The Top 10 NFL Cornerbacks of All Time

By Jason Bolton March 07, 2024 08:04

When it comes to the NFL, the cornerback position is crucial in determining the success of a defense. Over the years, there have been exceptional talents that have graced the football field, showcasing their exceptional skills, agility, and intelligence. Here, we take a closer look at the top 10 NFL cornerbacks of all time, honoring their contributions to the game.

1. Deion Sanders

Deion "Prime Time" Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. His exceptional speed, coverage skills, and playmaking abilities made him a force to be reckoned with. Sanders played for multiple teams during his career, including the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion and a perennial Pro Bowler.

2. Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson's versatility and playmaking ability set him apart during his illustrious career. While he is often remembered for his time as a safety, Woodson also excelled as a cornerback. His exceptional coverage skills and football IQ made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Woodson's career included stints with the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders. He was a key figure in the Steelers' Super Bowl XXXV championship.

3. Darrelle Revis

Known for his exceptional man-to-man coverage skills, Darrelle Revis earned the nickname "Revis Island" for his ability to shut down some of the league's best wide receivers. Revis played for several teams, including the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and Kansas City Chiefs. His remarkable instincts and anticipation allowed him to consistently make game-changing plays.

4. Champ Bailey

Champ Bailey's combination of speed, agility, and coverage instincts made him one of the most dominant cornerbacks of his era. Bailey spent the majority of his career with the Denver Broncos and also had a brief stint with the Washington Redskins. His ability to blanked opposing receivers and make crucial interceptions solidified his place as one of the all-time greats.

5. Mel Blount

Mel Blount was a physical and imposing force in the secondary during his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers. His aggressive style of play and exceptional coverage skills made him a nightmare for wide receivers. Blount's impact on the Steelers' defense was instrumental in their success, including four Super Bowl victories.

6. Night Train Lane

Dick "Night Train" Lane revolutionized the cornerback position with his aggressive and physical style of play. Lane's ability to intimidate receivers and make game-changing plays earned him a place among the all-time greats. His career included stints with the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Cardinals, and Detroit Lions, and he set the single-season record for interceptions with 14 in 1952, a record that still stands today.

7. Willie Brown

Willie Brown's exceptional coverage skills and ability to make crucial plays in key moments set him apart as a legendary cornerback. Brown spent the majority of his career with the Oakland Raiders, where he played an integral role in their success, including a victory in Super Bowl XI. His impact on the field and leadership qualities off it solidified his place among the elite cornerbacks in NFL history.

8. Ty Law

Ty Law's playmaking ability and knack for creating turnovers made him a feared cornerback during his career. Law spent the majority of his career with the New England Patriots, where he played a pivotal role in their Super Bowl victories. His ability to intercept passes and shut down opposing receivers in critical moments earned him a reputation as one of the top cornerbacks of his era.

9. Mike Haynes

Mike Haynes' exceptional speed and coverage skills made him a standout cornerback during his tenure with the New England Patriots and the Los Angeles Raiders. Haynes was known for his ability to neutralize some of the league's best receivers and make game-changing plays. His impact on the field earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

10. Aeneas Williams

Aeneas Williams' exceptional athleticism and coverage skills made him a standout cornerback during his career with the Arizona Cardinals and St. Louis Rams. Williams was known for his ability to make crucial interceptions and excel in man-to-man coverage. His impact on the field earned him multiple Pro Bowl selections and a place among the top cornerbacks in NFL history.

The NFL has been blessed with a plethora of exceptional cornerbacks who have left an indelible mark on the game. The top 10 cornerbacks mentioned here have set the standard for excellence at the position and have contributed significantly to the success of their respective teams. Their remarkable skills, playmaking abilities, and impact on the field have solidified their places among the all-time greats in NFL history.