Greatest Pass Rushers in NFL History

These NFL defensive players changed the game by getting to the quarterback.

Sacking the quarterback on a consistent basis can change a football game, but this idea didn’t take hold in the NFL until the 1970s. It wasn’t even recognized by the league as an official statistic until 1982.

Since then, some of the best defensive players in the NFL and some of the biggest names in football have been difference-makers for their ability to get to the quarterback and bring him down.

These are the greatest pass rushers in NFL history.

35. Jim Jeffcoat — 102.5 Sacks

Jim Jeffcoat was one of the few bright spots on the Dallas Cowboys in the late 1980s. AP Photo

Born: April 1, 1961 (Long Branch, New Jersey)

High school: Matawan Regional High School (Aberdeen Township, New Jersey)

College: Arizona State

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 280 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1983-97)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1983-94), Buffalo Bills (1995-97)

Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1992, 1993)

Bottom Line: Jim Jeffcoat

Jeff Jeffcoat was tough to block. Ron Heflin / AP Photo

Jim Jeffcoat led the No. 1 defense in the nation at Arizona State in 1982, turning himself into the No. 23 overall pick in the famous 1983 NFL draft.

Jeffcoat anchored the Dallas Cowboys’ defense during the lean years of the 1980s and didn’t miss a game in 12 seasons.

He was a situational pass rusher for Dallas in two Super Bowl-winning seasons, and his son, Jackson Jeffcoat, played several seasons in the NFL.

34. Aaron Donald — 103 Sacks

Reed Hoffmann / AP Photo

Born: May 23, 1991 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

High school: Penn Hills High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

College: Pittsburgh

Position: Defensive tackle

Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 280 pounds

NFL career: 10 seasons (2014-present)

Teams: St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2022), three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2017, 2018, 2020), seven-time NFL All-Pro (2015-21), nine-time Pro Bowl (2014-22), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2014), PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)

Bottom Line: Aaron Donald

Mark J. Terrill / AP Photo

Is Aaron Donald the greatest interior defensive lineman in NFL history? All signs point to yes.

Donald, already a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, cemented his status as one of the all-time greats by leading the Rams to a Super Bowl victory following the 2021 season. He followed his Super Bowl win by re-negotiating his six-year, $135 million contract to add $40 million over the last three years, making him the first defensive player in NFL history to make over $30 million per season.

32. Neil Smith — 104.5 Sacks (Tie)

Neil Smith had two signature moves — his baseball swing sack celebration and his nasal strip. Elaine Thompson / AP Photo

Born: April 10, 1966 (New Orleans, Louisiana)

High school: McDonough 35 Senior High School (New Orleans, Louisiana)

College: Nebraska

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 270 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (1988-2000)

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1988-96), Denver Broncos (1997-99), San Diego Chargers (2000)

Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1997, 1998), six-time Pro Bowl (1991-95, 1997), four-time NFL All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1995, 1997), NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Neil Smith

Neil Smith played 13 seasons in the NFL. Mark Duncan / AP Photo

Neil Smith was one of the most dominant defensive ends of the 1990s, when he played on some great Kansas City Chiefs teams and helped lead the Denver Broncos to back-to-back Super Bowl victories.

Smith’s signature celebration move was swinging a baseball bat, which was a tribute to Kansas City Royals third baseman Neil Smith.

He even had a rule named after him. “The Neil Smith Rule” prevents defensive lineman from flinching to get offensive linemen to jump offsides.

32. Kevin Carter — 104.5 Sacks (Tie)

Kevin Carter was a star for the Rams and Dolphins. Nam Y. Hugh / AP Photo

Born: Sept. 21, 1973 (Miami, Florida)

High school: Lincoln High School (Tallahassee, Florida)

College: Florida

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 305 pounds

NFL career: 14 seasons (1995-2008)

Teams: St. Louis Rams (1995-2000), Tennessee Titans (2001-04), Miami Dolphins (2005-06), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2007-08)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1999), four-time Pro Bowl (1997-99, 2002), NFL All-Pro (1999)

Bottom Line: Kevin Carter

Kevin Carter was a beast in the trenches. Mark Humphrey / AP Photo

Kevin Carter had the best season of his career at the exact right time, leading the NFL with 17 sacks in 1999 as he helped lead the St. Louis Rams to their only Super Bowl victory.

Carter was deft in handling his moves as a free agent throughout his career, several times taking less money to play on better teams.

Carter never missed a game in 14 seasons, playing in 224 games and making 219 starts.

31. Elvis Dumervil — 105.5 Sacks

Elvis Dumervil was an undersized defensive end at just 5-foot-11. Denis Poroy / AP Photo

Born: Jan. 19, 1984 (Miami, Florida)

High school: Jackson High School (Miami, Florida)

College: Louisville

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 5-foot-11, 250 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (2006-17)

Teams: Denver Broncos (2006-12), Baltimore Ravens (2013-16), San Francisco 49ers (2017)

Career highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl (2009, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015), two-time NFL All-Pro (2009, 2014)

Bottom Line: Elvis Dumervil

Elvis Dumervil was an underrated defensive end. David Zalubowski / AP Photo

There’s not a more unlikely player on this list than Elvis Dumervil, who dominated at defensive end despite being just 5-foot-11 and 250 pounds.

