NFL Best Cornerback Seasons Year-by-Year
Welcome to a journey through time, tracking the evolution of excellence at one of the most challenging positions in professional football: the cornerback. From savvy veterans to rising stars, these players have left indelible marks on the game, defining and redefining what it means to be a shutdown corner. Spanning over three decades, we’ll look at the standout seasons of players like Rod Woodson, Darrell Green, Deion Sanders, and a host of others. Their unparalleled ability to dominate the field, intercept passes, and lock down top-tier receivers has secured their place in football lore. Each player on this list has etched their name in the annals of gridiron greatness through remarkable performances and unforgettable seasons. So, buckle up as we delve into the exploits of the best cornerback seasons ever since 1990.
1990 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Rod Woodson
Defensive Stats: 66 tackles, 5 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 3 fumble recoveries
Runner Up – Darrell Green
Defensive Stats: 78 tackles, 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Rod Woodson, donning the Steelers’ black and gold, was a revelation in 1991, nabbing 6 interceptions and putting up 78 tackles – that’s playing big league football! This cat didn’t just crunch numbers, his leadership and play-reading prowess made him the quarterback’s worst nightmare. Woodson wasn’t just a standout, folks, he was the cornerstone of the Steelers’ defense.
1991 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Darrell Green
Defensive Stats: 79 tackles and 5 interceptions
Runner Up – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 49 tackles, 6 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 touchdown
Fast forward to ’91, and the cornerback spotlight swings towards Darrell Green of the Washington Redskins. With speed that would make a cheetah jealous and agility that’d put a gymnast to shame, Green was an unstoppable force. Snagging 5 interceptions and showing an uncanny knack for shutting down star receivers, he was a crucial cog in a championship-winning Redskins team.
1992 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Rod Woodson
Defensive Stats: 100 tackles, 5 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles and 6 sacks
Runner Up – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 66 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries
Leap to ’92, and we find ourselves witnessing déjà vu. Rod Woodson, back at it again, ruling the cornerback kingdom like it’s his own personal fiefdom. With a whopping 7 interceptions and a league-leading 2 pick-sixes, Woodson was the defensive playmaker every team feared. His electrifying speed and hawk-eye vision made him a constant threat, a bolt of black and gold lightning on the gridiron.
1993 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Rod Woodson
Defensive Stats: 95 tackles, 8 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries
Runner Up – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 34 tackles, 7 interceptions and 1 forced fumble
Imagine this, it’s ’93 and Rod Woodson is back, taking the cornerback scene by storm again. With 8 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and even a sack, this guy was more than a star, he was a supernova in Steelers’ colors. Demonstrating skills that made receivers tremble and quarterbacks rethink their game plan, Woodson was a living highlight reel.
1994 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 36 tackles, 6 interceptions and 3 touchdowns
Runner Up – Rod Woodson
Defensive Stats: 83 tackles, 4 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles and 2 touchdowns
Touchdown to ’94 and Deion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders takes center stage. Swapping Falcons’ red for 49ers’ gold, Sanders took the Bay Area by storm, recording 6 interceptions and returning them for a staggering 303 yards, 3 of which were pick-sixes. This dynamo didn’t just defend, he dazzled, turning defense into offense in the blink of an eye.
1995 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Aeneas Williams
Defensive Stats: 62 tackles, 6 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Runner Up – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 26 tackles and 2 interceptions
Slide over to ’95, and it’s Aeneas Williams making waves in the cornerback world. Donning the Phoenix Cardinals’ red, Williams made sure he was noticed with a colossal 9 interceptions, returning 2 for touchdowns. This guy was more than just a cornerback, he was a heat-seeking missile, homing in on any ball within his reach.
1996 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 33 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Aeneas Williams
Defensive Stats: 77 tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Fast forward to ’96, and we find ‘Prime Time’ Deion Sanders, now donned in Cowboys’ silver and blue, still lighting up the league. With 2 interceptions returned for touchdowns, Sanders remained a dual-threat on both sides of the ball, keeping QBs guessing and fans on the edge of their seats. Quick as a wink and slick as they come, Sanders ensured the Cowboys’ star shone bright.
1997 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 33 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Aeneas Williams
Defensive Stats: 63 tackles, 6 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Now to ’97, and it’s Deion ‘Prime Time’ Sanders lighting up the NFL once again. As a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ defense, Sanders snagged 2 interceptions and defended 12 passes, putting on a clinic in defensive prowess. His nimble footwork, blistering speed, and unparalleled game sense kept quarterbacks second-guessing and receivers shut down.
