The Top 10 NFL Cornerbacks of the 1960s
The Top 10 NFL Cornerbacks of the 1960s
By Edcel Panganiban July 30, 2024 12:29
In the 1960s, we saw a shift in play style within the National Football League (NFL), with new offensive strategies and defensive monsters. Cornerbacks were key components of the solution for these increasingly complex passing games. FL draft picks in history.
Top 10 NFL Cornerbacks of the 1960s:
1. Herb Adderley
Teams: Green Bay Packers (1961-69), Dallas Cowboys (1970-72)- Interceptions: 48
- Pro Bowl Selections: 5
- All-Pro Honors: 4
- Super Bowl Champion: II, VI
Playing Style and Impact
Herb Adderley was a "ballhawk" who could play at the line of scrimmage. He was one of the best in the game when manning up against an opponent's top wide receiver. Adderley was an intimidating defensive back with a nose for the ball, reading quarterbacks’ eyes like no other and allowing him to be exactly where he needed to catch passes. Most importantly, his contributions were vital to the Packers' dominance of the 1960s, where they won numerous championships.
Historical Context
Adderley played in an era when the NFL was changing from a run-dominated offense to one more closely resembling modern football. His explosive play announced the cornerback's rise, flaunting their position as vital to coverage in pas-game.
2. Willie Brown
Teams: Denver Dialed Indolora: Myron (1963-66), Oakland Hantavirus Relieves More Flora Marinates Magna Qualcomm Botulism Member NCAAfcntl Rebuff.
- Interceptions: 39
- Pro Bowl Selections: 3
- All-Pro Honors: 2
- Super Bowl Champion: XI
Playing Style and Impact
A ferocious playmaker, his combination of size and speed was legendary for playing both man-to-man or zone coverage, which were considered rare labeling. His aggressive bump and run style upset receivers' timing and fueled his reputation as one of the game's most ineffective cornerbacks throughout much, if not all, of his era. That vision helped cement his memory as Brown was one of the first players to make game-changing plays, such as a 75-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XI.
Historical Context
Brown's pro career ran parallel with the ascent of the AFL and subsequent merger with the NFL. His talents functioned well within defensive plans drawn up by what would emerge as one of pro football's top citadels in Oakland. That changed the way people used bump-and-run coverage techniques forever.
3. Jimmy Johnson
Team: San Francisco 49ers (1961-1976)
- Interceptions: 47
- Pro Bowl Selections: 5
- All-Pro Honors: 2
Playing Style and Impact
Jimmy Johnson invented the shutdown cornerback position. He was never the most physical player, but his ability to anticipate and recognize route patterns more than made up for any such shortcomings in coverage. His interception totals were the way they were, mostly because quarterbacks stopped throwing his way, but those stats do not indicate that he wasn't completely dominant in college at LSU.
Historical Context
During an era when defenses were still learning how to handle modern passing attacks, Johnson became the leading expert at clamping down on No. His legacy is still seen today in the new-age cornerback, where coverage ability outweighs brawn.
4. Lem Barney
Teams: Detroit Lions (1967-1977)- Pro Bowl Selections: 3
- All-Pro Honors: 2
- NFL DROY:1967
Playing Style and Impact
The way he could jump routes and generate turnovers was the hallmark of his game. The Lions' defense relied heavily on Barney in his time with the club.
Historical Context
Barney broke into the league during a time of transition, as teams were discovering how valuable and efficient passing could be. His successful rookie year and subsequent many accolades helped change the minds of NFL general managers to not undervalue cornerbacks.
5. Mel Blount
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-1983)- Interceptions: 57
- Pro Bowl Selections: 5
- All-Pro Honors: 3
- NFL DPOY: 1975
Playing Style and Impact
This physical cornerback is known for his aggressive style, and with good reason. As big and strong as he was fast, Lambert's physical bump-and-run coverage made him an intimidating figure for opposing receivers over 11 seasons with the Steelers in one of history's best defenses.
Historical Context
Blount's style of play helped shape changes to defensive rules, even leading to the enforcement of pass interference penalties. That legacy is seen in how cornerbacks are trained now.
6. Dick LeBeau
Teams: Detroit Lions (1959-1969)- Interceptions: 62
- Pro Bowl Selections: 3
- All-Pro Honors: 2
Playing Style and Impact
His instincts and ability to diagnose plays before they happened keyed the Lions' defense.
Historical Context
LeBeau played during an era when the NFL was still trying to figure out what a cornerback did. He made contributions that established principles of defensive strategy that are still in use today.
7. Charlie Waters
Team: Dallas Cowboys (1970-85)- Interceptions: 36
- Pro Bowl Selections: 2
- All-Pro Honors: 1
Playing Style and Impact
A versatile player who could line up either at safety or cornerback, the same two positions Charlie's former head coach went on to excel in. He made his living in the defensive backfield and excelled, thanks to great intelligence and exceptional anticipation.
Historical Context
With teams employing several defensive schemes, Waters' versatility proved invaluable. Modern importance of DBs: His legacy continues reinventing versatile defensive backs
8. Emmitt Thomas
Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1966-1978)- Interceptions: 58
- Pro Bowl Selections: 5
- All-Pro Honors: 2
Playing Style and Impact
Emmitt Thomas was best known for his excellent ball skills and play-making ability. His foot speed and leverage worked well with either form of coverage, as he was instrumental in the Chiefs’ defense.
Historical Context
Thomas entered the league as it was beginning to move from a run-first, ground-and-pound territory into today's pass-happy NFL. His success as a corner helped solidify the significance of that position in today's game.
9. Ronnie Lott
Teams: San Francisco 49ers (1981 - '90)- Interceptions: 63
- Pro Bowl Selections: 10
- All-Pro Honors: 6
Playing Style and Impact
Lott was a hard-hitting defensive player who played the game aggressively. They could use his versatility as a hybrid safety/nickel back and ask him to play corner throughout the season.
Historical Context
Lott's contribution to the game can be seen in how defensive backs are still taught today. He was the prototype for a cornerback who was big and strong with playmaking ability.
10. D.J. Johnson
Team: Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-75)- Interceptions: 30
- Pro Bowl Selections: 2
- All-Pro Honors: 1
Playing Style and Impact
D.J. Johnson was a speedster who excelled against the pass. In the 1970s, he was an important part of the Steelers' defense when they won their Super Bowls.
Historical Context
While Johnson played, the NFL was quickly becoming more competitive. He broke the mold of tough cornerbacks and paved the way for speed defensive backs.
Cornerbacks of the 1960s were pivotal in defining the modern-day NFL. The abilities, the style, and what they brought to their respective teams paved the way for future generations of cornerbacks. These players' impact on the game lives on today, and they are some of the most important people in NFL history.
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