Dumervil had a career-high 17 sacks twice, in 2009 with the Denver Broncos and in 2014 with the Baltimore Ravens, setting the franchise’s single-season record.

Dumervil might not make it into the Hall of Fame, but he cashed out big in his 12 seasons in the NFL, banking $67.5 million in career earnings.

30. Trace Armstrong — 106 Sacks

Trace Armstrong was only named to one Pro Bowl in 15 seasons. Hans Deryk / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 5, 1965 (Bethesda, Maryland)

High school: John Carroll Catholic High School (Birmingham, Alabama)

College: Florida

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 275 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1989-2003)

Teams: Chicago Bears (1989-94), Miami Dolphins (1995-2000), Oakland Raiders (2001-03)

Career highlights: Pro Bowl (2000), NFL All-Pro (2000)

Bottom Line: Trace Armstrong

Trace Armstrong made life miserable for quarterbacks. Mark Fisher / AP Photo

Trace Armstrong played the entirety of his career in relative anonymity on some pretty average teams. Despite becoming a member of the exclusive 100 Sack Club, he only made one Pro Bowl and one NFL All-Pro team in his career.

Armstrong made $23 million during 15 seasons in the NFL but made a fortune as a sports agent after his career was over, representing some of the top head coaches in the NFL and college, along with some of the highest-profile broadcasters and sports media personalities working today.

29. Pat Swilling — 107.5 Sacks

Pat Swilling probably shouldn’t have been leading with his head. Judi Bottoni / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 25, 1964 (Toccoa, Georgia)

High school: Stephens County High School (Toccoa, Georgia)

College: Georgia Tech

Position: Linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 245 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (1986-96, 1998)

Teams: New Orleans Saints (1986-92), Detroit Lions (1993-94), Oakland Raiders (1995-96, 1998)

Career highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl (1989-93), four-time All-Pro (1989-92), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1991)

Bottom Line: Pat Swilling

New Orleans Saints linebacker Pat Swilling

Pat Swilling led the NFL in sacks in 1991. George Widman / AP Photo

Pat Swilling was part of perhaps the finest assembly of linebackers in NFL history — the New Orleans Saints’ famous “Dome Patrol” of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Alongside Hall of Famer Rickey Jackson, Sam Mills and Vaughan Johnson, Swilling wreaked havoc on opposing offenses.

One of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history, Swilling finished his career with 107.5 sacks but no playoff wins. His 0-6 record in the postseason is an NFL record for most playoff games without a win.

28. Greg Townsend — 109.5 Sacks

Greg Townsend was a dominant defensive end who dealt with on- and off-field issues throughout his career. AP Photo

Born: Nov. 3, 1961 (Los Angeles, California)

High school: Dominguez High School (Compton, California)

College: TCU

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 255 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (1983-94, 1997)

Teams: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1983-93, 1997), Philadelphia Eagles (1994)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1983), two-time NFL All-Pro (1990, 1991), two-time Pro Bowl (1990, 1991)

Bottom Line: Greg Townsend

Greg Townsend played his whole career with the Raiders. Lennox McLendon / AP Photo

Greg Townsend played on some pretty respectable teams with the Oakland Raiders in the 1980s, but he is definitely one of the more underappreciated pass rushers of all time.

Townsend didn’t do much to burnish his legacy during his time with the Raiders when he was suspended for his role in one of the worst on-field brawls in history against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1986, then suspended again for drugs in 1988.

Townsend was a freak athlete who actually took two seasons off before returning for a final season with the Raiders in 1997.

27. Justin Houston — 111.5 Sacks

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston

Nick Wass / AP Photo

Born: Jan. 21, 1989 (Statesboro, Georgia)

High school: Statesboro High School (Statesboro, Georgia)

College: Georgia

Position: Outside linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 270 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (2011-present)

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2011-18), Indianapolis Colts (2019-20), Baltimore Ravens (2021-present)

Career highlights: NFL All-Pro (2014), four-time Pro Bowl (2012-15), AP All-American (2010), two-time All-SEC (2009, 2010), Class AAA state champion (2005)

Bottom Line: Justin Houston

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Justin Houston

Joshua A. Bickel / AP Photo

As long as Justin Houston wants to continue playing, you can guarantee he will continue to move up this list — in 2022, his 12th NFL season, he had 9.5 sacks with the Baltimore Ravens.

Houston had one of the greatest pass-rushing seasons in NFL history in 2014, when he led the NFL with 22 sacks. Houston has also led the NFL in safeties three times and holds the NFL career record for safeties.

