Top 10 Most Feared Tacklers

This list is the ten most feared tacklers in NFL history. This episode originally aired in 2008.

[@reidmauldin3203]

When Michael Jordan was winning NBA titles he was once asked who was the toughest defender he ever played against. Without thinking about it he said, "Lawrence Taylor!" The interviewer said, "Lawrence Taylor was a football player!" Michael said, "Yeah, and he played basketball the same way!" Michael Jordan and Lawrence Taylor played college ball at UNC.

[@ironmanwop6019]

Hey man thanks for that information. I never knew that, what a cool story

[@funkynassau..4881]

Bullshit he didn't knock out earl campbell..... cheap shot artist.....

[@TheTaybug22]

I never knew that...Classic 🔥

[@leereeder2293]

I never knew LT played basketball

[@williamherman9065]

@@leereeder2293 He was an amazing athlete! Growing up in Chicago, right during that mid-to-late 80s run for amazing Defenses in New York and Chicago, we always had arguments about who was really the best LB! Well, when no less of an authority than Dick Butkus, an NFL LEGEND at LB and a God in Chicago, when _that man_ says that the best he ever saw was LT, right then, there was no more argument. LT was that dude before that due was even a thing.

[@rustbucket1728]

Butkus won Defensive Player of the Year in 69 when Chicago went 1-13. That says it all.

[@stevenday9687]

Unheard of. Especially in today's game because no air time. From what it sounds like they were afraid not to make him the winner. Lol

[@mikewallace6141]

Thats a fact.Incredible!

[@tlt3921]

The only game they won that year he had 22 tackles in that one game.

[@stevenday9687]

@@tlt3921 a season for some players.

[@stevenday9687]

@@tlt3921 I Googled this & he actually had 25. It doesn't say if they were all solo so 3 are probably combined but he is credited for 25. At 1-13, he was the only one making them apparently.

[@mitchellgranahan335]

RIP Dick Butkus… without question, the best to ever do it 🙏🏼

[@kyledabearsfan]

The replacement for the first MLB Bill George, he had big shoes to fill and Jesus did he. Bear Down Butkus, rest in peace you legend.

[@Youknowwhoin2024]

Lame. Fanboy and recency bias

[@mitchellgranahan335]

@@Youknowwhoin2024you a big clown and we already know who you vote for.

[@kyledabearsfan]

Team bias maybe, but not recency, they were the 2 players i grew up watching highlight reels for. Maybe its good we dont all just hype up the same players though. Have fun being annoying to other people for no reason.@@Youknowwhoin2024

[@DeBa1226]

Dick Butkus is the greatest MLB of all time.

[@williamkoscielniak7871]

My dad used to wrestle me as a kid and when he'd tackle me he'd say "Butkus hits him!". I didn't even know what the word "Butkus" meant at that time, but I knew the name. The man was in awe of Butkus his entire life.

[@davidmartinez52420]

Butkus won a DPOY on a 1 win team. Beastly.

[@geoffreykruse563]

He is the original beast mode.

[@thurmanavent4640]

To say Bockus was a better hitter than Lawerance Taylor or better player is mind blowing

[@robgodfrey5532]

I'm a Viking fan, and our center back then, Mick Tinglehoff said: "When Butkus retired it added 2 years to my career."

[@goober5713]

My dad always said you had to be a mean SOB to go through life named Dick Butkus

[@silvrbck1]

@@goober5713 Can you imagine if his name was Harry?

[@timothynewcomb2280]

@John Pottorgg hi ca111

[@richardschauf7373]

@@goober5713 8

[@richardschauf7373]

@@goober5713 Im with your Dad-Butkus was the best!

[@richardnixon5068]

LT being first to jump up and call to the Skins sidelines was a class move. Plus, he was clearly horrified by what he had just rolled off of.

[@phillogan3405]

Gary Fencik #45, and Doug Plank #46 were huge hitters for the Bears in the 70's and 80's. Rushers trying to evade one often got blown up by the other. Great stuff.

[@jamessveinsson6006]

As a fellow Chicagoan who is 56 now I wholeheartedly agree with you my friend I loved watching the Bears of the 70s and 80s after that it was all downhill

[@terryrouse3111]

two of the best !!

[@viewerwatching5712]

As a kid in Chicago playing football we would say you got planked when someone hit you hard!

[@darrelldemarest3502]

49ers trainer: Ronnie, we cant let you play with a broken pinky tip" Ronnie Lott: "if we cut it off, it's not broken anymore" Trainer : *"What?"* Ronnie: *"What?!"*

[@ishf1772]

Lmao

[@michaelleroy9281]

Best corner/ safety ever to play the game

[@ondatazz6346]

@@michaelleroy9281 For real, like Polomalu times 4.

[@dannyjoe3343]

@@flyingtoaster1427 apparently it was timmy newsome of the cowgirls who ronnie tackled and broke the famous amputated finger in 85.

[@last7509]

before i even watch the video i know hes number 1

[@docsmithdc]

"Football is hitting.Butkus is the ultimate hitter"-Jim Brown.

[@Sota-son]

I guess that would pretty much settle the issue.

[@danthefan5378]

Way more than ANYONE The GREAT Strong Mobile Jim Brown would know! RIP Mr Jim Brown!

[@MitchMitch77-77]

Ask Earl Campbell that same question!

[@docsmithdc]

@@MitchMitch77-77 ?????