1998 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Ty Law
Defensive Stats: 70 tackles, 9 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 25 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Flash forward to ’98, and it’s Ty Law’s time to shine. With the Patriots’ colors on his back, Law redefined the cornerback role, intercepting a whopping 9 passes and returning one for a touchdown. His sharp instincts and physical play made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Law in ’98 was a force of nature – a season that marked his arrival among the best cornerbacks in the NFL.
1999 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Charles Woodson
Defensive Stats: 61 tackles, 1 interception and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Deion Sanders
Defensive Stats: 42 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 forced fumble
Roll into ’99, and we find a young gun by the name of Charles Woodson turning heads. In his sophomore year with the Raiders, Woodson proved he was no fluke, nabbing 4 interceptions and defending 15 passes. His agility, speed, and ball-hawking instincts set him apart from the pack. Woodson in ’99 was a rising star, signaling the start of a storied career.
2000 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Champ Bailey
Defensive Stats: 61 tackles and 5 interceptions
Runner Up – Charles Woodson
Defensive Stats: 79 tackles, 4 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles
Zoom into 2000, and we’re met with the aptly named Champ Bailey. In his second year with the Washington Redskins, Bailey solidified his place as a premier cornerback, intercepting 5 passes and defending a remarkable 19 more. Bailey’s blend of lightning speed, superior athleticism, and an uncanny knack for finding the ball was a recipe for havoc on opposing offenses. Bailey in 2000 was truly a champ, setting the stage for a career that would be marked by continued excellence and stellar performances.
2001 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Ronde Barber
Defensive Stats: 72 tackles, 10 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Aeneas Williams
Defensive Stats: 73 tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 fumble recoveries and 2 touchdowns
Flip the calendar to 2001, and it’s Ronde Barber who’s making waves. As a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, Barber racked up an impressive 10 interceptions, returning 2 for touchdowns. With an uncanny nose for the ball and a gritty style of play, Barber’s season was a masterclass in cornerback excellence. Barber in 2001 was a defensive maestro, orchestrating one of the best cornerback seasons ever!
2002 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Patrick Surtain
Defensive Stats: 50 tackles, 7 interceptions
Runner Up –Ronde Barber
Defensive Stats: 79 tackles, 2 interceptions and 3 sacks
Jet over to 2002, and it’s Patrick Surtain standing tall among the cornerback elite. As a cornerstone of the Miami Dolphins’ defense, Surtain snagged 7 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. His agility, speed, and play-reading ability had receivers sweating and quarterbacks shaking.
2003 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Ty Law
Defensive Stats: 74 tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Champ Bailey
Defensive Stats: 72 tackles and 2 interceptions
Fly into 2003, and it’s Ty Law’s time to shine again. Back in Patriots’ navy and silver, Law demonstrated why he was a feared cornerback in the league, intercepting a career-high 6 passes and returning one for a touchdown. His uncanny ability to shut down receivers and his knack for making game-changing plays were in full display. Law in 2003 was a linchpin in the Patriots’ championship-winning season.
2004 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Champ Bailey
Defensive Stats: 81 tackles and 3 interceptions
Runner Up – Ronde Barber
Defensive Stats: 99 tackles, 3 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Jump to 2004, and it’s Champ Bailey in the spotlight again. Now donning the Broncos’ orange and blue, Bailey was a dominant force on the field, pulling in a career-high 10 interceptions. His agility, speed, and ability to read the game made him a constant menace to opposing quarterbacks. Bailey in ’04 was the embodiment of a defensive superstar.
2005 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Champ Bailey
Defensive Stats: 66 tackles, 8 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Runner Up – Ronde Barber
Defensive Stats: 99 tackles and 5 interceptions
Slide into 2005, and once again it’s Champ Bailey owning the cornerback scene. Back with the Broncos, Bailey pulled in 8 interceptions and defended an incredible 21 passes. His elite coverage skills and impressive play-reading ability were a nightmare for any quarterback daring enough to throw his way. Bailey in ’05 was a beacon of defensive excellence, reinforcing his status as one of the best cornerbacks ever in NFL history.
2006 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Asante Samuel
Defensive Stats: 64 tackles, 10 interceptions and 1 forced fumble
Runner Up – Champ Bailey
Defensive Stats: 86 tackles, 10 interceptions, 1 touchdown
Blast into 2006, and it’s Asante Samuel’s turn to shine. As a key player in the Patriots’ defense, Samuel intercepted a career-high 10 passes, returning one for a touchdown. His razor-sharp instincts and stellar play-making ability turned every play into a potential game-changer. Samuel in ’06 was a pick-off machine, crafting a standout season that secured his place among the elite cornerbacks of his era.
