These are the NFL‘s best Safeties of all-time ranked according to tiers. While the tiers are ranked in order, the players in each tier are not ranked in order. Keep that in mind when reading this list.
Throughout this list, I will include their career receiving stats along with career accomplishments to get an idea of their impact. Also, keep in mind that certain stats were not officially recorded for some of the older players.
TIER 6:
Carnell Lake:
- First-team All-Pro (1997)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1994, 1995, 1999)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1994–1997, 1999)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
- Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
Career defensive stats: 16 interceptions, 823 tackles, 25.0 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 17 fumbles recovered, 7 pass deflections
One of the all-time great Pittsburgh Steelers players that don’t get talked about enough. He could very well be inducted into the hall of fame.
Lawyer Milloy –
- Super Bowl champion (XXXVI)
- First-team All-Pro (1999)
- Second-team All-Pro (1998)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1998, 1999, 2001, 2002)
Career defensive stats: 25 interceptions, 1439 tackles, 21.0 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 9 fumbles recovered, 62 pass deflections
You have to be a special type of player to play for Bill Belichick’s defense. Lawyer Milloy was extremely smart and one of the best tackling safeties ever.
Roy Williams –
- 5× Pro Bowl (2003–2007)
- First-team All-Pro (2003)
Career defensive stats: 20 interceptions, 596 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, 11 fumbles recovered, 59 pass deflections
Roy Williams is one of the hardest hitters ever. Many claims he was a dirty player, but it’s a mentality thing.
Adrian Wilson –
- First-team All-Pro (2009)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2006, 2008)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2006, 2008–2011)
- Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 27 interceptions, 903 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 8 fumbles recovered, 99 pass deflections
Adrian Wilson holds the record for most sacks by a Cardinals safety with 25.5. The next closest only has 11. He did it all defensively as a safety.
Darren Woodson –
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1994–1996, 1998)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1994–1998)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1992)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 23 interceptions, 967 tackles, 11.0 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 11 fumbles recovered, 36 pass deflections
A member of America’s team, Darren Woodson does not get enough credit for the 3x Super Bowls over his tenure. He was one of the vital defensive leaders.
Dick Anderson –
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VIII, VII)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1973)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1972, 1973)
- Second-team All-Pro (1974)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1972–1974)
- NFL interceptions leader (1973)
Career defensive stats: 34 interceptions, ???? tackles, 2.0 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 16 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
A Miami Dolphins legend. Dick Anderson’s 34 career interceptions rank second in Dolphins history. He also played his entire career with the team.
Jack Christiansen –
- 3× NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1952–1957)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1953–1957)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (1953, 1957)
Career defensive stats: 46 interceptions, ???? tackles, ?? sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 7 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Rewind to 1951. Jack Christiansen was the 69th pick in the NFL draft. Nice. He was also an interception machine with a defensive player of the year award under his belt.
Devin McCourty –
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XLIX, LI, LIII)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2010, 2013, 2016)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2010, 2016)
Career defensive stats: 31 interceptions, 900 tackles, 3.0 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 6 fumbles recovered, 102 pass deflections
Devin McCourty joined the Patriots in 2010. It’s now 2022 and he is still a vital member of this team. He holds many Patriots records for DBs including tackles, pass deflections, and Super Bowls.
LeRoy Butler –
- Super Bowl champion (XXXI)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1993, 1996–1998)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1993, 1996-1998)
Career defensive stats: 38 interceptions, 889 tackles, 20.5 sacks, 13 forced fumbles, 10 fumbles recovered, 15 pass deflections
This four-time first-team All-Pro deserves a spot in the pro football hall of fame. He was a vital member of the Packers team that bested the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Darren Sharper –
- Super Bowl champion (XLIV)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2000, 2009)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2005, 2007, 2010)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (2000, 2009)
Career defensive stats: 63 interceptions, 949 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 8 fumbles recovered, 123 pass deflections
I am not here to judge a man’s character, but I will in this case. Darren Sharper is a horrible person, but a great football player. His 11 interceptions returned for touchdowns rank 2nd all-time.
