Top 15 Safeties in NFL History

Few positions in football demand the versatility, awareness, and toughness required of a safety. Often the last line of defense, safeties are responsible for reading the quarterback, covering elite receivers, and delivering game-changing hits. Over the years, the NFL has seen some legendary talents at the position who redefined what it means to be a defensive anchor.

Tricia Quitales
June 17, 2025
6 min read

Top 15 Safeties in NFL History — © RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Great defensive backs aren’t always the loudest names on the field, but their impact is undeniable when it comes to preventing scores, forcing turnovers, and anchoring a defense. These safeties not only dominated their eras but also shaped the way the position is played today. Many of them were known for their unique combination of physicality and intelligence. Whether they were intimidating receivers over the middle or making clutch interceptions, each one left a lasting impression on the game. Their legacies are etched into NFL history as the finest to ever patrol the backfield.

15. Kam Chancellor

Known as the enforcer of the “Legion of Boom,” Kam Chancellor was the tone-setter for one of the most dominant defenses in NFL history. With a 6-foot-3, 225-pound frame, he played with unmatched physicality, often delivering punishing hits that altered games. Chancellor was a four-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion with the Seattle Seahawks. His ability to intimidate and lead from the strong safety spot helped define an era of elite Seattle defense.

14. John Lynch

A hard-hitting, intelligent presence in the secondary, John Lynch was one of the most respected players of his time. He earned nine Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors during a career that spanned 15 seasons. Lynch brought leadership and grit to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and later the Denver Broncos. Known for his awareness and timing, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021.

13. LeRoy Butler

The man credited with inventing the Lambeau Leap, LeRoy Butler was a dynamic playmaker for the Green Bay Packers. He was a key part of the team’s Super Bowl XXXI win and was named to four Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Butler was excellent in coverage and effective as a blitzer, totaling over 20 sacks and 30 interceptions. His versatility and impact helped him earn a spot in the Hall of Fame.

12. Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris was a mainstay in the Dallas Cowboys’ secondary during the 1970s, contributing to two Super Bowl championships. Known for his toughness and football IQ, he earned six Pro Bowl nods and three All-Pro selections. Harris was a key figure in Tom Landry’s complex defensive schemes. His ability to adapt and play both safety positions made him an invaluable asset for the Cowboys.

11. Kamren Moore

Though not a household name, Kamren Moore made a notable impact during his brief NFL tenure. A former Boston College standout, he was known for his instincts and tackling ability in college and carried that into his professional career. Injuries and off-field matters unfortunately cut his time short, but his style of play showed flashes of a high ceiling. His case remains one of potential unfulfilled, yet his short-lived performances were worth noting.

10. Donnie Shell

As an undrafted free agent, Donnie Shell carved out an incredible career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and part of the legendary “Steel Curtain” defense that won four Super Bowls. Shell recorded 51 career interceptions, showcasing his elite instincts and range. He finally received Hall of Fame recognition in 2020, long overdue for one of the game’s smartest safeties.

9. Kenny Easley

Kenny Easley’s career was brief but brilliant, packed with five Pro Bowls and a Defensive Player of the Year award in just seven seasons. Playing for the Seattle Seahawks in the 1980s, he combined size, speed, and ferocious tackling. Easley was also a skilled ball hawk, amassing 32 interceptions in his short career. His impact was finally honored with a Hall of Fame induction in 2017.

8. Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins brought unmatched energy and leadership to the field, making him a fan favorite and a feared opponent. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler and a member of the 2000s All-Decade Team. Playing mostly with the Philadelphia Eagles, he redefined the free safety role with his combination of physicality and coverage skills. Dawkins was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018, a testament to his all-around excellence.

7. Paul Krause

Paul Krause remains the NFL’s all-time leader in interceptions with 81, a record that has stood for decades. He played 16 seasons with the Washington Redskins and Minnesota Vikings, earning eight Pro Bowl selections. Krause’s football intelligence and ball skills made him a constant threat to opposing quarterbacks. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

6. Ed Meador

Ed Meador was a key figure for the Los Angeles Rams during the 1960s and holds the franchise record for interceptions. He made six Pro Bowl appearances and was a consistent force in the secondary for over a decade. Known for his work ethic and reliability, Meador intercepted 46 passes and recovered 22 fumbles. His contributions were essential to the Rams’ defensive success during his era.

5. Emlen Tunnell

Emlen Tunnell broke racial barriers and records as the first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He played 14 seasons, mostly with the New York Giants, and totaled 79 career interceptions. Tunnell was a true pioneer whose athleticism and skills set the standard for future generations. His legacy goes beyond numbers, symbolizing both excellence and progress.

4. Troy Polamalu

Troy Polamalu’s unique playing style and explosive instincts made him one of the most thrilling defenders of the 2000s. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, a four-time All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Polamalu had a nose for the football, whether leaping over the line or picking off a deep throw. His flowing hair and fearless play earned him a Hall of Fame nod in 2020.

3. Steve Atwater

Steve Atwater was known for delivering some of the hardest hits in NFL history while anchoring the Denver Broncos’ defense. A two-time Super Bowl champion and eight-time Pro Bowler, he played with a blend of strength and smarts. Atwater’s iconic hit on Christian Okoye remains one of the most memorable moments in NFL lore. His Hall of Fame induction came in 2020, affirming his status as an all-time great.

2. Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott could play both corner and safety, but it was at safety where he truly dominated the NFL. With 10 Pro Bowl appearances and four Super Bowl titles, Lott was a cornerstone of the San Francisco 49ers dynasty. He was fierce, physical, and intelligent, often changing the tone of a game with a single hit. Lott’s competitive fire and leadership made him the prototype for the modern safety.

1. Ed Reed

Ed Reed’s ball-hawking ability and football IQ were unmatched, earning him a spot as the greatest safety in NFL history. He led the league in interceptions three times and returned seven for touchdowns. A nine-time Pro Bowler, Reed was the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year and a Super Bowl champion. His vision, instincts, and range revolutionized the free safety role and inspired a generation of defenders.