{"id":85,"date":"2023-03-31T16:14:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-31T20:14:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/?p=85"},"modified":"2026-01-07T14:48:31","modified_gmt":"2026-01-07T18:48:31","slug":"best-defensive-linemen-of-all-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pro-football-reference.com\/pfr-blog\/2023\/03\/best-defensive-linemen-of-all-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Top NFL Defensive Linemen of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on January 7, 2026)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s something about the defensive line that symbolizes the toughness and determination of pro football. Although not as glamorous as quarterback or wide receiver, many fan favorites played defensive line. Here is a look at some of the best defensive linemen of all time.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although this list compiles great defensive linemen in NFL history, it\u2019s important to remember that there are differences between the defensive line positions. Defensive ends are often able to obtain higher sack totals rushing from the outside. Some defensive tackles play in a 4-3 alignment, with a second defensive tackle right beside them. Others, such as Curley Culp, excelled as the only defensive tackle in a 3-4 alignment. Such players, often called nose tackles, are often double and sometimes triple-teamed in that formation.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\tReggie White<\/a><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/h2>\n\t\n\n \n \n\n\n\n \n

\n \n Reginald Howard White\n  (The Minister of Defense or Big Dawg<\/span>)\n <\/strong>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\tPosition<\/strong>: DE-DT\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n

6-5<\/span>, 291lb<\/span> (196cm, 131kg) <\/p>\n\n\n

\n Born:<\/strong> \n \n\t\tDecember 19<\/a>, 1961\n \n \n in Chattanooga, TN<\/a><\/span>\n \n<\/span\"><\/p>\n\n\n

Died:<\/strong>\n December 26<\/a>, 2004 (Aged 43-007d)<\/nobr><\/span>\n \n in Huntersville, NC<\/a><\/span>\n<\/p>\n\n\n

College<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tTennessee<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t (College Stats<\/a>)\n\t\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/p>

Weighted Career AV (100-95-…)<\/a>:<\/strong> 160 (5th overall since 1960)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

High School<\/strong>: \n \n\t\tHoward<\/a> (TN<\/a>)\n\t\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Draft<\/strong>: Philadelphia Eagles<\/a> in the 1st round (4th overall) of the 1984 NFL Supplemental Draft<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Hall of Fame<\/strong>: Inducted as \n\t\tPlayer in 2006<\/a>\n(Full List<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Relatives<\/strong>: Cousin Chris Matthews<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\n