[@drumsport]

There were so many great tacklers, but the two greatest that I have ever seen was Dick Butkus and Jack Tatum. Unbelievable how they could reach peak acceleration at impact.

[@joecastellanos4122]

I agree Butkus and Tatum are the top 2.

[@vicschauberger2737]

Yes . I agree about Jack Tatum and the category is " Most Feared " not best .

[@skule5727]

Good to see Night Train Lane getting the respect he deserves

[@josephmiller9424]

How tall was he , and how he baited QB'S , i think Prime time when he played modeled his game after him

[@christopherunfus8962]

Night Train was one of the best defensive backs ever.

[@logicaldude3611]

Steve Atwater doesn't get remembered nearly enough. I feel like younger people nowadays probably don't even know who he is.

[@ondatazz6346]

Atwater is the hardest hittin' safety, ever behind Ronnie Lott... and the Saints my squad.

[@zm8w88]

i know of steve atwater and im a raider fan whos 18 yrs young, legends will always be remembered never forgotten

[@adrxme3483]

@@ondatazz6346 I think Brian Dawkins is up there as well.

[@pnutbutrncrackers]

Saw him at DIA and I just said, "Thanks for all the hits, man". He smiled big.

[@douglaspatrick868]

Atwater was great man, not only a legendary big hitter but a great form tackler to boot, he was respected and feared in equal measure!

[@that773guy4]

Dick Butkus. Born and raised in Chicago. Only played 9 years but made 8 Pro-Bowls and was a 2 time Defensive Player of the Year. He is the Monster of the Midway.

[@johnaskings527]

F that. He was the monster of Everyway.

[@charlesbunnell9030]

Even with no knees his last few years

[@damianheighley7589]

Back in the 1800s nine season was a lot

[@alexbarianos5472]

I watched Butkus,night train another great hitter (Mad dog)Mike Curtis

[@dadavic]

But not number one maybe number four 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@picturemetrollin2093]

Lawrence Taylor was better than we remember. He could be the best football player ever. Seriously, he was the only defensive player I've ever seen straight take over and win a game that his team was, 100 percent going to lose, after leaving in first half with an injury. It's incredible to say I know, but he is underrated.

[@bossanova80]

He is the best football player ever

[@AstralShine]

He's not talked about much any more, but Chuck Cecil was one of the hardest hitters I've ever seen. He even appeared on an SI cover that asked if he was too dangerous for the NFL.

[@CodeBlue_EMT-P]

Chuck was a vicious hitter. Everyone who ever got hit by him or coached by him knew it.

[@kevinpayton2664]

He was vicious for sure.

[@shellyrobbins6071]

I completely agree, he was a monster!

[@thepolingclan]

Notice they left Cecil and Harrison off. I'm wondering if it's because both were so heavily penalized for illegal hits.

[@stephenrosenfelder4452]

Loved watching him plat at UA. Beast!

[@browndbeanz7446]

I could listen to LT all day. Him casually saying, "son, y'all gotta do better than this." while standing over the qb shaking his head is probably my favorite NFL one liner. 😂😂😂

[@andrewpadaetz5549]

I prefer "let's go in there like a bunch of crazed dogs and have some fun"...

[@Orcinus1967]

As a Philly fan the Giants are arch, division rivals. We had to see him 2 times a year at least. I can't say it was fun to watch. But it was awesome. LT was and is legendary. Next time a woman says on her dating profile she wants to "Live life to the fullest" I'm going to reply "Like Lawrence Taylor?"

[@michaelswinehart2788]

I liked his " let's go in there like a bunch of crazy dogs !" It reminds me of a fellow linebacker I played with. He would say at the start of the game, " let's get at 'em like a pack of rabid dogs !" I knew it was his original saying. It was about ten years before LT played in the NFL.

[@lendrury2771]

@@michaelswinehart2788 Lawrence could really hit that crack pipe too

[@purplefood1]

It must be exaggerated but listening to people talk about how scared people were of him is entertaining.

[@carlpabst6506]

Deacon Jones. I know he was a lineman, but he was so fast, strong and just plain brutal to watch.

[@leereeder2293]

Was on that Ram defense called the Fearsome Foursome

[@leereeder2293]

The 2 most feared tacklers for me were Mean Joe Greene and Dick Butkus

[@leereeder2293]

Mean Joe on the other hand led the Steelers to 4 Super Bowl titles in the 70's

[@stevenday9687]

Mean! Best word to describe him

[@leereeder2293]

Deacon Jones was up there with Mean Joe and Butkus

[@AnteroSports]

Isaac - Thank You!... I am so pleased that Steve Atwater was included on this list... I covered the Broncos back in the 1980's and all anyone ever wanted to talk about was John Elway (deserving undeniably) but there were 21 other Broncos out on the field with him and Steve was just as important to - Wade Phillips' & Greg Robinson's - Broncos defense as John was to Dan Reeves & Mike Shanahan's offense... A deserving Hall-of-Famer and a GREAT (and humble) person, Steve Atwater!

[@csmith9684]

Yes agree 100% Atwater was so awesome on and off the field what a powerful dude!

[@XX-dy7ol]

Sean Taylor was one of the hardest hitters ever. RIP Sean

[@pokerone6489]

Landry and Taylor were one of the most entertaining defensive backfields I've ever seen.

[@marshallhennington4369]

Yes he was!! No question. I would have loved to have seen how his game evolved. Very sad ending. I blame his sister for bringing those haters into home.