TIER 5:
Joey Browner –
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1987, 1988, 1990)
- Second-team All-Pro (1989)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1985–1990)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 37 interceptions, ???? tackles, 9.5 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 17 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Before the Legion of Boom, Joey Browner was the boom. This 6’2′, 220-pound Safety made big hits and spent all but one season with the Vikings.
Jake Scott –
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (VII)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1973, 1974)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1971, 1972, 1975)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1971–1975)
- Miami Dolphin Honor Roll
Career defensive stats: 49 interceptions, ???? tackles, 0.5 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 13 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Jake Scott’s handlebar sideburns alone earned him a spot on this list. That being said it takes a special type of defender to earn Super Bowl MVP honors.
Rodney Harrison –
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1998, 2003)
- Second-team All-Pro (2004)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1998, 2001)
Career defensive stats: 34 interceptions, 1206 tackles, 30.5 sacks, 15 forced fumbles, 9 fumbles recovered, 78 pass deflections
One of the hardest hitters in NFL history, Rodney Harrison helped transform the Patriot’s defense over his tenure earning two Super Bowls. Before that, he was equally as impactful during his 9 seasons with the Chargers.
Bob Sanders –
- Super Bowl champion (XLI)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2007)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2005, 2007)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2005, 2007)
Career defensive stats: 6 interceptions, 307 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 4 fumbles recovered, 16 pass deflections
Another candidate for the hardest NFL hitters ever. The only knock on him was his ability to stay healthy. But when he was healthy he was once in a decade talent.
Dennis Smith –
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1984, 1986)
- Second-team All-Pro (1989)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986, 1989–1991, 1993)
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
Career defensive stats: 30 interceptions, 1158 tackles, 15.0 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 17 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Over 1100 tackles are no joke. He is on many of the NFL hit reels yet disregarded as one of the best all-time safeties. He was also a turnover machine.
Tyrann Mathieu –
- Super Bowl champion (LIV)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2015, 2019, 2020)
- Second-team All-Pro (2019)
- 3× Pro Bowl (2015, 2020, 2021)
Career defensive stats: 26 interceptions, 610 tackles, 10.0 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 6 fumbles recovered, 76 pass deflections
You know a defensive back is dominant when they are performing at the top level in their thirties. Tyrann Mathieu struggled with injuries early in his career but is still an elite safety today.
Ed Meador –
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1968, 1969)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1960, 1963, 1967)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1960, 1964–1968)
Career defensive stats: 46 interceptions, ???? tackles, ?? sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 22 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Everyone has heard of the Fearsome Foursome, but nobody seems to remember Eddie Meador. He still holds the Rams record for most interceptions and was the captain of one of the best defenses of all time.
Eric Weddle –
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2011, 2014)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2010, 2012, 2013)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016–2018)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (2011)
Career defensive stats: 29 interceptions, 1179 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 7 fumbles recovered, 98 pass deflections
Speaking of DBs playing into their thirties. Eric Weddle is one of the all-time great Chargers players who even found himself being called up to the Rams at 36 years old to help win the Super Bowl.
TIER 4:
Jack Tatum –
- Super Bowl champion (XI)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1974, 1977)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1973–1975)
- 2× National champion (1968, 1970)
Career defensive stats: 37 interceptions, ???? tackles, ?? sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 10 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
I would be terrified to play against Jack Tatum during the 60s and 70s when anything went. He has hit a player so hard that they became a permanent paraplegic. Sorry Darryl Stingley.
Donnie Shell –
- 4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1979, 1980, 1982)
- Second-team All-Pro (1981)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1978–1982)
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
Career defensive stats: 51 interceptions, ???? tackles, 9.5 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 19 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Terry Bradshaw doesn’t deserve that much credit for the Steelers’ Super Bowls. It was the Steel Curtain defense that got the job including the undersized Donnie Shell who played much larger than his 5’11’, 190-pound frame.
