Whos The Best Safety In Nfl History?
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A debate has been raging on social media about who the best safety in NFL history is. Some believe it is 49ers great Ronnie Lott, while others believe it is Hall of Famer and former Dallas Cowboy, Mel Renfro.
Ronnie Lott
Ronnie Lott was selected as the best safety in NFL history by the AP in 2010. He played 14 seasons with the San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets, and Los Angeles Raiders. Lott was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time first-team All-Pro.
Lott’s impact on the game
Ronnie Lott’s impact on the game of football is immeasurable. He was one of the most feared tacklers in NFL history, and his hard-hitting style revolutionized the way the game was played. Lott was a ten-time Pro Bowl selection and a four-time First-team All-Pro. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000, his first year of eligibility.
Lott’s statistical dominance
Lott’s statistical dominance is a given. He was selected to 10 Pro Bowls in his 14 NFL seasons. He had 63 interceptions, which he returned for 731 yards and five touchdowns. His career interception percentage of 3.83 is second all time among players with at least 50 career interceptions, behind only Ken Riley (3.59). Lott also had eight forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries.
Ed Reed
Ed Reed is one of the best safeties in NFL history. He was a key member of the Baltimore Ravens defense that won Super Bowl XLVII. Reed was a nine-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. He is the Ravens all-time leader in interceptions and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.
Reed’s impact on the game
The greatest impact a safety can have on the game is in regard to turnover differential. Turnover differential is the margin by which a team either outgains or is outgained by its opponents in terms of takeaways and giveaways. Reed’s career turnover differential of +50 is the best in NFL history, meaning that over the course of his career, his teams have gained 50 more turnovers than they’ve given up when he’s been on the field. That’s an incredible edge that Reed has given his teams, and it’s a big reason why he’s considered one of the greatest safeties of all time.
Reed’s statistical dominance
Reed’s numbers are simply staggering. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, and is the all-time leader in interceptions (64), interception return yards (1,590), and interception return touchdowns (11). He was named to the Pro Bowl nine times, was a first-team All-Pro selection seven times, and was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2004.
Troy Polamalu
Troy Polamalu was one of the best safeties in NFL history. He was a physical presence on the field and had a great sense for the ball. Polamalu was a great leader for the Steelers defense and was a big reason why they were so successful during his time with the team.
Polamalu’s impact on the game
Troy Polamalu changed the way NFL teams played defense. For years, teams looked for a “Polamalu” type safety, which is a player who can play both the run and the pass, is good in coverage, and is a big hitter. Teams began using more press coverage, and players like Polamalu became more valued. Troy Polamalu was one of the best safeties of his generation, and his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
Polamalu’s statistical dominance
Troy Polamalu was one of the most successful and decorated safeties in NFL history. During his 12-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Polamalu was a 8-time Pro Bowler, 6-time First Team All Pro, and was the 2010 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He helped the Steelers win 2 Super Bowls, and his interception in the 2008 AFC Championship game is considered one of the greatest plays in NFL history.
Polamalu’s statistical dominance is clear when comparing him to other safeties in NFL history. He ranks 5th all time in interceptions, despite playing in an era where passing is more prevalent than ever. He also ranks 2nd all time in interception return yards, and his 8 interceptions returned for touchdowns is tied for the most in NFL history. In addition to his success as a ballhawk, Polamalu was also an excellent tackler, finishing his career with 710 tackles (5th among safeties all time) and 12 forced fumbles (tied for 9th among safeties all time).
There’s no doubt that Troy Polamalu was one of the greatest safeties to ever play in the NFL. His combination of ball skills, tackling ability, and playmaking ability made him a threat on every single play, and his impact on the game will be felt for years to come.
