My love for football would be incomplete without talking about the greatest sack masters ever to play in the National Football League(NFL). I tend to lose track of time whenever I watch the players who have helped to establish the sack as an integral part of the game. These players, dubbed as “sack leaders,” have set a record for most sacks in a single season. I am truly awed by their immense talent, strength and sheer dediction to the game.
Topping the list of the best sack leaders in the NFL, is Hall-of-Famer Lawrence Taylor. He has been voted to the Pro Bowl 10 times, and led the NFL in sacks three times. Taylor began his career with the New York Giants in 1981, and during his 13-year career recorded a record of 132.5 sacks. He made quite a stir when he burst onto the scene, simply because he was playing a style of football that was unheard of. All eyes were on this fearsome pass rusher and indeed, he delivered.
Coming in close to Taylor, with a total of 126.5 sacks, is Kevin Greene of the Carolina Panthers. Greene was signed by the Rams in 1985, and during his 15-year career he recorded an impressive total of 126.5 sacks. Greene was one of the most dominant pass rushers of his era. He was an unblockable force and oftentimes rendered offensive plays obsolete. While he was a key factor in the Panthers’ success, Greene was also an influential member of the Steelers, where he earned two Super Bowl rings.
Rounding out the list of the top ten sack leaders is Michael Strahan. The former NFL defensive end began his career with the New York Giants in 1993, and during his 15-year career recorded a record of 141.5 sacks. Strahan was a leader both on and off the field. He was a strong-willed player who consistently set the bar higher for himself and for his team. On the field he was relentless, often making surprising plays that would completely change the momentum of a game. His 121.5 sack season in 2001 remains the highest single-season record in NFL history.
Clearly, these NFL sack leaders have redefined football and made the game so much more exciting. To this day, I still remember watching these sack masters on television in awe, and they are the reason why I continue to be passionate about the game.
Also, even though the sack is oftentimes considered an act of aggression against opposing quarterbacks, it is a legal part of the game that has come to be appreciated by all fans. While hitting the quarterback may be viewed as crossing the line, sacking the quarterback is actually an accepted part of the game and is a legitimate way for a defense to reach their goal of stopping the offensive.
Furthermore, the sack is now seen as a measure of skill and field awareness. Defenders that can successfully execute a sack are rewarded because it disrupts the flow of the offense and gives the defense more time to strategize.
Additionally, sacking the quarterback is a way for the defense to assert their dominance in a game. When a sack is executed properly, your team instantly feels a surge of morale and energy as the crowd erupts and the defensive players jump in celebration. It’s a beautiful moment of synergy that few other aspects of the game can bring about.
Finally, it’s no surprise that the NFL sack leaders have been an inspiration to many of today’s modern defensive players. Players such as Taylor, Greene and Strahan have set the bar high for what a true defensive player should be. These players embody the spirit and courage needed to continue to make football the game that we all love.