[@dubbayewwilliams9402]

No mercy on that punter in the pro bowl hahaha...R.i.P...kid

[@conesobruh9165]

Ever more of a hard hitter than Jack Tatum the assassin

[@hawkeye0378]

⁠@@conesobruh9165i wouldn’t go that far, jack Tatum paralyzed someone

[@klaus5686]

My dad played with Singletary at Baylor and he said they used to keep 3 helmets on the bench with his number on them because he would usually break atleast 2 per half.

[@justshootmevideos5336]

How hard do you have to hit someone to break a helmet?

[@csmith9684]

@@justshootmevideos5336 lol yea thats crazy

[@jamesarcher1289]

That’s insane ! Imagine that 1 impact or play. Ruined a helmet !

[@johnhutcheson8869]

Jack Lambert's second career was as a Game Warden. I can not imagine giving him a hard time when he said "may I please see your license."

[@GrocMax]

Most people don't realize in many states a game warden has legal access to any property for any reason, doesn't need a warrant or cause, more power than about any other law enforcement dept you can think of.

[@mr.blackhawk142]

"We don't need no STEENKING licenses!!!" :P

[@youflatbro7498]

Actually Earl wasn't ready for the hit and it was a big hit, yet he kept going after the initial impact. That is a testament to how tough Earl was and how big of a hitter Tatum was.

[@addisonaitch7738]

Earl was so big that his momentum carried him forward even when out on his feet. Two of the greats being great at what they were known for at the same time.

[@viewerwatching5712]

Earl is paying for all those hits now, he is a shell of his former self. However, he has a beautiful spirit.

[@elomon3473]

Tatum lead with his helmet

[@youflatbro7498]

@@elomon3473 Doesn't matter. That wasn't a rule back then.

[@Native5]

Jack Tatum was the Grim Reaper. Everybody on here is in the Hall of Fame but Jack. I think it's a damn shame that this man died and never got into the Hall. I can't respect the HOF.

[@reallifelebowski4732]

Tatum is the only guy who hit another player so hard he indirectly cost his team a Super Bowl - No way that ball gets jarred 30 feet into the air into Franco's hands if it was some other guy hitting the receiver.

[@johnconway6976]

Not so fast, my friend. Keep in mind that one week after the Immaculate Reception the Steelers lost to the undefeated Miami Dolphins. The Raiders most likely would've fallen as well.

[@huntsvilhawk]

Lawrence Taylor # 1 Butkus #2 Jack Tatum3

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

@@huntsvilhawk Butkus LT Tatum

[@Jomitheelf]

Seriously, and now he plays for the Celtics. What a legend!

[@dumisatonyjohnson8145]

@@Jomitheelf Nice joke 😆 I believe he meant Jack Tatum former strong Safety of the Oakland Raiders 🏴‍☠️ in the early 1970s And I’m a Celtics fan and Jayson Tatum is my favorite player in today’s NBA

[@jeffreypedersen8402]

Story about Butkus. Offensive player, "he bit my finger!" Butkus, "let me see, nope wasn't me. You still have your finger."

[@dLimboStick]

Your never gonna see a Top Ten Feared Tacklers again, with this new NFL.

[@Lehmann108]

Playing football through high school it was a amazing how some guys could hit you like a ton of bricks. And the really hard hitters were not necessarily big. They tended to be fast and absolutely fearless.

[@andan04]

85% of these hits would draw a penalty now.

[@andan04]

@nxtrash and trashew suck big one Haha that made me laugh. You're probably right.

[@boubakrbenlaafou4188]

because they were illegal hits and not safe. they should have made those hits with no helmets if they were though, pu

[@andan04]

@@boubakrbenlaafou4188 I agree that they weren't safe but they were legal at the time. I don't see any yellow flags in this video.

[@normmcdonald7312]

I know vontez burfict watched this shit with his mouth open. Like yaw kicked me out the league but praise these guys lmao

[@tylersamels7855]

That's one of the reasons the game is soft now

[@mikebostic9518]

The game has changed so much, Ray Lewis, kam chancellor, Brian Dawkins, Sean Taylor were some of the most feared hitters I saw.

[@keiserwilhem5543]

But Dawkins not even a mention tho?

[@d.n.adatniccalexxx]

Butkus is still the goat

[@erikbunty2016]

Lyle Alzado, Derrick Thomas, Shawne Merriman?

[@MrSoxfan56]

This list got #1 right for sure. I have watched pro football for 66 years and Butkus was hands down # 1, no one even close. The most destructive defensive player to ever play the game. I watched every game he ever played. He played a game with cracked ribs and tackled guys the same as he did in these clips. If you have ever had cracked ribs, which I have had, you know how fierce this guy was to play in that kind of pain. He and Gayle Sayers packed Wrigley field when the Bears teams were not worth the price of admission. The two of them were, "you have to see them to believe them type players".

[@morecowbell235]

I've seen that Atwater hit on okoye a bunch of times. One thing these highlights always leave out - Okoye ran Atwater over the next time atwater tried to tackle him

[@williamsynthia5070]

Atwater, Tatum, Plank

[@wreckanchor]

I was a kid during the 70's and I really feel like this was the best time in the history of the NFL. MEL BLOUNT was the biggest hitting DB I ever saw personally. He was a game changer.

[@hart7668]

He literally changed the game lol the rule change in 1978 is called the Mel Blount rule

[@street1111]

Night train Lane then Mel Blount...nfl made rule changes because of their dominance

[@bigcatclassics6759]

He literally changed game, u right. Great call on Mel.

