Every NFL team has that one villain, the player who every opponent hated with a passion. Here is each team's biggest villain ever.
Every NFL squad has that one guy who, for the most part, you are cool with so long as he is your teammate but hated to the core as an opponent. They weren't necessarily bad guys per se, but beating them made it sweeter.
Someone who would get underneath your's and other's skin. You just knew you wanted to beat their team, if for no other reason but to shut them up. You knew that said player would be forced to be quiet in defeat. There's no greater pleasure unless you win a Super Bowl, or in Tom Brady's case, seven of them.
So how do you come up with villains? Some guys are obvious, but others have to be looked at. No, Eli Apple isn't on this list. The man isn't even good enough to be considered for this list, even though he is a villain. See Super Bowl LVI and recent times as well. The man has been on several teams with nothing to show for it, and he's fortunate that the Bengals are not what they used to be.
Now that we've got that out of the way, let's begin this list of the greatest villains, starting with the AFC East.
New England Patriots: QB Tom Brady
No question Tom Brady was a villain. He made life miserable for several teams and several players. Though the Giants got him in two Super Bowls and Nick Foles has the other, Big Blue and Philadelphia have had their memories of Brady giving them problems. Most teams can say the same.
The Falcons know it all too well, blowing a 28-3 lead. The Colts had the Deflategate scandal, which ultimately blew up in their face. The Jets have seen it so many times. The Bills, for sure, with Brady beating them the most in his career. Safe to say Brady was the real enemy, though his teammates were sure glad to have him.
However, it's not just on the field; Brady made enemies off the field, mainly because he won so much. It's well documented that FOX Sports shock jock Rob Parker has taken shot after shot at the quarterback given any opportunity, all of which led to the continuing erosion of Parker's credibility. Too bad. The quarterback wins, and the analyst continues to lose. Now, Brady's off to retirement with the last laugh and will soon have a gold jacket.
Miami Dolphins: QB Dan Marino
Wait, Dan Marino? He's a villain? Yes, indeed. But not in a way that would mean he was a bad guy. He, like Brady, could win games with his arm, and more often than not, he did. Yes, Marino never won a Super Bowl, and the one he lost was to Joe Montana and the 49ers. But his villain statue looms because of one game.
No, it's not the one where he beat the 85 Bears on Monday Night Football, but it's the game against the New York Jets with the "Fake Spike" on a touchdown pass to Mark Ingram that had Gang Green leaving the Stadium with green faces. Keep in mind the Jets could have had Marino, but they chose Ken O'Brien instead.
The 1972 Dolphins made a case for this list. They have the perfect record and could be considered villains, but we'll let them continue to pop some champagne instead. This role has to go to Marino for now, but not because he was a bad guy. He just tormented the opposition, for the most part.
New York Jets: LB Bart Scott
Absolutely. The linebacker was never afraid to run his mouth. Like his head coach Rex Ryan, Scott never wavered at the opportunity to torment the opposition. It stems back to his Baltimore days, notably when he stopped a pleasant conversation between Chad Ochocinco and Haloti Nagata. News flash, Ochocinco was asking Ngata where he was from. It wasn't an inappropriate question, but Scott had to ruin a sentimental moment.
Now, as an analyst, Scott is still trying to cause an uproar, notably from the "red dot" incident that is, when you look closer at it, calling for a bounty. But who could forget the "Can't-Wait" comment after the 2010 divisional game vs. the Patriots? Scott and the Jets wound up losing in the AFC Title Game against Pittsburgh. That's what happened.
You can't take anything away from Scott. He played for a long time, he was physical, and he played the antagonist role quite well. You need guys like that. However, it's always good to humble them in the process, and Scott being humbled is something several players loved to see.
Buffalo Bills: DE Bruce Smith
Again, like Dan Marino, he's not a bad guy. However, when he lined up across from you, this pass rusher was no joke. 200.5 sacks tell the story. He had four straight Super Bowl appearances when he was primarily the main force on the Buffalo defense. Smith was a villain, but again, in a good way.
For as nice as he was off the field, Smith was a nightmare on it. Despite losing four in a row on the biggest stage of the NFL, anyone who played against Smith in each of those contests would not dare speak a negative word. His god-given ability was impeccable, and the results speak for themselves for anyone who went up against him.