26. Chandler Jones — 112 Sacks

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones

John Locher / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 27, 1990 (Rochester, New York)

High school: Union-Endicott High School (Endicott, New York)

College: Syracuse

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 260 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (2012-present)

Teams: New England Patriots (2012-15), Arizona Cardinals (2016-21), Las Vegas Raiders (2022-present)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2014), two-time NFL All-Pro (2017, 2019), four-time Pro Bowl (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, PFWA All-Rookie Team (2012), two-time All-Big East (2010, 2011)

Bottom Line: Chandler Jones

New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones

Elise Amendola / AP Photo

Chandler Jones had over 10 sacks in seven of his first 10 seasons in the NFL and is just 15 sacks from breaking into the top 20 sack leaders in NFL career history.

Jones signed a three-year, $51 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2022, creating one of the NFL’s most formidable pass-rush combinations alongside fellow defensive end and NFL All-Pro Maxx Crosby.

25. Sean Jones — 113 Sacks

Sean Jones won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. Mark Duncan / AP Photo

Born: Dec. 19, 1962 (Kingston, Jamaica)

High school: Montclair Kimberley Academy (Montclair, New Jersey)

College: Northeastern

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 260 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (1984-96)

Teams: Los Angeles Raiders (1984-87), Houston Oilers (1988-93), Green Bay Packers (1994-96)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1996), Pro Bowl (1993), two-time NFL All-Pro (1994, 1995)

Bottom Line: Sean Jones

Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Sean Jones

Sean Jones played for three teams and made over 600 tackles in his career. Lennox McLendon / AP Photo

There aren’t many NFL players who come out of Northeastern University, but at 6-foot-7 and 260 pounds, Sean Jones was an easy sell as a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Raiders in 1984.

Jones dominated with both of his first two teams, the Raiders and Oilers. Then, he played opposite Hall of Fame defensive end Reggie White for his last three seasons in Green Bay, closing out his career with a Super Bowl victory following the 1996 season.

24. J.J. Watt — 114.5 Sacks

Gary Landers / AP Photo

Born: March 22, 1989 (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)

High school: Pewaukee High School (Pewaukee, Wisconsin)

Colleges: Central Michigan/Wisconsin

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 288 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (2011-22)

Teams: Houston Texans (2011-20), Arizona Cardinals (2021-22)

Career highlights: Three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2012, 2014, 2015), seven-time NFL All-Pro (2012-18), five-time Pro Bowl (2012-15, 2018), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year (2017), AP All-American (2010), All-Big Ten (2010)

Bottom Line: J.J. Watt

Arizona Cardinals defensive lineman J.J. Watt

Matt Patterson / AP Photo

In 12 NFL seasons, J.J. Watt crafted a Hall of Fame career and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times — all with the Houston Texans – while also putting his name alongside the greatest players in pro sports history to never win a championship.

Watt, one of three brothers who played in the NFL, was a versatile defensive lineman who could dominate a game by rushing off the edge and move down and play defensive tackle when needed.

23. Cameron Jordan — 115.5 Sacks

New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan

Rich Schultz / AP Photo

Born: July 10, 1989 (Chandler, Arizona)

High school: Chandler High School (Chandler, Arizona)

College: California

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 287 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (2011-present)

Teams: New Orleans Saints

Career highlights: Three-time NFL All-Pro (2017-19), eight-time Pro Bowl (2013, 2015, 2017-22), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team, All-Pac-10 (2010)

Bottom Line: Cameron Jordan

Tyler Kaufman / AP Photo

The son of former NFL tight end Steve Jordan, Cameron Jordan became a star at Cal before the New Orleans Saints selected him with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft.

Jordan has spent his entire career with the Saints and hasn’t missed a game in 12 seasons — making him one of the most durable players in NFL history. Jordan has posted six seasons of double-digit sacks in his career.

22. Clyde Simmons — 121.5 Sacks

Clyde Simmons led the NFL in sacks in 1992. Amy Sancetta / AP Photo

Born: Aug. 4, 1964 (Lane, South Carolina)

High school: New Hanover High School (Wilmington, North Carolina)

College: Western Carolina

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 292 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1986-2000)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1986-93), Arizona Cardinals (1994-95), Jacksonville Jaguars (1996-97), Cincinnati Bengals (1998), Chicago Bears (1999-2000)

Career highlights: Four-time NFL All-Pro (1991, 1992, 1996, 1997), two-time Pro Bowl (1991, 1992)

Bottom Line: Clyde Simmons

Clyde Simmons was a four-time All-Pro.

Clyde Simmons helped lead Western Carolina to the Division I-AA national championship game in 1983 and made the Philadelphia Eagles as a long shot, ninth-round draft pick in 1986.

While he played on some truly awful teams in the second half of his career, he was a part of the great Philadelphia Eagles defenses of the late 1980s and early 1990s and led the NFL in sacks in 1992.