[@jasonlopez7248]

Man, Mighty Mel Blount would SUPLEX his opponent!!!! That's some WWE shit right there! SUPERB!!!

[@marksills7470]

Willie Lanier was also a tremendous hitter His nickname was mr. Contact

[@brianallison1913]

Even though it was only one tackle, the beauty of Steve Largents tackle and fumble recovery on Mike Harden of Denver gets him a spot on this imo. As far as defensive backs go I like how Ronnie Lott described getting a big hit. "Actually, getting a big hit means you were a little late on your coverage."

[@jonjonbailey4314]

Dat is true cuz u a never c Prime on here he say dat ball is mine. But Ronnie Lott could do Dat cuz Eric Wright was on other side as a rookie Ballin like Lester Hayes

[@patton303]

6:11: Aww Coach Reeves. Rest In Peace, my friend. Thank you for the memories here in Denver.

[@jasonlassiter9229]

My boy Lyle Alzado was a monster hitter too. He was a tad before my time, but I remember watching plenty of highlight videos on him. He was a pure monster.

[@rockchalk9078]

I remember Alzado playing. Yes, he was a mean hungry killer for sure.

[@NPH4LYFE]

If Sean Taylor could of played longer we know he be on this list🙏🏼

[@mr.blackhawk142]

Yes, he could HAVE.

[@gl3618]

Dude was brutal, made TO cry constantly. Hahaha

[@chrismorfas7515]

I was a kid in '72 or '73, and Dick Butkus came to my house to throw passes to me and my kid brother. True story. (Thinking now it was summer of 1971-- see my comment below).

[@craddock619]

Why?

[@craddock619]

He just picked ur house out of the other millions in the US?

[@chrismorfas7515]

@@craddock619 Players were much more accessible back then. He was making an appearance at a church festival just down the street from our home in a city adjacent to Chicago. My dad knew the fella delivering him and arranged for him to stop by our house for a bit. He was as nice as could be...There was an enormous trophy in the rear seat of the car. I now see that he won NFL Defensive POY in 1970, so I'm guessing it was the summer of 1971.

[@ericanderson7059]

I got dissed by Rick James .

[@indy_go_blue6048]

I had a similar experience with Butkus outside U of I's Memorial Stadium one afternoon. We kids (12, 13 yo) were playing on the lawn outside the stadium when he and another Illini stopped and watched us. We invited them to join, Butkus went to the other side. I was about 5'2 100 pounds and was our sides RB. I got through the line right into Butkus. He had that mean look on his face, lifted me up almost over his head... I knew I was going to die... then gently laid me on the grass and laughed. I've loved him ever since. That was in 10/63.

[@barryrieger9911]

Sean Taylor was the hardest hitter in the NFL that I have ever seen on the Washington Redskins. Not only his hitting was unmatched but his athleticism as well.

[@BSE1320]

Love ST26. The Miami Hurricane fans literally have a game named after him. That being said, unfortunately he wasn't in the league long enough to make this list. Had he had a full career, no question he would be.

[@RyanGuenther-cb5yo]

He got trucked by Greg Jones from FSU(and I mean TRUCKED)and Michael Pittman from the Bucs. That guy wasnt close to Atwater and Lott.

[@vicschauberger2737]

You can only think of what might have been . Crushing loss for football and the Redskins . Skins #27 , Ken Houston ,was also a great hitter at that position .

[@omni-man4624]

​@@RyanGuenther-cb5yoHeard N nightmare rolled.over Atwater except once!

[@EdwardCaramanico]

Listening to the radio call by Frank, Sonny and Sam while driving to a buddy's place to watch Giants/Redskins on a Monday night, the announcers and the crowd go silent after Taylor sacks Theismann. Then the announcers watch the reply and are shocked almost to the point of being mute - hushed/grave sounding voices. I get to my buddy's place, rush in without knocking and find a disturbing silence. I ask "WTF happened?" Their response was "it's horrible, you just gotta see it." In my life it's only topped by the Krumrie injury.

[@brucebasile5083]

I grew up in the same neighborhood as Dick in the 50's and 60's. He was a legend from the time he went to CVS high school. His brothers owned a moving company and were also tough guys.

[@firth_4513]

Chuck Bednarik the last 60-minute man deserves a mention.

[@MRB16th]

Yes he does. Concrete Charlie was playing the full 60 minutes long after the one-platoon system was obsolete at college and professional level.

[@spearmanerica676]

Ronnie Lot and Brian Dawkins my favorites of all time 🏈

[@TeeTimeMike]

B-Dawg !

[@paysonfox88]

Another worthy entry to the list would be Sean Taylor. Had Sean had a 10-year or more career, he would have been the most feared tackler amongst safeties in the last 30 years

[@thankfullycraig6954]

I know this list is old, but you have to add James Harrison to this list. The league basically took tackling out of the game after he knocked out two Browns players in a row.

[@tomfabozzi6309]

And maybe Vontaze Burfict?

[@joeseddit]

Jack Tatum is slam-dunk #1 on my list. It appears many in this comment section agree. I noticed someone here suggested Doug Plank as worth mentioning. Good call. I think he get's overlooked because I don't think his career was all that long and that he wasn't really above average in terms of overall talent. But he'd lay the wood on any receiver coming over the middle.