Again, Bruce Smith didn't talk too much or antagonize or be rude to anyone. He just beat them down; frankly, that's enough to play a villain role. It's a shame he never won a championship because he is on the list of those who absolutely deserved just one ring.
Baltimore Ravens: LB Ray Lewis
It would have been easy to list Terrell Suggs or Ed Reed on this list, but No. 52 gets the nod because, on the field, the linebacker was a menace to the opposition. Just ask Eddie George how he feels about Lewis. However, there was the incident after Super Bowl XXXIV, when Lewis pled guilty to obstruction of justice in connection with two murders.
During the 2000 season, some of the press and the vast majority of opposing fans took aim at Lewis, yet the Ravens kept winning. Ahead of Super Bowl XXXV, prognosticators believed that Lewis and the Ravens would fall victim to the New York Giants and, throughout much of the week, seized the opportunity to ask Lewis about his past instead of game-related questions, as explained in the ESPN 30 for 30 documentary "Bullies of Baltimore."
Lewis got the last laugh with a 34-7 victory and MVP honors. The villain won, but underneath that persona was a gentle and caring human being. Remember that.
Cincinnati Bengals: Vontaze Burfict
Make no mistake about it; the Bengals, under the stewardship of Marvin Lewis, have been a rough bunch. Even now, they are still rough but clean. Eli Apple was considered for this list, but he has not nearly enough. That title belongs to Burfict, and the jury raises no argument against this selection because why would they? The proof is in the pudding.
Several head-hunting shots and cheap shots by the linebacker, combined with reckless behavior, make him the ultimate villain of the Queen City. Antonio Brown, disgraced and all, can agree with that. See the hit that Brown took against Cincinnati in the playoffs.
Burfict has been suspended multiple times in addition to several fines, but his last big hit was as a Raider against the Colts, and he has not played since then. His time in the NFL looks to be over, and perhaps it's for the better.
Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett
A current player? To be fair, Myles Garrett is a wrecking machine for any offense with his size, speed, and aggression. For the most part, he's stayed clear. However, he joined the side of the villains after his infamous helmet swing on Mason Rudolph that was caught on national television. The Steelers acted appropriately, as did the NFL, and Garrett was immediately suspended for his actions. Honorable mentions for this spot were Hanford Dixon and Frank Minnifield.
Garrett has since come back without any issues, the only notable incident involving a complaint about a drug test because the lack of wearing sleeves caused his muscle to show. Still, he will have that helmet swing attached to his name, and while it's unfortunate, it still persists to this day and set a standard of discipline that will go down to anyone who tries to do such actions.
Pittsburgh Steelers: James Harrison
The mellow version that we see of James Harrison now wasn't always what was displayed on the football field. The Kent State linebacker was intimidating and played with an edge of aggression. When No. 92 was on the football field, you had best pay attention to where he is and what he was doing. Harrison did the same thing while in Cincinnati and New England.
However, Harrison did have a soft side for his defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau. When Jon Gruden asked Harrison about LeBeau during a Monday Night Football interview, the intense linebacker broke down. Even the most hardcore have a heart for those who helped them get to where they are. Harrison may be a villain to many, but his style of play provoked fear, and playing in the Pittsburgh Steelers defense only re-emphasized that notion.
Houston Texans: WR Andre Johnson
The former Miami Hurricane was a menace for opposing defenses with his ability to make tough catches, his running style, and the consistency with which he played at a high level. However, the fight with Cortland Finnegan still looms large whenever Andre Johnson's name is brought up. It doesn't necessarily make him a hardcore villain like others, but he's on the list because of that fight.
Still, the future Hall of Famer will go down as one of the greatest players in Texans' history and one of the more underappreciated players in league history. Given what Johnson did in college and how he was able to replicate some of that success in the pros, he deserves more credit than he gets.
But playing in Houston, given their overall history, might diminish his accomplishments, and that's not fair. Finnegan may not have forgiven Johnson for the fight, but there's no question he had to respect his game.
Jacksonville Jaguars: CB Jalen Ramsey
We know that Jalen Ramsey does have a Super Bowl ring with the Rams, but if memory serves, wasn't he supposed to go with the Jaguars to Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII and win that game as well? After all, he did say that after Jacksonville stunned Pittsburgh that 2017 season in the divisional round of the playoffs. Oh yes, he lost to Tom Brady in the "Myles Jack play" game, i.e., the AFC Championship Game.
