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
But who ranks ahead of Lott at No. 6 all-time?
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