Yale Lary –
- 3× NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1956, 1958, 1962)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1967, 1959)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1953, 1956–1962, 1964)
Career defensive stats: 50 interceptions, ???? tackles, ?? sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 13 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Back when Quarterbacks were throwing up interceptions like they were candy on Halloween, Yale Lary was there with his bag open. His 50 interceptions are among the all-time leaders.
Kam Chancellor –
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2013, 2014)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013–2015)
Career defensive stats: 12 interceptions, 607 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 9 forced fumbles, 3 fumbles recovered, 44 pass deflections
Kam Chancellor was the Boom in Legion of Boom. He was one of the last dominant hard-hitting safeties in the NFL, but sadly his career was cut short due to a neck injury.
Deron Cherry –
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1984, 1986, 1988)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1983, 1985)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1983–1988)
- “Whizzer” White NFL Man of the Year Award (1988)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
Career defensive stats: 50 interceptions, ???? tackles, 3.5 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 14 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
People are quick to reward Eric Berry as the best Safety in Chiefs history, but Deron Cherry is a close second. His 50 interceptions and 6x 100 tackle seasons show off his versatility.
Eric Berry –
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2015)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2013, 2015, 2016)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016)
Career defensive stats: 14 interceptions, 445 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 51 pass deflections
Speaking of all-time great Chiefs players, Eric Berry was as good as they come in his prime. Health issues aside, if we’re talking purely about the most talented safeties ever, Eric Berry is in contention for the top 10.
Harrison Smith –
- First-team All-Pro (2017)
- Second-team All-Pro (2018)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2015–2019, 2021)
Career defensive stats: 29 interceptions, 861 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 8 fumbles recovered, 73 pass deflections
The hitman continues to get it done. This man just has a knack for the football. At 33 years old, he is still one of the best safeties in the NFL today.
TIER 3:
Steve Atwater –
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXXII, XXXIII)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1991, 1992)
- Second-team All-Pro (1996)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1990–1996, 1998)
Career defensive stats: 24 interceptions, 1188 tackles, 5.0 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 8 fumbles recovered, 1 pass deflection
I can’t talk about Steve Atwater without mentioning his legendary hit on Christian Okoye. This man was not scared of anyone and it showed every time he made a tackle.
Kenny Easley –
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1984)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1982–1985)
- Second-team All-Pro (1987)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1982–1985, 1987)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 32 interceptions, ???? tackles, 8.0 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 11 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Another player who had their career cut way too short. He could have become the best safety ever. All the accolades above are only from a 7-year career and a total of 87 starts.
Willie Wood –
- 5× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965–1967)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (I, II)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1964–1967, 1969)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1962, 1963, 1968, 1970)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1962, 1964–1970)
- NFL Interceptions leader (1962)
Career defensive stats: 48 interceptions, ???? tackles, 1.0 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 16 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Let’s rewind to Super Bowl 1. Willie Wood made a 50-yard interception for a touchdown in the best highlight of the game. He showed up in the biggest moments for the Packers.
John Lynch –
- Super Bowl champion (XXXVII)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2000)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2001, 2002)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1997, 1999–2002, 2004–2007)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame
Career defensive stats: 26 interceptions, 1059 tackles, 13.0 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 9 fumbles recovered, 68 pass deflections
This man was a Linebacker playing Safety. John Lynch was a perfect fit for the tough and gritty Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Denver Broncos. He spent a lot of time adding to the box.
Sean Taylor –
- Second-team All-Pro (2007)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007)
- 80 Greatest Redskins
- Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
Career defensive stats: 12 interceptions, 305 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 8 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovered, 43 pass deflections
Sean Taylor is the ultimate what-if story. He had all the tools to develop into the best safety in NFL history. Sadly, he was murdered only four seasons into the NFL. Taylor still deserves to be mentioned on this list.
Earl Thomas –
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2012–2014)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2011, 2017)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2011–2015, 2017, 2019)
Career defensive stats: 30 interceptions, 713 tackles, 2.0 sacks, 12 forced fumbles, 6 fumbles recovered, 71 pass deflections
This man was a ball hawk. The Seattle Seahawks’ secondary would not be the same without him in center field. Sadly, at 29 years old his career was derailed by a serious leg injury.
