The cornerback position is one of the most crucial in the National Football League (NFL). A great cornerback can be the difference-maker in a team's defense, and some of the all-time greats have left an indelible mark on the game. From shutdown corners who could blanket receivers to ball-hawking defensive backs who could turn the tide of a game with a single interception, the NFL has seen its fair share of legendary cornerbacks.
In this article, we'll take a look at the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history, counting down the top cornerbacks of all time. We'll examine their stats, accolades, and impact on the game, and explore what made them so dominant on the field.
What Makes a Great Cornerback?
Before we dive into our list, let's take a look at what makes a great cornerback. Some of the key qualities include:
Speed and agility: Cornerbacks need to be able to keep up with the fastest receivers in the league. Ball skills: The ability to intercept passes and make plays on the ball is crucial for a cornerback. Coverage skills: A great cornerback needs to be able to cover receivers one-on-one and in zone coverage. Tackling ability: Cornerbacks need to be able to tackle receivers and running backs in the open field. Football IQ: A great cornerback needs to have a high football IQ, understanding the game and making adjustments on the fly.
With these qualities in mind, let's take a look at the top cornerbacks in NFL history.
10. Ty Law
Ty Law was a shutdown cornerback who played for the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Kansas City Chiefs. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Law was known for his ability to blanket receivers and make plays on the ball.
Stats and Accolades:
53 career interceptions 3 Pro Bowl selections 2 Second-Team All-Pro selections
9. Mike Haynes
Mike Haynes was a dominant cornerback who played for the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Raiders. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Haynes was known for his speed, agility, and ball skills.
Stats and Accolades:
46 career interceptions 9 Pro Bowl selections 2 First-Team All-Pro selections
8. Rod Woodson
Rod Woodson was a dynamic cornerback who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, and Baltimore Ravens. A 12-time Pro Bowl selection, Woodson was known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
Stats and Accolades:
71 career interceptions 12 Pro Bowl selections 3 First-Team All-Pro selections
7. Deion Sanders
Deion Sanders was a flashy cornerback who played for the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Sanders was known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
Stats and Accolades:
53 career interceptions 9 Pro Bowl selections 3 First-Team All-Pro selections
6. Ronnie Lott
Ronnie Lott was a hard-hitting cornerback who played for the New York Giants, Los Angeles Raiders, and New York Jets. A 10-time Pro Bowl selection, Lott was known for his tackling ability and playmaking skills.
Stats and Accolades:
63 career interceptions 10 Pro Bowl selections 3 First-Team All-Pro selections
5. Aeneas Williams
Aeneas Williams was a ball-hawking cornerback who played for the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Williams was known for his playmaking ability and leadership skills.
Stats and Accolades:
55 career interceptions 9 Pro Bowl selections 3 First-Team All-Pro selections
4. Champ Bailey
Champ Bailey was a shutdown cornerback who played for the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos. A 12-time Pro Bowl selection, Bailey was known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
Stats and Accolades:
52 career interceptions 12 Pro Bowl selections 3 First-Team All-Pro selections
3. Darrell Green
Darrell Green was a speedy cornerback who played for the Washington Redskins. A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Green was known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
Stats and Accolades:
54 career interceptions 7 Pro Bowl selections 2 First-Team All-Pro selections
2. Charles Woodson
Charles Woodson was a dominant cornerback who played for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Woodson was known for his speed, agility, and playmaking ability.
Stats and Accolades:
65 career interceptions 9 Pro Bowl selections 2 First-Team All-Pro selections
1. Ed Reed
Ed Reed was a ball-hawking cornerback who played for the Baltimore Ravens, Houston Texans, and New York Jets. A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Reed was known for his playmaking ability and leadership skills.
Stats and Accolades:
64 career interceptions 9 Pro Bowl selections 3 First-Team All-Pro selections
Final Thoughts:
The cornerback position is one of the most important in the NFL, and these 10 players are among the greatest of all time. From shutdown corners to ball-hawking defensive backs, these players have made a lasting impact on the game. Whether you're a football fan or just starting to learn about the sport, these players are definitely worth learning more about.
So, who do you think is the greatest cornerback of all time? Let us know in the comments!
Also, don't forget to share this article with your friends and family who love football!
Gallery of Greatest Cornerbacks In Nfl History: Top Cbs Of All Time