[@iceman4311]

I would say Tatum or Lott

[@JacaboBlanco]

By that standard though, Bernard pollard should be on the list. Scariest dude ever

[@f_kyt]

Agree

[@robmckrobmck5567]

Buddy Ryan named the 46 D after #46 Plank

[@SGobuck]

@@iceman4311 I'd say Tatum because Tatum was doing it in college and Lott began his career as a corner and didn't have the same opportunity to play run defense.

[@markandrew5968]

I think it's crazy how Jack Lambert is in this list. Not because I think he doesn't deserve to be, but he's downright skinny for his position, but is recognized a one of the hardest hitting middle linebackers of all time. That's pretty damn impressive.

[@morrisparrish76]

It ain’t the size of the dog in a fight; but the size of the fight in the dog!…….woody hayes

[@joymike6408]

David Fulcher and Terry Hoage were a couple of monsters, as well. The most recent heavy hitter that left quite an impression on me, is Parrish Cox. Dude was vicious.

[@stannelson7937]

It is near impossible to include every single guy who was truly feared as a tackler. #31 Donnie Shell for the Pittsburgh Steelers is one that comes to mind. While I don't think he belongs in the top 10, I do believe he, along with quite a few others, deserved an honorable mention.

[@dustinmartin8986]

Donnie Shell was a headhunter no doubt, finally made it in the HOF, way overdue.

[@Orcinus1967]

Top 100 hitters it is. Naw..that would take too long and no one would watch. LOL. We'd all watch!

[@tyronegooch5251]

Bill Bates of the cowboys. Don't sleep on that guy. A total apocalypse on the kickoff return.

[@BST-lm4po]

Donnie Shell,..aka .."the Torpedo"! Dude hit like a freight train! He was the exclamation point on the Steel Curtain!

[@fallguye6011]

@@BST-lm4po Hit Campbell head on. One of many Steelers that would knock you out of your shoes in that time. Donnie doesn't get the credit he deserves.

[@greensmithfootball10]

Night Train's hits are probably the hardest and most reckless hits I've ever seen from a defensive back. I bet he absolutely terrified the receivers in the league that had to go against him

[@greensmithfootball10]

@Jim Watson i think he'd most likely be a safety in today's game because he had unbelievable ball skills

[@greensmithfootball10]

@Jim Watson his listed height and weight were 6'1" 194. He was a very big guy compared to the rest of the DBs in the league at the time but again I think he'd play safety in today's game more so because of his ball skills even though he was extremely physical

[@coreygolphenee9633]

Yeah you are just getting in a fight every play

[@alexbarianos5472]

Never drafted

[@strapz805]

Dude I was like dam how he all mad

[@bobbywinston116]

17:27 - 17:56 what that man said about Ray Lewis perfectly encapsulates Ray his whole career. Every player could just see it in his eyes, hear it from his voice and by the way he played that he was a beast. He had that mystique, that bad ass element

[@tymercier2313]

Two notable omissions: Kenny Easley (whom Ronnie Lott called the hardest hitting player he's ever seen) and one of the few players besides LT at that time who forced offenses to change their game plans, and Kam Chancellor, enforcer of the Legion of Boom, who was flagged frequently for legal hits because they were so violent the ref thought it should be illegal. KZbin Chancellor vs Winston and watch a 225lb safety stand his ground and break a 310 pound pulling lineman in half (and still tackle the RB for a loss).

[@OvSpP]

Had this been made a little later, Kam at least makes best of the rest.

[@kelvinbarber1765]

Kam should be considered for the HOF.

[@PurePain0]

@@kelvinbarber1765I think he’ll make it. Might have to wait a lil but he should make it

[@cubswin3838]

Ronnie knew him. Easley played at UCLA. Lott was a USC player

[@fvecc]

Lawrence Taylor is one of only two defensive players in the history of the game to win the NFL MVP award. He was a freak of nature who had the size and strength to push through offensive lineman on his way to the quarterback and the speed to chase down running backs and catch them from behind. The man deserves to be at the top of any defensive list and is arguably the greatest player to ever play the game.

[@gabbagabbahey4928]

Who was the other?

[@jcoll6518]

I agree LT changed the game due to his size, speed and cocaine but a big hitter he wasn't

[@jonjonbailey4314]

It's a trip cuz all of the best players from Reggie White RIP ta Jerry Rice n Joe Montana say L.T. is the all time best!! But u gotta go by Decades if u ask me cuz rules change n at 1 point dey ain't track INT or Sacks so u know

[@jonjonbailey4314]

@Kasper 70 Purple People Eaters

[@randyoney8793]

Last I checked he was the goat according to former NFL players and me as much as my opinion matters

[@AngelMorales-rm5rr]

Football is a collision sport; Jack Tatum was as good a collider as I've ever seen... Classic!!

[@mikea9359]

Mike Curtis absolutely has to be on the list.

[@Sota-son]

yup he was scary

[@GinoSavage]

I wish Patrick Willis didn’t retire so early. He was a beast and definitely one of the hardest hitters I’ve ever seen.

[@mayhemjr.803]

Willis was great but still not a fearsome as another 49er....#42

[@bigdogpete43]

I was at the University of Arkansas when Steve Atwater was there and know him personally. He and Dan Hampton shutdown the triple option offense in the old Southwest Conference so thoroughly that teams like Texas and SMU never ran it again against them.

[@davidlawson6345]

Well Atwater joined the wrong team--but the kid could play, I'll give you that.