Despite being a four-time NFL All-Pro and finishing his career at No. 11 on the NFL’s career sacks list, Simmons has never seriously been considered for the Hall of Fame.

21. Simeon Rice — 122 Sacks

Simeon Rice was selected No. 3 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 1996 NFL draft. Paul Battaglia / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 24, 1974 (Chicago, Illinois)

High school: Mount Carmel High School (Chicago, Illinois)

College: Illinois

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 268 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (1996-2007)

Teams: Arizona Cardinals (1996-2000), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2001-06), Denver Broncos (2007), Indianapolis Colts (2007)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2002), four-time NFL All-Pro (1996, 1999, 2002, 2003), three-time Pro Bowl (1999, 2002, 2003), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1996)

Bottom Line: Simeon Rice

Simeon Rice helped the Buccaneers win a Super Bowl. John Raoux / AP Photo

Chicago native Simeon Rice was an athletic marvel coming out of famed Mount Carmel High and the University of Illinois, where he was a two-time All-American.

Rice had at least 10 sacks in eight of his first 10 seasons, including three years where he had at least 15 sacks, including when he helped lead the Buccaneers to a Super Bowl win following the 2002 season.

Rice’s exclusion from the Hall of Fame is confusing at this point.

20. Robert Mathis — 123 Sacks

Robert Mathis led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2013. Darron Cummings / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 26, 1981 (Atlanta, Georgia)

High school: McNair High School (Atlanta, Georgia)

College: Alabama A&M

Position: Outside linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 245 pounds

NFL career: 14 seasons (2003-16)

Teams: Indianapolis Colts

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2006), five-time Pro Bowl (2008-10, 2012, 2013), NFL All-Pro (2013), AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)

Bottom Line: Robert Mathis

Robert Mathis was relentless on defense for the Colts. Chris Gardner / AP Photo

No player in NFL history was ever more proficient at forcing fumbles than Robert Mathis, who made his way to the league out of tiny Alabama A&M and became the NFL’s career forced fumbles leader at the time of his retirement with 52 over 14 seasons.

Paired with another elite pass rusher in Dwight Freeney, Mathis helped lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl win in 2006 and was named AFC Defensive Player of the Year in 2013 after leading the league with 19.5 sacks.

19. Von Miller — 123.5 Sacks

Von Miller is one of the few defensive players in NFL history to win Super Bowl MVP honors. Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

Born: March 26, 1989 (Dallas, Texas)

High school: DeSoto High School (DeSoto, Texas)

College: Texas A&M

Position: Outside linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 250 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (2011-present)

Teams: Denver Broncos (2011-

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2015), Super Bowl MVP (2015), eight-time Pro Bowl (2011, 2012, 2014-19), seven-time NFL All-Pro (2011, 2012, 2014-18), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2011), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Von Miller

Von Miller has a nose for a ball. Jack Dempsey / AP Photo

The most dynamic pass rusher of the 2010s, Von Miller is the rare defensive player to win Super Bowl MVP honors.

In the Denver Broncos’ win over the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50, Miller recorded six tackles, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, one of which was returned for a touchdown and one that set up a touchdown.

Miller already seems like a lock for the Hall of Fame after 10 seasons, but it will be interesting to see how he comes back from a severe ankle injury suffered at the beginning of the 2020 season.

18. Dwight Freeney — 125.5 Sacks

Dwight Freeney helped lead the Colts to a Super Bowl win. Michael Conroy / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 19, 1980 (Hartford, Connecticut)

High school: Bloomfield High School (Bloomfield, Connecticut)

College: Syracuse

Position: Defensive end/outside linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 268 pounds

NFL career: 16 seasons (2002-17)

Teams: Indianapolis Colts (2002-12), San Diego Chargers (2013-14), Arizona Cardinals (2015), Atlanta Falcons (2016), Seattle Seahawks (2017), Detroit Lions (2017)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2006), four-time NFL All-Pro (2003-05, 2009), seven-time Pro Bowl (2003-05, 2008-11), AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2005), NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Dwight Freeney

Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney

Dwight Freeney made over $98 million in his NFL career. David Duprey / AP Photo

Dwight Freeney grew up idolizing New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor — which was pretty evident to anyone who ever watched Freeney play.

Undersized at 6-foot-1 and 268 pounds, Freeney dominated against the NFL’s best offensive tackles for over a decade and led the NFL with 16 sacks in 2004. Freeney helped lead the Colts to a Super Bowl win after the 2006 season but played for five different teams over his last five seasons.

You can’t blame him for trying to extend his career. Freeney banked a staggering $98.3 million in career earnings over 16 seasons.

