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.

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

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

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.

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

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?!"*

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.

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.

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

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

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!

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.

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. 😂😂😂

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.

Good to see Night Train Lane getting the respect he deserves

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.

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

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.

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".

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.

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."

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

👨🏿‍💻 Thank you for this! 👏🏿👏🏾👏🏽👏👏🏼👏🏻

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

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

Best list ever....great post.

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

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.....

You are an absolute legend for uploading this. I tried to make a very patchy playlist of this but it was no where near complete. Hope you're all well and good. Edit - just wanted to take the time to say; Lynch's tackle on his brother in law knocked him out but he still held onto the ball. That's impressive.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

85% of these hits would draw a penalty now.

Incredible list

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.

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

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.

I Like that you gave each player a fair amount of time and didn't rush through them

All in all pretty good call man . So many great players. Ray Nitsky Randy While Lyle Alzedo just so many lol. # 1 for sure, Dick Butkis. Good job.

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

Anotha banger 🔥 I nominate you for Sainthood man

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

Ronnie Lot and Brian Dawkins my favorites of all time 🏈

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.

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.

Damn that was awesome

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.

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

Ray Lewis was an absolute killer err never mind.

Practically a perfect list... and the also got #1 correct!

Mike Curtis absolutely has to be on the list.

Totally agree with the number one. Still a legend

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.

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

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.

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

As a Ram fan ever since they were the Cleveland Rams I’ve noticed a lot Of guys that could be on that list but I think they got the 10 on here that’s well deserves it...from Lynch to Butkus all deserves to be here and there are STILL others that could have been on the list....

When they used to let them play, and hit. Love these old vids.

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.

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 KZfaq.

As a lifelong NYG fan, I'll take LT as #1. But I'm not old enough to have seen Butkus play. The rules were different. They were both so fierce. Good compilation. Well done.

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

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

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.

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

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

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. KZfaq 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).

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

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

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.

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

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

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!

Lawrence Taylor, Dick Butkis and Ronnie Lott, my 3 favorites.

Atwater was the man. He didn't need to tackle, opponents just walked into him and they would fall down like they hit a mountain. So much pain for little effort. What a player

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.

"Butkus.".....truer words have never been spoken.

Now, these are football highlights.WOOOOO!!!

My Favorite player John David Tatum ( Jack ) ! They called him the assassin , he had a great timing for hitting the opponent, at the right time!

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.

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

Glad they made this video. These types of hits are gone forever in the NFL. PS: No Mike Curtis, Mike Singletary? Oh, and Tatum and Lane were feared for their cheap shots.

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.