2007 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Antonio Cromartie
Defensive Stats: 44 tackles, 10 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Runner Up – Asante Samuel
Defensive Stats: 46 tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Zoom into 2007, and it’s Antonio Cromartie making noise on the gridiron. As a defensive anchor for the San Diego Chargers, Cromartie snagged a league-high 10 interceptions, including a record-breaking 109-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown. His electrifying speed and keen instincts kept quarterbacks on their toes and audiences on the edge of their seats. Cromartie in ’07 was a defensive sensation who consistently showed off his physicality and play-making ability.
2008 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Nnamdi Asomugha
Defensive Stats: 19 tackles and 0 interceptions
Runner Up – Cortland Finnegan
Defensive Stats: 69 tackles, 5 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Fast-forward to 2008, and it’s Nnamdi Asomugha commanding the cornerback spotlight. A linchpin in the Raiders’ defense, Asomugha allowed fewer than 40% of passes thrown his way to be completed, becoming a true no-fly zone. Even with just one interception, his presence on the field was so intimidating, quarterbacks simply chose to avoid him. Asomugha in ’08 was a silent guardian, carving out a season that was a testament to the art of shutdown corner play.
2009 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Darrelle Revis
Defensive Stats: 54 tackles, 6 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Charles Woodson
Defensive Stats: 74 tackles, 9 interceptions and 3 touchdowns
“Leap to 2009, and we find ourselves on ‘Revis Island.’ Playing for the New York Jets, Darrelle Revis had a season for the ages with 6 interceptions, an incredible 31 passes defended, and a league-leading 541 interception return yards. His ability to blanket the league’s top receivers was nothing short of spectacular. Revis in ’09 was a one-man island of dominance.
2010 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Darrelle Revis
Defensive Stats: 32 tackles and 0 interceptions
Runner Up – Asante Samuel
Defensive Stats: 26 tackles and 7 interceptions
Skip to 2010, and we’re still vacationing on ‘Revis Island.’ Despite being avoided by quarterbacks, Revis still managed to snag 2 interceptions and defend 10 passes for the New York Jets. His ability to neutralize the league’s top receivers was unmatched, earning him a Pro Bowl nod and further solidifying his status as the game’s top corner.
2011 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Darrelle Revis
Defensive Stats: 52 tackles, 4 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Johnathan Joseph
Defensive Stats: 57 tackles, 2 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Flip to 2011, and we’re still anchored on ‘Revis Island.’ Continuing his elite play with the Jets, Revis notched 4 interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and defended 21 passes. His exceptional coverage skills and ability to disrupt passes set him apart from the rest of the league. Revis in ’11 was nothing short of a defensive savant, confirming yet again why quarterbacks preferred to steer clear of his side of the field.
2012 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Richard Sherman
Defensive Stats: 65 tackles, 8 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Charles Tillman
Defensive Stats: 87 tackles, 3 interceptions and 3 touchdowns
Blast into 2012, and it’s Richard Sherman seizing the limelight. As a key component of the Seahawks’ ‘Legion of Boom,’ Sherman racked up an impressive 8 interceptions and defended a league-high 24 passes. His unique blend of size, speed, and intellect made him an unwelcome sight for opposing quarterbacks. Sherman in ’12 was an emergence of a new defensive titan, announcing his presence on the NFL stage with a season of stellar performances.
2013 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Richard Sherman
Defensive Stats: 48 tackles, 8 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Patrick Peterson
Defensive Stats: 42 tackles and 3 interceptions
Flash back to 2013, and it’s Richard Sherman’s time to reign supreme. As the headline act of the Seahawks’ ‘Legion of Boom,’ Sherman led the league with 8 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and defended a remarkable 16 passes. His imposing presence and exceptional ball skills were instrumental in Seattle’s run to their first Super Bowl victory.
2014 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Richard Sherman
Defensive Stats: 57 tackles and 4 interceptions.
Runner Up – Darrelle Revis
Defensive Stats: 47 tackles and 2 interceptions.
Fast-forward to 2014, and Richard Sherman continues to dominate the cornerback scene. Still a pillar in the Seahawks’ ‘Legion of Boom,’ Sherman matched his previous year’s tally with another 4 interceptions and defended a solid 8 passes. His unmatched ability to lock down his side of the field and his tenacious style of play were instrumental in Seattle’s back-to-back Super Bowl appearances. Sherman in ’14 was a relentless defensive force, fortifying his status among the best cornerbacks ever.