Ramsey is a villain because he was one of the few who could open his mouth and, most importantly, back it up, unlike Eli Apple. AJ Green can attest to it. Ramsey has had to be humbled multiple times, but that hasn't stopped him completely. He comes back with more, ensuring that the villain tag is attached to his name and his game.
Indianapolis Colts: K Mike Vanderjagt
The Kicker? Yup, Peyton Manning's "Idiot Kicker." Please note that even those responsible for sending the ball through the uprights are also considered for this list, and this kicker is no exception. At one point, he was indeed "Money Mike." Regardless of the situation, again, at one point, Vanderjagt would come through.
But then, like most who fall flat on their face, he started to run his mouth several times in the postseason, and it backfired badly. Even in their big overtime win over Tampa Bay in 2003, it took the "Leaping" penalty combined with immense luck on the ensuing kick to make up for the missed kick he had done prior. Kickers can be heroes and come up big in the clutch, but they can also be villains. It just depends on the situation.
Tennessee Titans: DE Jevon Kearse
You don't get nicknamed "The Freak" for no reason. Furthermore, you also don't help a team get to the Super Bowl as a rookie, and then in your first season with another team, you get back to the Super Bowl again unless you are a nasty dude, and by bad, we mean good. Kearse was a menace to the opposition. Kearse was a nightmare even in the Super Bowl losses against the Rams and Patriots.
Over 70 sacks in his career and a constant desire to get after the quarterback makes Kearse a feared pass rusher, but he also was not immune to providing some trash talk to get in the heads of opposing linemen, allowing his teammates to hunt freely. That's a true villain right there; in this case, it's a friendly honor.
Denver Broncos: TE Shannon Sharpe
Skip Bayless better buckle up for this one. A graduate of Savannah State, Shannon Sharpe loves to talk. Shocking, right? Not really. But sometimes, the Hall of Famer's mouth got him in quite a bit of trouble. Just ask the late Derrick Thomas about the phone number incident. At the same time, even his teammates had to tell Sharpe to zip it. But he couldn't help himself. Calling the national guard, asking the fans to get a head start on traffic, and who could forget in Baltimore when Sharpe wanted his restitution?
Nonetheless, Sharpe, who was never quiet, let his play do most of the talking. At the time of retirement, Sharpe had over 10,000 yards receiving and won three Super Bowls. Sure, his Super Bowl stats are rather, shall we say, underwhelming, but he never lost and will use that in any debate. Shannon Sharpe, NFL Villain, Case closed. By the way, can someone find Tim Johnson to imitate Sharpe once again? He did it in the 30 for 30 film, but can we get him on Undisputed?
Kansas City Chiefs: S Bernard Pollard
Patrick Mahomes could end up on here at some point, but he's too nice now, so let's go somewhere else. Does anyone know why Matt Cassell got his money? It was because of Bernard Pollard, i.e., the "Patriot Killer." Tom Brady knows all about the Chiefs' safety, who went low and delivered a hit that led to Brady losing the 2008 season to a torn ACL, a year after going 16-0 and losing the Super Bowl to the New York Giants. Pollard was not afraid to deliver bone-crushing hits, which explains why the former Purdue safety was one of the hardest hitters to brace the NFL, and the resume speaks for itself.
It's no secret that during his time in Baltimore, Pollard played a role in helping the Ravens win two road playoff games and then advance to Super Bowl XLVIII, earning his first ring with a win over Colin Kaepernick and the San Francisco 49ers. You enjoyed having Pollard as a teammate, as he could deliver a physical hit, but you hated to play against him because his hits could take you out of a game or even a season.
Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers: S Rodney Harrison
It would be easy to choose Phillip Rivers for this spot because he was a master of colorful language. But Rodney Harrison was a professional when it comes to instilling fear. As a rookie, he was part of the only Chargers team that made it to the Super Bowl. But during his time in San Diego, Harrison racked up so many fines and had several big hits, including the Trent Green hit that led to the Kurt Warner era with the Rams.