[@UberKrispy]

John Lynch might have laid a good hit on Barry, but Barry also put an all-time juke on him. Froze him in the hole, planted his foot and went on a dead sprint 80 yards to the end zone. Check the film I'm sure it's on KZbin.

[@hadinlanderos6858]

Dude was like 20 when that happened to him.

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

Hadin Landeros dont matter. Barry would’ve done that in anyone’s prime

[@faveology]

Tbh, using Barry and Faulk is a pretty bad example of 'hitting hard' resume. I mean they were great and hard to get ahold of, but it's not like they were going to run you over

[@mahmoud6843]

Hadin Landeros that was what Barry was going to do to ANYbody. The fact that he was able to hit Barry Sanders on his own in the open field isn’t something to be glossed over.

[@forumcelebritypodcast]

lynch should not be on this list.

[@drbonesshow1]

Dick Butkus was different. Remember Nautilus equipment? In 1973, Butkus went to Deland, FL the home of Nautilus (invented by Arthur Jones) to do an intense workout supervised by Jones. Intense enough for Dick to throw-up during the workout. He left. However, only to clean up then come back and finish the workout. Then he left for good. Like I said, Dick Butkus was different. May he RIP.

[@reallifeeducation1720]

All of them are 100% badasses. Razorback Atwater#1 Seen every home games, 4 road games, 1 bowl game, 1 pro game, stayed at the same hotels of the college games, got to visit with him about 40 minutes 6× each time. Awesome to talk to him and watch.

[@ChefClary60]

Lucky enough and old enough to be a Raiders fan since ‘65 and watched Jack Tatum. Our Defense back then was truly scary.

[@forumcelebritypodcast]

the sould patrol. Tatum, Atkinson, Dr. Death Skip Thomas; the best ever defensive backfield and the toughest.

[@dorbhsoj]

that clip in the end where butkus stops the running back and holds on to him while his legs keep churning and hes going nowhere is very underrated. imagine the strength involved in being able to stop a human like that.

[@lavanderwilliams794]

During an era when there was off-seasons and no specialized strength training.

[@davidhackworth295]

Cuz Butkus was white. If was a black he would been an athletic god

[@pimpdaddyc7066]

@@davidhackworth295 He's still one regardless of race

[@frankb8212]

@@davidhackworth295 yet he is ranked #1 on this list so you can take that comment and shove it.

[@imannonymous7707]

These men are people ive always respected . Football is violent sport. They dedicated their hearts and minds.

[@greeneyes2797]

I wanna make an honorable mention Ricky Jackson was the terror of most quarterbacks in his day.

[@tiddiesattic]

I think Barry Sanders should've made the list for making opponents tackle themselves

[@jonny555ive]

Agreed

[@qaqa3180]

John Lynch might have laid a good hit on Barry, but Barry also put an all-time juke on him. Froze him in the hole, planted his foot and went on a dead sprint 80 yards to the end zone. Check the film I'm sure it's on KZbin.

[@tiddiesattic]

@@qaqa3180 that was playing in my mind when I made the comment

[@stefansnijders8943]

@@qaqa3180 one of the commentators during that game said during the slow-mo replay that "John Lynch's jockstrap is lying out there at the 20 yard line," and I'm pretty certain it still is there.

[@ondatazz6346]

LOL, yes indeed.

[@Carl1973100]

No Deacon Jones!!! Come on. He should head slap whoever made the list.

[@algini12]

He passed away. But I wouldn't put it past him to burst from the grave to do that.

[@orangefox1231]

They didn't put any defensive linemen in the list because "they don't get up enough speed to hurt you that badly," I'm not saying they are right. I'm telling you what they said.

[@jessecolvett6391]

Deacon Jones was a beast and heavily under rater. That head slap was deadly!

[@orangefox1231]

@@jessecolvett6391 Agreed, I'm just saying what their criteria what. I would've preferred a larger list. Top 25 feared tacklers.

[@garyaugustus1009]

The inventor of the term "quarterback sack.."

[@williamgallucci9913]

What an intense ground shaking video where I could feel those hits right thru the screen bam loved it

[@1999glock]

One or 2 great hits does not make someone a "feared" tackler, al la Atwater and a few others. The 2 guys I saw that hit hard and made other players "flinch" were Butkus and Mike Curtis. Both seemed to like to hurt other players and they knew it. Tatum, Cliff Harris and Doug Plank should also be considered.

[@guitardedism]

Doug plank could lay the wood on people

[@uselessidguy331]

Did you watch Atwater throughout the 90s? He was clobbering guys all the time. He was a monstrous hitter.

[@mikea9359]

Curtis was an absolute monster and is severely underated.

[@vincentross4558]

In The Early To Late 70's #46 DOUG PLANK Of The Chicago Bears Was Simply Vicious

[@alpeena]

Plank deserves a mention....yes

[@daniellinehan63]

Play was over.....1234....BOOM !

[@michaelleroy9281]

He had a great name for a defensive back

[@markfosler9565]

Doug Plank was an outstanding hitter. The 46 Defense is named after Plank.

[@michaeluphoff4749]

I am a Green Bay Packers fan for life. Ray Nitschke not being on the list is an affront (probably could've been anywhere from 7-10), but there is only one #1, and that is Dick Butkus. I remember old games where my dad would tell me that it felt like Butkus was out to kill people on the field.

[@leereeder2293]

Ray Nitschke went to Proviso when there was only 1 Proviso High School

[@mikea9359]

Nitchkze has to be top 5.

[@canecorso1282]

Best list ever....great post.

