The Top 10 NFL Cornerbacks of All Time

By Jason Bolton February 10, 2024 02:16

It has been proven year after year that the Cornerback is one of the biggest difference makers on the field. These players have displayed exceptional skill, athleticism, and an unrivaled ability to shut down opposing receivers. Here, I present to you the top 10 NFL cornerbacks of all time, based on their impact on the game, accolades, and overall contribution to the sport.

1. Deion Sanders

Deion "Prime Time" Sanders is widely regarded as one of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. His exceptional speed and coverage skills made him a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks. Sanders was a two-time Super Bowl champion, an eight-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2. Rod Woodson

Rod Woodson's versatility and playmaking ability set him apart as one of the all-time greats. Not only was he a shutdown cornerback, but he also excelled as a safety. Woodson's 71 career interceptions speak volumes about his impact on the game. He was a Super Bowl champion, 11-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

3. Champ Bailey

Champ Bailey's lockdown coverage and exceptional ball skills made him a force to be reckoned with during his illustrious career. Bailey was a 12-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First-Team All-Pro. His ability to neutralize some of the league's best receivers solidified his place among the greatest cornerbacks of all time.

4. Darrelle Revis

Darrelle Revis's "Revis Island" became synonymous with his ability to completely shut down opposing receivers. His impeccable man-to-man coverage skills and anticipation made him a perennial All-Pro. Revis was a Super Bowl champion and a seven-time Pro Bowler, leaving an indelible mark on the game.

5. Mel Blount

Mel Blount's physicality and imposing presence revolutionized the cornerback position. His aggressive style of play and exceptional coverage skills made him a cornerstone of the dominant Pittsburgh Steelers defense in the 1970s. Blount was a four-time Super Bowl champion, a five-time Pro Bowler, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

6. Willie Brown

Willie Brown's impact on the game extended beyond his exceptional play on the field. His iconic interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XI remains etched in NFL history. Brown was a four-time Pro Bowler, a three-time First-Team All-Pro, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

7. Night Train Lane

"Night Train" Lane's aggressive and physical style of play revolutionized the cornerback position in the NFL. His 14 interceptions in his rookie season remain an unbroken record. Lane was a seven-time Pro Bowler, a member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

8. Mike Haynes

Mike Haynes was known for his exceptional speed, agility, and coverage skills. His ability to neutralize opposing receivers earned him nine Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors. Haynes was a Super Bowl champion and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

9. Ty Law

Ty Law's playmaking ability and knack for creating turnovers solidified his place among the greatest cornerbacks of all time. His pivotal interceptions in crucial moments, including in Super Bowl XXXVI, cemented his legacy. Law was a three-time Super Bowl champion and a five-time Pro Bowler.

10. Aeneas Williams

Aeneas Williams's exceptional coverage skills and ball-hawking ability made him a standout performer throughout his career. His 55 career interceptions and eight defensive touchdowns highlight his impact on the game. Williams was an eight-time Pro Bowler and a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Position is Growing

The top 10 NFL cornerbacks of all time have left an indelible mark on the sport through their exceptional skill, athleticism, and ability to shut down some of the most explosive offenses in NFL history. Their contributions have not only elevated their respective teams but have also redefined the cornerback position and inspired future generations of defensive backs. These players have solidified their places in NFL history and continue to serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of the cornerback position in professional football.