17. Derrick Thomas — 126.5 Sacks

Derrick Thomas still holds the NFL record with seven sacks in a single game. AP Photo

Born: Jan. 1, 1967 (Miami, Florida)

Died: Feb. 8, 2000 (age 33, Miami, Florida)

High School: South Miami Senior High School (Miami, Florida)

College: Alabama

Position: Outside linebacker/defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 255 pounds

NFL career: 11 seasons (1989-99)

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs

Career highlights: Six-time NFL All-Pro (1990-94, 1996), nine-time Pro Bowl (1989-97), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1989), NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Derrick Thomas

Kansas City Chiefs linebacker Derrick Thomas

Derrick Thomas was an NFL legend. Bob Galbraith / AP Photo

One of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history, Derrick Thomas still holds the NFL single-game record with seven sacks against the Seattle Seahawks in 1990.

Thomas recorded at least 10 sacks in five of his first six seasons, including an NFL-leading 20 sacks in 1990. Thomas was paralyzed from the chest down after a car accident in January 2000 and died one month later from a pulmonary embolism.

He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

16. Rickey Jackson — 128 Sacks

Rickey Jackson was the first player from the New Orleans Saints to enter the Hall of Fame with the team. Larry Salzman / AP Photo

Born: March 20, 1958 (Pahokee, Florida)

High school: Pahokee High School (Pahokee, Florida)

College: University of Pittsburgh

Position: Linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 243 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1981-95)

Teams: New Orleans Saints (1981-93), San Francisco 49ers (1994-95)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1994) six-time Pro Bowl (1983-86, 1992, 1993), five-time All-Pro (1984-86, 1992, 1993)

Bottom Line: Rickey Jackson

Rickey Jackson did everything on the field. Bill Janscha / AP Photo

The first Hall of Famer to go in as a player primarily for the Saints, Rickey Jackson was the leader of the famed “Doom Patrol” linebacker corps in New Orleans and is one of the toughest players in NFL history.

How tough was the “City Champ”? Jackson only missed two games in his 13 seasons with the Saints — in 1989 because of a car accident. He returned to play the rest of the season with a specially made helmet because his jaw was wired shut.

Jackson retired in the top three in NFL history for sacks (128) and fumble recoveries (28).

14. Lawrence Taylor — 132.5 Sacks (Tie)

Lawrence Taylor hit Jim McMahon a lot when they played against each other. Mark Lennihan / AP Photo

Born: Feb. 4, 1959 (Williamsburg, Virginia)

High school: Lafayette High School (Williamsburg, Virginia)

College: University of North Carolina

Position: Linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 240 pounds

NFL career: 13 seasons (1981-93)

Team: New York Giants

Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1986, 1990), NFL Most Valuable Player (1986), 10-time Pro Bowl (1981-90), 10-time All-Pro (1981-90), three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1999)

Bottom Line: Lawrence Taylor

New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor brought the pain to opponents. Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

Lawrence Taylor isn’t just the greatest linebacker of all time. He’s also the greatest defensive player of all time.

The No. 2 overall pick in 1981 out of North Carolina led the Giants to two Super Bowl wins, was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1986 — the last defensive player to win that award.

Taylor’s dominance changed the way football is played on every level, from how offensive lines block to the way teams teach how to rush the quarterback.

14. Leslie O’Neal — 132.5 Sacks (Tie)

Leslie O’Neal missed almost two seasons with a devastating knee injury. Mark Duncan / AP Photo

Born: May 7, 1964 (Little Rock, Arkansas)

High school: Hall High School (Little Rock, Arkansas)

College: Oklahoma State

Position: Defensive end/linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 281 pounds

NFL career: 14 seasons (1986-99)

Teams: San Diego Chargers (1986-95), St. Louis Rams (1996-97), Kansas City Chiefs (1998-99)

Career highlights: Three-time NFL All-Pro (1990, 1992, 1994), six-time Pro Bowl (1989, 1990, 1992-95), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1986)

Bottom Line: Leslie O’Neal

San Diego Chargers defensive end Leslie O'Neal

Leslie O’Neal was a first-round pick in the 1986 NFL draft. Twitter / MikeKennedyNFL

Leslie O’Neal’s career sack total would have been much higher had he not missed almost all of two seasons after suffering a devastating knee injury at the end of his rookie season in 1986.

O’Neal returned from the injury better than ever and started to rack up sacks at a dizzying rate playing on the same defense as Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau.

O’Neal led the Chargers in sacks every season from 1990 to 1995, a stretch in which he made the Pro Bowl five times and was named to the NFL All-Pro Team three times.

13. John Abraham — 133.5 Sacks

John Abraham is one of the most underrated pass rushers in history. Rich Addicks / AP Photo

Born: May 6, 1978 (Timmonsville, South Carolina)

High school: Lamar High School (Lamar, South Carolina)

College: South Carolina

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 263 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (2000-14)

Teams: New York Jets (2000-05), Atlanta Falcons (2006-12), Arizona Cardinals (2013-14)

Career highlights: Four-time NFL All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2008, 2010), five-time Pro Bowl (2001, 2002, 2004, 2010, 2013)

Bottom Line: John Abraham

John Abraham was a five-time Pro Bowler. John Bazemore / AP Photo

Even though it’s only been six years since he retired, it feels like John Abraham’s dominant career as a pass rusher is being lost to history.