[@swoesteban5570]

I was just wondering who #'s 2-9 would be. I was just a child when Butkus played, but between film clips and testimonials from former players, it was no surprise to me. Spent a lifetime watching Ray Lewis and Jack Lambert destroy Bengals players twice a year, every year.

[@jamesmetcalfe8281]

How do you leave Brian Dawkins off this list? His hit in the NFC Championship game against Atlanta was bone jarring. He was a ball hawk who laid the boom on anyone who came near him.

[@mipspc]

Best open field one on one . You are going down.

[@jasonwalker9091]

Who made list and not mention " Weapon X " ought be punched in the fucking face.

[@johnp1995]

And he really wasn't all that big

[@jebadiahfyefye8994]

100%. And then to have a guy like Roy Williams in the honorable mentions and not him just shows they clearly didn’t do enough research

[@bouncingczechs]

I'm a Cowboys fan and I have no idea why Dawkins isn't on here. Dude used to light us up, always wanted to have him here in Dallas. Definitely should be on the list.

[@jmgarcia61]

I like how the Jack Tatum/Earl Campbell play is looked at differently in this episode vs the Power Backs episode.

[@jmgarcia61]

@Harry Engel It's almost certainly the hardest each ever got hit, especially Tatum, who was used to inflicting punishment.

[@hawgs145]

Hey

[@alpeena]

Earl just seems to b a wreck now physically.

[@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw]

alpeena yeah and Tatum had his own issues after his career ended. Both men certainly gave their all

[@charlesm7589]

@@AlejandroSanchez-pl6jw and for what?

[@plantfeeder6677]

I saw every pro game Ronnie Lott played for the 49ers and I don't remember a game he didn't stop the ball carrier dead in his tracks at least once. The greatest hardest hitting Safety I've ever seen. My Uncle had season tickets to the 49ers in the '50s and told me about Hardy Brown. Said nobody wanted any part of him but they got it anyway

[@craighouse1279]

I played next to Anthony Munoz and he was the best ever. Before each game he would eat a big plate of refried beans and then shit on himself. His steaming logs would keep the defenders away and made him slippery.

[@shankshoanatlprez4453]

Sean Taylor may he rest in piece definitely should have made the top ten, or at the very least recieved an honorable mention.

[@brianhenry1109]

Not only did I have him on the top 10, I had him in the top 5!!!! My top five were butkus, LT, Ray Lewis, and a tie between Ronnie Lott and Sean Taylor for numbers 4 and 5.

[@brianhenry1109]

I seriously can't believe Sean Taylor wasn't even mentioned. I understand that this is all opinion, but come on to not mention Sean Taylor is a crime of disrespect

[@mooseandsquirrel9887]

As a Baltimore Colts season ticket holder I had the opportunity to see these guys play in real time.....back when the game was all about the hitting.....no intentional cheap shots....just good old fashioned street fights.....

[@delelkin3348]

Being a member of Steeler Nation, growing up in Western Pennsylvania,Jack Lambert was Purely Awesome,but let's not forget Donnie Shell,and Jack Ham the whole defense of the Steel Curtain.Those were the Best days of my hometown life,Go Steelers Go.

[@metalanarchy5186]

James Harrison greg lyod Ryan Clark troy polomalo and many others to

[@daffyduck9901]

58👊

[@67marlins]

These are great, Isaac. I found these NFL compilation shows helped me through Covid in 2020, and still do. Thanks for posting.

[@ricksterp4378]

Bravo to all on the list and as time passes, some will drop off and others added. To draft Butkus and Sayers in the 1965 draft, you’d think they’d be unstoppable. But a quarterback was also needed. So the all pro play of those 2 just wasn’t enough. They couldn’t have played harder, yet you need a team.

[@r.williamcomm7693]

Eddie George wasn’t intimidated by Ray Lewis, he respected his ability to deliver a hard hit & mess up the play so George made sure he knew where Lewis was during each play.

[@enhanced6892]

ray turned eddie into a kitten before me eyes

[@steveremo4761]

@@enhanced6892 not true at all. look up the video of george running ray with a massive stiff arm. looked like he choke slammed him. always good battles between them. ray definitely came out on top more.

[@enhanced6892]

@@steveremo4761 yeah i probably saw every game of eddie george since houston. he trucked everybody. except the ravens...

[@steveremo4761]

@@enhanced6892 you could say that about any one at the time going against that ravens d lol

[@JacaboBlanco]

He surely wasn't scared. But Ray got the better of him far more than not. Wspexially when it counted the most

[@patton303]

I saw Steve Atwater recently at a spine doctor’s office in Denver. My back is messed up and I get weekly cortisone shots. We chatted and talked about music in the waiting room for a few minutes. I was in a band that was a big deal in town many years ago. We even played at the 99’ Broncos ring party. What a cool dude he is. My favorite Bronco of all time. But I was too embarrassed to show him my tattoo on my calf of him leveling Christian Okoye.

[@63Baggies]

I love Atwater, and I'm a Raider...

[@uglytuco3829]

That's a legendary hit. Dude was a monster!

[@robmckrobmck5567]

no effin way. he was embarrased to show his tatoo of you from that muddy waters cover band that jammed at the ringparty

[@REBELSCL]

Doug Plank literally launched himself at his targets. He flew through the air until he flattened a supposedly immovable object. He deserves to be high on this list… And Gary Fencik deserves an honorable mention as well… remember the “Hitmen”?