2015 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Patrick Peterson
Defensive Stats: 35 tackles and 2 interceptions
Runner Up – Josh Norman
Defensive Stats: 56 tackles, 4 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Zoom into 2015, and it’s Josh Norman’s time to shine. As a key player in the Carolina Panthers’ defense, Norman pulled in 4 interceptions, returning two for touchdowns, and defended a fantastic 18 passes. His breakout season was marked by his exceptional coverage skills and his ability to shut down top receivers. Norman in ’15 was a revelation, crafting a season that vaulted him into the conversation of the league’s top cornerbacks.
2016 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Aqib Talib
Defensive Stats: 43 tackles, 3 interceptions and 1 touchdown
Runner Up – Marcus Peters
Defensive Stats: 45 tackles and 6 interceptions
Step into 2016, and it’s Aqib Talib lighting up the field. As a crucial part of the Denver Broncos’ ‘No Fly Zone’ secondary, Talib had 3 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown, and defended a significant 12 passes. His aggressive style of play and ability to shut down opponents’ top receivers made him one of the league’s most formidable cornerbacks. Talib in ’16 was a defensive superstar.
2017 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Jalen Ramsey
Defensive Stats: 63 tackles and 4 interceptions
Runner Up – Darius Slay
Defensive Stats: 60 tackles and 8 interceptions
Blast into 2017, and it’s Jalen Ramsey making his mark. As a young star in the Jacksonville Jaguars’ defense, Ramsey snagged 4 interceptions and defended a massive 17 passes. His speed, physicality, and exceptional ball skills quickly established him as a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Ramsey in ’17 was a breath of fresh air, crafting a standout season that confirmed his status as one of the league’s most exciting rising stars.
2018 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Stephon Gilmore
Defensive Stats: 53 tackles and 2 interceptions
Runner Up – Kyle Fuller
Defensive Stats: 55 tackles and 7 interceptions
Jump to 2018, and it’s Stephon Gilmore’s time to shine. As a pillar of the New England Patriots’ defense, Gilmore intercepted 2 passes and defended a whopping 20, earning his first First-Team All-Pro selection. His coverage skills were second to none, often erasing the opponent’s top receivers from the game. Gilmore in ’18 was a defensive maestro, orchestrating a season that solidified his status as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league.
2019 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Stephon Gilmore
Defensive Stats: 53 tackles, 6 interceptions and 2 touchdowns
Runner Up – Tre’Davious White
Defensive Stats: 58 tackles, 6 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles
Fast forward to 2019, and Stephon Gilmore is in the limelight again. The cornerstone of the Patriots’ defense, Gilmore led the league with 6 interceptions, returning 2 for touchdowns, and defended an incredible 20 passes, earning him the prestigious NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. His ability to shut down the opponent’s best receiver week in and week out was nothing short of spectacular. Gilmore in ’19 was a defensive titan, marking a season that will long be remembered as one of the best cornerback seasons ever.
2020 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Xavien Howard
Defensive Stats: 51 tackles, 10 interceptions and 20 pass deflections
Runner Up – Jalen Ramsey
Defensive Stats: 44 tackles, 1 interception and 2 forced fumbles
Rewind to 2020, and it’s Xavien Howard ruling the roost. An integral part of the Miami Dolphins’ defense, Howard led the league with an impressive 10 interceptions and defended an outstanding 20 passes. His ball-hawking skills were on full display, making him a nightmare for any quarterback daring to throw his way.
2021 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Jalen Ramsey
Defensive Stats: 77 tackles, 4 interceptions and 18 pass deflections
Runner Up – Trevon Diggs
Defensive Stats: 59 tackles, 11 interception and 14 pass deflections
Jump to 2021, and it’s Jalen Ramsey commanding attention once more. As a key figure in the Los Angeles Rams’ defense, Ramsey snagged 3 interceptions and defended 11 passes. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills, coupled with his capability to shut down the league’s top receivers, made him a true game-changer. Ramsey in ’21 was a defensive behemoth who earned his Super Bowl victory.
2022 NFL Season
Best Cornerback – Sauce Gardner
Defensive Stats: 75 tackles, 2 interceptions and 20 pass deflections
Runner Up – Patrick Surtain
Defensive Stats: 60 tackles, 2 interception and 10 pass deflections
Now in present day, Sauce Gardner took the league by storm in only his rookie season. He came into the NFL an athletic freak and it showed in his coverage ability. Sauce Gardner was the highest rated cornerback by PFF and it wasn’t close. Cornerback play is volatile, but this man is at the forefront of an evolving Jets team.
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