A lot of that comes from the absolutely horrid teams he played for to bookend his career — the New York Jets for six seasons to start and the Arizona Cardinals for two seasons to finish.

Abraham only played in eight playoff games in 15 seasons and went 2-6.

12. Jared Allen — 136 Sacks

Jared Allen was traded to the Minnesota Vikings in April 2008. Genevieve Ross / AP Photo

Born: April 3, 1982 (Dallas, Texas)

High school: Los Gatos High School (Los Gatos, California)

College: Idaho State

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 255 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (2004-15)

Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2004-07), Minnesota Vikings (2008-13), Chicago Bears (2014-15), Carolina Panthers (2015)

Career highlights: Four-time NFL All-Pro (2007-09, 2011), five-time Pro Bowl (2007-09, 2011, 2012)

Bottom Line: Jared Allen

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen

Jaren Allen had endless energy. Dick Whipple / AP Photo

One of the great “wild man” football players of all time, Jared Allen captured the public’s imagination early in his career with the Kansas City Chiefs and probably would’ve retired with the Chiefs had he not been on the receiving end of one of the worst front-office moves of all time.

In 2007, coming off his first time leading the NFL in sacks, Kansas City general manager Carl Peterson chose to reward running back Larry Johnson with a mega-contract instead of Allen, putting the franchise tag on Allen and trading him to the Vikings.

Allen led the NFL in sacks again in 2011 and holds the NFL career record with four safeties.

10. John Randle — 137.5 Sacks (Tie)

John Randle went from undrafted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. AP Photo

Born: Dec. 12, 1967 (Mumford, Texas)

High school: Hearne High School (Hearne, Texas)

College: Texas A&M-Kingsville

Position: Defensive tackle

Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 270 pounds

NFL career: 14 seasons (1990-2003)

Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1990-2000), Seattle Seahawks (2001-03)

Career highlights: Six-time NFL All-Pro (1993-98), seven-time Pro Bowl (1993-98, 2001), NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: John Randle

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle John Randle

John Randle was intimidating. AP Photo

That John Randle is the only pure defensive tackle to make the list speaks to his utter strength and dominance up front during 14 seasons in the NFL.

Randle went undrafted out of tiny Texas A&M-Kingsville and made the Minnesota Vikings roster in 1990, where he reeled off six consecutive NFL All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections between 1993 and 1998.

Randle isn’t the only NFL player in his family. Older brother Ervin Randle played linebacker in the NFL for eight seasons.

10. Richard Dent — 137.5 Sacks (Tie)

Richard Dent was named Super Bowl MVP following the 1985 season. AP Photo

Born: Dec. 13, 1960 (Atlanta, Georgia)

High School: Murphy High School (Atlanta, Georgia)

College: Tennessee State

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 265 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1983-97)

Teams: Chicago Bears (1983-93, 1995), San Francisco 49ers (1994), Indianapolis Colts (1996), Philadelphia Eagles (1997)

Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1985, 1994), Super Bowl MVP (1985), four-time NFL All-Pro (1984, 1985, 1988, 1990), four-time Pro Bowl (1984, 1985, 1990, 1993)

Bottom Line: Richard Dent

Richard Dent was a true monster of the Midway on the Bears. Fred Jewell / AP Photo

Richard Dent’s career was defined by his play in the 1985 season with the Chicago Bears — a team that went 15-1, won the Super Bowl and had arguably the greatest defense of all time.

Dent led the NFL in sacks in 1985 and won another Super Bowl in 1994 with the San Francisco 49ers. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2011 but didn’t mention Mike Ditka or Buddy Ryan in his acceptance speech — his head coach and defensive coordinator with the Bears.

9. DeMarcus Ware — 138.5 Sacks

DeMarcus Ware was elected to seven straight Pro Bowls. Donna McWilliam / AP Photo

Born: July 31, 1982 (Auburn, Alabama)

High school: Auburn High School (Auburn, Alabama)

College: Troy

Position: Outside linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 258 pounds

NFL career: 12 seasons (2005-16)

Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2005-13), Denver Broncos (2014-16)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2015), seven-time NFL All-Pro (2006-12), nine-time Pro Bowl (2006-12, 2014, 2015), NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: DeMarcus Ware

DeMarcus Ware was seven-time All-Pro. Matt Slocum / AP Photo

DeMarcus Ware led the NFL in sacks twice during his 12 seasons in the league and was elected to the Pro Bowl and named to the NFL All-Pro Team for seven consecutive seasons from 2006 to 2012 with the Dallas Cowboys.

