Top 10 Hardest Hitters in NFL History – #4 Brian Dawkins
#4 – Brian Dawkins
Brian Dawkins off the field was a devout Christian and a very well mannered man. On the field, his alter ego took over. On the field, he was Weapon X. He gave into that title and alter ego as in pregame you would see in all fours running in like the Wolverine.
When the game started, it was clear he wanted to put players in body bags. He was a very dangerous man roaming at the safety position and took ownership in the middle of the field. His career ended just before the NFL started taking head to head contact very seriously with their rules, therefore Dawkins has a full career of highlight reel hits that would not be allowed to today.
What made him truly special was his ability to keep that energy in the biggest games possible. His biggest hit ever came against the Falcons in the NFC championship. Alge Crumpler caught the ball near the sideline and Dawkins crushed him leaving him wincing with pain on the floor.
His accolades also do the talking for his dominance. He is the first player to enter the 30/30 club with 36 forced fumbles and 37 interceptions. Those 36 forced fumbles are the most for any Safety proving that his hard hitting nature did even more than making opponents fearful.
Top 10 Hardest Hitters Ever – #3 Lawrence Taylor
#3 – Lawrence Taylor
Lawrence Taylor is the reason Left Tackles are one of the highest paid positions in the NFL and are so highly sought out after. His attacking nature was something nobody had seen before as he was too fast and powerful for any single man to block him.
Blocking schemes changed because of him and his ability to beat a single block and crush the Quarterback. For 7 seasons straight he failed to produce under double digit sacks including his career high of 20.5 sacks in a single season.
L.T. admitted to the use of cocaine and other drugs during his career, but still managed to become the best linebacker in NFL history. His dominance helped lead the Giants to 2 Super Bowls over his 12 year career.
He only failed earning all pro honors twice in his career and was even the defensive player of the year over his first 2 seasons in the NFL. Lawrence Tayler is just shy from the title as the hardest hitter in NFL history, but he still holds the title as best pass rusher and best linebacker ever.
