Top 10 Cornerbacks Of All Time

Cornerbacks are a crucial position in American football, responsible for defending against the opposing team’s wide receivers and preventing them from making successful catches. Over the years, numerous exceptional cornerbacks have graced the field, leaving a lasting impact on the game. In this article, we will explore the top 10 cornerbacks of all time, taking into account their skills, achievements, and overall impact on the sport.

1. Deion Sanders

Deion Sanders, often referred to as “Prime Time,” is widely regarded as the greatest cornerback of all time. His exceptional speed, agility, and coverage skills made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Sanders played for multiple teams during his career, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens.

One of Sanders’ most impressive statistics is his 53 career interceptions, including nine returned for touchdowns. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a six-time First-Team All-Pro selection. Sanders’ ability to shut down some of the best wide receivers in the game earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2. Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson is another cornerback who left an indelible mark on the game. Known for his versatility, Woodson played cornerback, safety, and even returned kicks during his career. He spent the majority of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders.

Woodson’s 71 career interceptions rank third all-time in NFL history. He was a Super Bowl champion, a 11-time Pro Bowl selection, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Woodson’s ability to read the game and make game-changing plays solidifies his place among the greatest cornerbacks of all time.

3. Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis, known for his exceptional man-to-man coverage skills, is widely regarded as one of the best shutdown cornerbacks in NFL history. Revis played for multiple teams during his career, including the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs.

Revis’ ability to completely neutralize some of the league’s top wide receivers earned him the nickname “Revis Island.” He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time First-Team All-Pro. Revis’ impact on the game was evident, as quarterbacks often avoided throwing in his direction.

4. Champ Bailey

Champ Bailey was a dominant force at the cornerback position throughout his career. Known for his exceptional coverage skills and ability to make game-changing interceptions, Bailey played for the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos.

Bailey’s 52 career interceptions and 203 passes defended highlight his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. He was a 12-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time First-Team All-Pro. Bailey’s consistency and longevity in the league solidify his place among the top cornerbacks of all time.

5. Mel Blount

Mel Blount revolutionized the cornerback position with his physicality and size. Standing at 6’3″, Blount used his strength and speed to dominate opposing wide receivers. He spent his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, winning four Super Bowls along the way.

Blount’s physical style of play led to a change in the rules, as the NFL implemented the “Mel Blount Rule” to restrict contact between defensive backs and wide receivers. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

6. Night Train Lane

Night Train Lane, also known as Dick “Night Train” Lane, was a trailblazer at the cornerback position. Lane played for the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Cardinals, and Detroit Lions during his career.

Lane’s 68 career interceptions, including a record 14 in his rookie season, highlight his exceptional ball-hawking skills. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lane’s impact on the game cannot be overstated, as he set the standard for future generations of cornerbacks.

7. Willie Brown

Willie Brown was a key figure in the Oakland Raiders’ dominant defense during the 1970s. Known for his exceptional speed and coverage skills, Brown played for the Denver Broncos and Oakland Raiders.

Brown’s ability to make crucial interceptions in big moments earned him a spot among the greatest cornerbacks of all time. He was a four-time First-Team All-Pro selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Brown’s impact on the game extended beyond his playing career, as he later became a successful coach.

8. Mike Haynes

Mike Haynes was a shutdown cornerback who played for the New England Patriots and Los Angeles Raiders. Known for his exceptional coverage skills and ability to make game-changing interceptions, Haynes was a key component of the Raiders’ Super Bowl-winning team in 1983.

Haynes’ 46 career interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries highlight his ability to create turnovers. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Haynes’ impact on the game is evident, as he consistently shut down some of the league’s top wide receivers.

9. Ty Law

Ty Law was a dominant cornerback who played for the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos during his career. Known for his physicality and ability to make game-changing interceptions, Law was a key component of the Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning teams.

Law’s 53 career interceptions, including six returned for touchdowns, highlight his ability to create turnovers. He was a five-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Law’s impact on the game is evident, as he consistently shut down some of the league’s top wide receivers.

10. Charles Woodson

Charles Woodson was a versatile cornerback who played for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers during his career. Known for his exceptional coverage skills and ability to make game-changing plays, Woodson was a key component of the Packers’ Super Bowl-winning team in 2010.

Woodson’s 65 career interceptions, including 11 returned for touchdowns, highlight his ability to create turnovers. He was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Woodson’s impact on the game extended beyond his playing career, as he later became a successful coach.

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