Ware closed out his career with the Denver Broncos, playing two Super Bowls and winning one from 2014 to 2016. Ware was a versatile player who dominated games from outside linebacker while rushing the passer.

He’s eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021, but if other players on this list are any indication, he might have to wait a bit. Let’s hope not.

8. Terrell Suggs — 139 Sacks

Terrell Suggs set the NCAA record with 24 sacks at Arizona State in 2002. Ed Zorga / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 11, 1982 (Minneapolis, Minnesota)

High school: Hamilton High School (Chandler, Arizona)

College: Arizona State

Position: Outside linebacker

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 265 pounds

NFL career: 17 seasons (2003-19)

Teams: Baltimore Ravens (2003-18), Arizona Cardinals (2019), Kansas City Chiefs (2019)

Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (2012, 2019), two-time NFL All-Pro (20008, 2011), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2011), seven-time Pro Bowl (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2017), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2003)

Bottom Line: Terrell Suggs

Terrell Suggs won two Super Bowl rings. Jeffrey M. Boan / AP Photo

Terrell Suggs showed he was an elite pass rusher in college at Arizona State when he set the NCAA single-season record with 24 sacks in 2002.

He was just as good in the NFL and was a key contributor to the Baltimore Ravens’ Super Bowl win in 2012 alongside future Hall of Famers Ray Lewis and Ed Reed.

If the world is fair, Suggs should join them both in Canton when he’s eligible to be elected to the Hall of Fame in 2024.

7. Jason Taylor — 139.5 Sacks

Jason Taylor was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Hans Deryk / AP Photo

Born: Sept. 1, 1974 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

High school: Woodland Hills High School (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

College: Akron

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 244 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1997-2011)

Teams: Miami Dolphins (1997-2007, 2009, 2011), Washington Redskins (2008), New York Jets (2010)

Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2006), two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year (2002, 2006), four-time NFL All-Pro (2000-02, 2006), six-time Pro Bowl (2000, 2002, 2004-07), NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Jason Taylor

Jason Taylor was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. Bill Kostroun / AP Photo

Jason Taylor was a physical marvel at 6-foot-6 and 244 pounds and had three different stints with the team who drafted him, playing 11 seasons for the Miami Dolphins from 1997 to 2007 and following that with one-year stops in 2009 and 2011.

Taylor was incredibly durable for someone who wasn’t built as thick as most of the elite defensive ends in the NFL. He never played less than 13 games in a season and only missed seven games total throughout his entire 15-season career.

6. Michael Strahan — 141.5 Sacks

Michael Strahan won his only Super Bowl in his final game in the NFL. David Duprey / AP Photo

Born: Nov. 21, 1971 (Houston, Texas)

High school: Westbury High School (Houston, Texas)

College: Texas Southern

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 255 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1993-2007)

Teams: New York Giants

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2007), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2001), six-time NFL All-Pro (1997, 1998, 2001-03, 2005), seven-time Pro Bowl (1997-99, 2001-03, 2005), NFL 2000s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Michael Strahan

Michael Strahan played 15 seasons in the NFL. Stephan Savoia / AP Photo

Michael Strahan set the NFL single-season record with 22.5 sacks in 2001 and led the NFL again in sacks in 2003.

Strahan closed out his career in epic fashion by leading the Giants to the biggest upset in Super Bowl history over the New England Patriots following the 2007 season.

Strahan is one of the few athletes whose post-career fame has eclipsed his fame as a player. He’s been a successful television host for over a decade and makes a reported $20 million per year as the host of “Good Morning America.”

5. Chris Doleman — 150.5 Sacks

Chris Doleman was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. Jim Mone / AP Photo

Born: Oct. 16, 1961 (Indianapolis, Indiana)

Died: Jan. 28, 2020 (age 58, Duluth, Georgia)

High school: William Penn High School (York, Pennsylvania)

College: Pittsburgh

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 265 pounds

NFL career: 14 seasons (1985-98)

Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1985-93, 1999), Atlanta Falcons (1994-95), San Francisco 49ers (1996-98)

Career highlights: NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1992), five-time NFL All-Pro (1987, 1989, 1990, 1992, 1993), eight-time Pro Bowl (1987-90, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997), NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Chris Doleman

Chris Doleman was no fun to play against. John Swart / AP Photo

Imagine having to face the Minnesota Vikings defense for the four seasons where Chris Doleman played alongside fellow Hall of Famer John Randle on the defensive line.

Doleman was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1992 when he racked up 17.5 sacks and six forced fumbles. That wasn’t even his best season rushing the passer, as Doleman had a staggering 21 sacks and five forced fumbles in 1989.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012. Doleman died of brain cancer in January 2020 at the age of 58.