[@MayheM_72]

As a lifelong Eagles fan, I loves the mention at the end of Comcrete Charlie's big hit in Frank Gifford! I'm surprised Bill Romanowski didn't make the list.

[@stephenpitell6087]

Kam (Bam Bam) Chancellor was a feared tackler under today's rules and he knew how to hit legally, and still instill fear in WR's, TE's, and RB;s.

[@johnnybaxter1953]

NFL hates the Seahawks so they won’t include it

[@vp3970]

Jack Tatum should be ranked higher. Does anyone remember the hit he put on Lynn Swan? L. S. was doing wind sprints behind bench and wouldn’t stop, most of the player there said that they believe he suffered a concussion after which he refused to return to the game.

[@tylerbob4853]

Cheap shots were his specialty

[@jeffreynapisa122]

I was watching that game against the Oilers in Earl Campbell as well as Jack Tatum were hurt from the contact from each other, that shows you how much power Earl Campbell had

[@charlespapineau5428]

Man, I loved this video! Lambert, Tatum and Butkus were my favorites. As a Lions fan, I'm too young to remember Night Train Lane. I remember the Super Bowl when Cliff Harris dissed Roy Gerela and Lambert threw him to the ground. I wasn't a Steelers fan but, man, it was fun to see Lambert wreak havoc on the Cowboys after that. I loved Roger Staubach but guys like Cliff Harris turned me into a Cowboy hater. I loved watching Jack Tatum absolutely destroy receivers. He was the ultimate Raider. Butkus was before my time but my Dad told me great stories, especially since they played the Lions so much.

[@fatmanjonestv7143]

Sean Taylor man. He would’ve been on here for sure. That dude hit like a freight train for a DB. RIP 🙏🏻

[@stephenwhitfield3583]

@Dark Demonik mom

[@evangallagher7887]

I’m a giants fan. Sean Taylor was a beast on the field. His career was cut short by a thug with a gun. Sean would be on this list.

[@chandlermitani770]

Jack Tatum not only separated the guy from his helmet, he also separated the chin strap from the helmet😂😂

[@TravelingTal]

For all you Youngsta's out there, Jack Tatum was so BADASS we were scared of his Name.

[@timothythomas2705]

Jack didn't just hit you, Jack tried to kill you !!

[@jasonwalker9091]

Jack Tatum playing against him was " Kill or Be Killed" he was a bounty hunter

[@colebendoggettyounger2610]

The Assassin made you hear those footsteps at all times.

[@garyaugustus1009]

What made the fear of Jack Tatum legendary for me was the "snot bubble" story. When he was at Ohio State a coach told him that when he hit an opposing receiver, he was to hit him hard enough to make a snot bubble come out of his nose. I knew then that this guy was dangerous...

[@darkhalo0868]

Tatum should be MUCH higher than 6. He should be at least 3.

[@joshuagamboaii741]

1:48 John Lynch*. 5:58 Steve Atwater. 9:33 Jack Lambert. 14:18 Ray Lewis. 17:57 Jack "The Assassin" Tatum. 22:38 Hardy Brown. 26:11 Ronnie Lott. 30:31 Lawrence Taylor. 35:18 Dick "Night Train" Lane. 39:39 Dick Butkus. *= John Lynch is currently the general manager for the San Francisco 49ers.

[@chiefkeef74]

Tatum being 6th is ludicrous, he's easily top 5

[@slylancey]

Kam Chancellor shouldn't be forgotten either, he laid out/injured people bigger than he was

[@sheilapasquini6232]

You're absolutely right to put Butkus at #1. He was the role model for a good many who came after him. Boy , he was scary even to a gal sitting in the stands!

[@ricobowen312]

Ray Nitschke, Alex Karras, Deacon Jones, Merlin Olsen, Lyle Alzado, LC Greenwood, Alan Page and Mean Joe Greene...just to name a few!!

[@thepoetryofmandycore1479]

(Jim Ross) BAH GAWD! The carnage of Dick Butkus is absolutely ungodly! There are bodies all over the football field, for gawd's sakes!

[@thepoetryofmandycore1479]

(Jerry Lawler) Better get the paramedics out onto the field right now! This is getting ugly, J.R!

[@shlmel]

👨🏿‍💻 Thank you for this! 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏👏🏼👏🏻

[@rexxx188]

Great start to my Monday! You’re underrated af!!

[@johnaskings527]

Two things... He may not have a spot on the top ten, but he definitely deserves an honorable mention: Rickey Jackson, outside linebacker for the New Orleans Saints. The man had an accident with an 18 wheeler, had to have two emergency surgeries, yet only missed one game. He wouldn't have missed that one if head coach Jim Morra hadn't banned him from the locker room. Ask any quarterback, running back, or receiver during the 80's and early 90's if they remember Rickey. They will. They will grimace in remembered pain, but they will. All that being said, he deserves an honorable mention. The top ten list they made was fairly spot on. The second thing is about Dick Butkus. That man was NOT a man. He wasnt even a machine. He was evil personified once on the playing field. He honestly didn't believe he did his job if at least two people weren't carted off the field.

[@orange_cat]

I had a guy like this on my high school team name Richie. He couldn't bench much, couldn't run that fast, and was medium-sized. But when he hit you, every time, it was like a bus hit you. Not sure how.

[@loganburntitus6948]

I enjoyed seeing lambert protecting his teammate and laying it down. Thats how you set the tone thats how you earn respect and thats how you rally your team.