TIER 2:
Paul Krause –
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1964, 1965, 1975)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1968, 1969, 1971, 1972)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1964, 1965, 1969, 1971–1975)
- NFL interceptions leader (1964)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 81 interceptions, **** tackles, 2.0 sacks, ** forced fumbles, 19 fumbles recovered, ** pass deflections
How is the all-time interception leader Paul Krause not on tier 1? It was a very different time and he was more of a center fielder than a safety.
Ken Houston –
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1975, 1978)
- 10× Second-team All-Pro (1968–1974, 1976, 1977, 1979)
- 12× Pro Bowl (1968–1979)
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- First-team NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 49 interceptions, ???? tackles, 4.0 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 21 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Can I say Redskins without getting canceled? Well, I’m committed at this point. Ken Houston is arguably the best Redskins player ever. He set the NFL record with five return touchdowns until Devin Hester broke it in 2006.
Emlen Tunnell –
- 2× NFL champion (1956, 1961)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1950–1957, 1959)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1949, 1951, 1952, 1954–1956)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- New York Giants Ring of Honor
Career defensive stats: 79 interceptions, ???? tackles, ?? sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 16 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
Emlen Tunnell became the first African-American NFL player to be inducted into the hall of fame. 79 interceptions will do the trick. But again this was a very different time in which QBs frequently through up ducks to be caught.
Brian Dawkins –
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006)
- Second-team All-Pro (2009)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004–2006, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
Career defensive stats: 37 interceptions, 1147 tackles, 26.0 sacks, 36 forced fumbles, 19 fumbles recovered, 153 pass deflections
Weapon X. He took being an all-around safety to another level with 25+ interceptions, sacks, and forced fumbles. He was a humble Christian man off the field, but a hard-hitting menace on the field.
Larry Wilson –
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1966)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1963, 1966–1970)
- Second-team All-Pro (1965)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1962, 1963, 1965–1970)
- NFL interceptions leader (1966)
Career defensive stats: 52 interceptions, ???? tackles, 21.0 sacks, ?? forced fumbles, 14 fumbles recovered, ?? pass deflections
This is the man credited with revolutionizing the safety blitz. Aside from his ability in the box, he also tallied an impressive 50 interceptions while being known for his tackling ability.
TIER 1:
Ronnie Lott –
- 4× Super Bowl champion (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1981, 1983, 1986–1991)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1981–1984, 1986–1991)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (1986, 1991)
- NFL forced fumbles co-leader (1982)
Career defensive stats: 63 interceptions, 1146 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles, 17 fumbles recovered, 0 pass deflections
This seems to be an unpopular opinion to the modern NFL fan, but I view Ronnie Lott as the best Safety in NFL history. He was a first-team all-pro at Cornerback before making the rightful move to Safety. He became even more dominant for a 49ers team that won four Super Bowls with him as the defensive leader.
Ed Reed –
- Super Bowl champion (XLVII)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2004)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006–2008, 2010)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2003, 2009, 2011)
- 9× Pro Bowl (2003, 2004, 2006–2012)
- 3× NFL interceptions leader (2004, 2008, 2010)
Career defensive stats: 64 interceptions, 646 tackles, 6.0 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, 13 fumbles recovered, 139 pass deflections
The greatest ball hawk safety in NFL history. Ed Reed would haunt the dreams of coaches and Quarterbacks alike. He would play mind games and seemingly knew where the Quarterback was going to throw before they even did. Not only that, but he could also lay the boom as a smaller Safety by Ronnie Lott standards.
Troy Polamalu –
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2004, 2007)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2004–2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)
Career defensive stats: 32 interceptions, 783 tackles, 12.0 sacks, 14 forced fumbles, 7 fumbles recovered, 107 pass deflections
Troy Polamalu could have gone down as the best NFL safety of all time. He has an eye-popping highlight reel of both interceptions, hits, and 1000 IQ plays. If it weren’t for injuries, the longevity would have given him more of a case as the GOAT.
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