4. Julius Peppers — 159.5 Sacks

Julius Peppers finished one sack short of breaking into the NFL’s career top three. Julie Jacobson / AP Photo

Born: Jan. 18, 1980 (Wilson, North Carolina)

High school: Southern Nash High School (Bailey, North Carolina)

College: North Carolina

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-7, 295 pounds

NFL career: 17 seasons (2002-18)

Teams: Carolina Panthers (2002-09, 2017-18), Chicago Bears (2010-13), Green Bay Packers (2014-16)

Career highlights: Six-time NFL All-Pro (2004, 2006, 2008-10, 2012), nine-time Pro Bowl (2005-06, 2008-12, 2015), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2002) NFL 2000s All-Decade team, NFL 2010s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Julius Peppers

Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers

Julius Peppers played for 17 years in the NFL. Rick Havner / AP Photo

Julius Peppers is an athletic marvel at 6-foot-7 and almost 300 pounds and good enough of an athlete to start at the University of North Carolina in football and basketball.

Peppers, who never won a Super Bowl in 17 seasons, played the first part of his career with the Carolina Panthers before signing lucrative free-agent contracts with the Bears and Packers to close out his career.

In total, Peppers racked up a staggering $164.9 million in career earnings.

3. Kevin Greene — 160 Sacks

Kevin Greene died in 2020 at 58 years old. Hans Deryk / AP Photo

Born: July 31, 1962 (Schenectady, New York)

Died: Dec. 21, 2020 (age 58, Destin, Florida)

High school: Granite City South High School (Granite City, Illinois)

College: Auburn

Position: Linebacker/defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-3, 247 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons(1985-99)

Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1985-92), Pittsburgh Steelers (1993-95), Carolina Panthers (1996, 1998-99), San Francisco 49ers (1997)

Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1996), NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1996), three-time NFL All-Pro (1989, 1994, 1996), five-time Pro Bowl (1989, 1994-96, 1998), NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

Bottom Line: Kevin Greene

Kevin Greene was drafted by the Rams in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL draft. Doug Sheridan / AP Photo

Kevin Greene went from a walk-on at Auburn in 1983 to SEC Defensive Player of the Year in 1984 and a fifth-round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1985.

What’s amazing about Greene’s sack total is that early in his career with the Rams, he was asked to play outside linebacker off and on for several seasons and didn’t have as many opportunities to rush the passer as most of the players on this list did.

Known for his long, blonde hair, Green was beloved by every fan base he played for and elected to the Hall of Fame in 2016. Greene died of a heart attack in Destin, Florida, on Dec. 21, 2020, at 58 years old.

2. Reggie White — 198 Sacks

Reggie White died in 2004, at just 43 years old. Charles Krupa / AP Photo

Born: Dec. 19, 1961 (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

Died: Dec. 26, 2004 (Cornelius, North Carolina)

High school: Howard High School (Chattanooga, Tennessee)

College: Tennessee

Position: Defensive end

Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 300 pounds

NFL career: 15 seasons (1985-98, 2000)

Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1985-92), Green Bay Packers (1993-98), Carolina Panthers (2000)

Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1996), two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1998), 13-time NFL All-Pro (1986-98), 13-time Pro Bowl (1986-98), three-time NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1991, 1995), NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: Reggie White

Reggie White was one of the fiercest pass rushers in NFL history. Charles Krupa / AP Photo

Reggie White retired as the NFL’s career sacks leader, and if you add the sacks from his two seasons in the USFL, he had 221.5 sacks as a pro.

Arguably the most dominant defensive lineman to ever play the game, White helped lead the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl win in 1996 and made the NFL All-Pro Team and the Pro Bowl for 13 consecutive seasons from 1986 to 1998.

White died of a combination of cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac and pulmonary sarcoidosis and sleep apnea in 2004, when he was just 43 years old.

1. Bruce Smith — 200 Sacks

Bruce Smith was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1985 NFL draft. Kevin Higley / AP Photo

Born: June 18, 1963 (Norfolk, Virginia)

High school: Booker T. Washington High School (Norfolk, Virginia)

College: Virginia Tech University

Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 255 pounds

NFL career: 19 seasons (1985-2003)

Teams: Buffalo Bills (1985-1999), Washington Redskins (2000-2003)

Career highlights: Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1996), four-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1987, 1988, 1990, 1996), 10-time NFL All-Pro (1987-90, 1993-98), 11-time Pro Bowl (1987-90, 1992-98), NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, NFL 1990s All-Decade Team, NFL 100th Anniversary Team

Bottom Line: Bruce Smith

Bruce Smith was the best Bills player of all time. Rusty Kennedy / AP Photo

Bruce Smith’s dominance can’t be overstated. The No. 1 pick in the 1985 NFL draft led the Buffalo Bills to four consecutive Super Bowls, was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and is the NFL’s career sacks leader with 200.

What’s really amazing about Smith is that not only was he consistent — he had at least 10 sacks in 13 out of 19 seasons — but he did all of this playing in a 3-4 defensive scheme that’s not designed for defensive ends to generate sacks but to just keep containment.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009 in his first year of eligibility.