The NFL has prioritized offensive plays in recent years, yet numerous standout defenses and players have commanded respect over the past quarter-century. Notable defensive units include the 2000 Ravens, 2002 Buccaneers, 2008 Steelers, 2013 Ravens, and the 2015 Broncos. Ray Lewis, a top linebacker, was instrumental in the Ravens’ victory in the first Super Bowl of this century.
NFL All-Quarter Century All-Defensive Team
Honorable Mentions
- Ty Law (CB) **
- Patrick Peterson (CB)
- Richard Sherman (CB)
- Earl Thomas (FS)
- James Harrison (OLB)
- Terrell Suggs (OLB)
- Zach Thomas (ILB) **
- Calais Campbell (DE)
- Kevin Williams (DT)
- Cameron Jordan (DE)
- Cameron Heyward (DT)
- Ndamukong Suh (DT/DE)
- Vince Wilfork (DT/DE/NT)
- Patrick Willis (LB) **
Defensive Line (8)
Starters
- J.J. Watt (DE)
- Aaron Donald (DT)
- Warren Sapp (DT) **
- Jason Taylor (DE) **
Reserves
- Myles Garrett (DE)
- Michael Strahan (DE) **
- Richard Seymour (DE/DT) **
- Haloti Ngata (NT/DT/DE)
Key players from the list include Watt and Donald, both of whom have won Defensive Player of the Year multiple times. Notably, Watt led the NFL in sacks twice.
Linebackers (9)
Starters
- T.J. Watt (LOLB)
- Ray Lewis (ILB) **
- Derrick Brooks (ILB) **
- DeMarcus Ware (ROLB) **
Reserves
- Khalil Mack (OLB)
- Bobby Wagner (ILB)
- Brian Urlacher (ILB) **
- Luke Kuechly (ILB)
- Von Miller (OLB)
For the starting linebacker role, Brook and Lewis were crucial for their respective defenses.
Cornerbacks (4)
Starters
- Charles Woodson **
- Darrelle Revis **
Reserves
- Champ Bailey **
- Ronde Barber **
The cornerback selection was highly competitive, including several potential Hall of Famers.
Safeties (4)
Starters
- Ed Reed (FS) **
- Troy Polamalu (SS) **
Reserves
- Brian Dawkins (FS) **
- John Lynch (FS/SS) **
Reed and Polamalu are renowned for their outstanding performances and are considered among the best at their positions in NFL history.
