The NFL’s Top Ten Amazing and Greatest Safties of all Time

The Top Ten Greatest NFL Safties of all Time Introduction 10.) Larry Wilson Larry Wilson played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960 to 1972. NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award (1966) NFL Interception Leader (1966) 9.) Willie Wood Willie Wood played for the Green Bay Packers from 1960...

April 16, 2026 • 7:20 AM

The Top Ten Greatest NFL Safties of all Time

Introduction

10.) Larry Wilson

Larry Wilson played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960 to 1972.

NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award (1966)

NFL Interception Leader (1966)

9.) Willie Wood

Willie Wood played for the Green Bay Packers from 1960 to 1971.

5 Time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)

NFL Interception Leader (1962)

8.) Jack Christiansen

Jack Christiansen played for the Detroit Lions from 1951 to 1958.

3 Time NFL Champion (1952, 1953, 1957)

2 Time NFL Interception Leader (1953, 1957)

7.) Cliff Harris

Cliff Harris played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970 to 1979.

2 Time Super Bowl Champion (VI, XII)

4 Time NFL First Team All Pro (1975, 1976, 1977, 1978)

6.) Yale Lary

Yale Lary played for the Detroit Lions from 1952 – 1953 and 1956 – 1964.

3 Time NFL Champion (1952, 1953, 1957)

9 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1953, 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1964)

5.) Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins played for the Philadelphia Eagles and the Denver Broncos.

Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee

9 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, 2011)

4.) Ed Reed

Ed Reed played for the Baltimore Ravens, the Houston Texans, and the New York Jets.

Super Bowl XLVII Champion

NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award (2004)

3.) Ken Houston

Ken Houston played for the Houston Oilers and the Washington Redskins.

2 Time NFL First Team All Pro (1975, 1978)

12 Time NFL Pro Bowl Selection (1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)

2.) Emlen Tunnell

Emlen Tunnell played for the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers.

2 Time NFL Champion (1956, 1961)

NFL 100th Anniversary All Time Team

1.) Ronnie Lott

Ronnie Lott played for the San Francisco 49ers, the Los Angeles Raiders, and the New York Jets.

4 Time Super Bowl Champion (XVI, XIX, XXIII, XXIV)

2 Time NFL Interception Leader (1986, 1991)