Since leaving San Diego, Harrison won two rings with New England and would have had three had he made David Tyree drop the "Helmet Catch." Still, No. 37 was a vicious hitter, not a "dirty player." Underneath his persona was someone who wanted revenge for his past of people making fun of him, as he expressed during his "A Football Life" story. It's a shame that Harrison doesn't get as much respect as he deserves.
Oakland/LA/Las Vegas Raiders: S Jack Tatum
Woof. He wasn't called "The Assassin" for nothing. Furthermore, no player can deliver a vicious hit on Earl Campbell and have Campbell even be afraid of getting hit like that again. But Jack Tatum knew what he was doing and was not afraid to dish a blow that could make his opponents weary of entering his territory yet again. The Super Bowl hit against the Vikings only reaffirmed that.
Unfortunately, the hit on Darryl Stingley of the Patriots is often the first thing that comes to mind when asked about the Jack Tatum experience from opposing players. It was sad, but Tatum never set out to ruin someone's career or life. It was an unfortunate accident; his head coach, the late John Madden, cosigned it. The Raiders were villains in those days, and Tatum was among them. He, like many hard hitters, deserves more credit for his accomplishments.
New York Giants: LB Lawrence Taylor
Lord have mercy if you saw 56 lining up across from you. Not only was this Tar Heel as feared as Michael Jordan was on the basketball court, but he could intimidate you, scare you (Heath Shuler), and knock your quarterback into oblivion. There is a reason Bill Parcells, for as disciplined as he is, bent the rules a bit for LT and had no shame in doing so. Props to you, Coach.
When Taylor was drafted 2nd overall in 1981, teammate Harry Carson was a bit apprehensive because New York already had a strong linebacker core. What could Taylor do? How about three Defensive Player of the Year awards, an NFL MVP, two Super Bowl rings, ten Pro Bowls, and an appearance on the 75th and 100th-anniversary teams?
Taylor could not only play hard, but he also talked a good game. There's a reason offensive tackles are at a premium because of what Taylor could do to an offensive game plan. New Orleans could have had him, but they chose George Rogers instead. New York is fortunate that the Big Easy sent Taylor to the Big Apple.
Dallas Cowboys: LB Thomas "Hollywood" Henderson
You don't get called "Hollywood" unless you are a character. For as military-like as Tom Landry's teams were in the 1970s, Henderson was an exception and often ran his mouth almost as much as he ran hard on the football field. Henderson would say whatever he wanted, and more often than not, he backed it up.
Henderson came out of Langston University in 1975 and spent most of his early years on special teams. In 1977, Henderson became a starter at linebacker and stayed there for the rest of his career. His best-known trash talk was directed at the Pittsburgh Steelers, a key ingredient in the Cowboys-Steelers rivalry. Henderson may not have been the greatest player in Cowboy history, but he may have been the greatest instigator.
Philadelphia Eagles: S Brian Dawkins
Weapon X. What more can you say about the former second-round pick out of Clemson? Sometimes, certain players are made to play for certain teams. The prime example, in this case, is Dawkins. Patrolling the back end of the secondary in Philly for thirteen seasons, Dawkins and his violent hitting style served wonders as Philadelphia appeared in five NFC title games and Super Bowl XXXIX. As an executive of football operations for player development for the Eagles, Dawkins earned a Super Bowl ring following Super Bowl LII.
Dawkins' pre-game entrances wowed his opponents and instantly invoked fear. Quarterbacks had to be aware of No. 20 at all times, and the late great defensive coordinator Jim Johnson was not afraid to send Dawkins on blitzes. He didn't just embrace the role; he reveled in it. There's a reason Eagles safeties are held to the standard Dawkins set forth because it worked.
Washington Redskins/Football Team/ Commanders: S Sean Taylor
Many would argue Daniel Snyder. However, owners do not count. Instead, we must choose the talented young man from the Hurricanes that made his opponents fear him every time he stepped on the field. Drafted sixth overall back in 2004, Taylor made his presence known during his first pre-season game and proved to Washington fans that he was worth the pick. Over the rest of his playing career, he continued to not disappoint.
The reason for his villainous name is largely due to his refusal to speak to media members and the treatment that came with it, notably the comments from Michael Wilbon and Colin Cowherd. Disrespectful, to say the least. Tragically, Taylor was killed by burglars in 2007 in his home at the age of 24. There is no question that had he played out his entire career, a gold jacket would have been waiting for him. Taylor was that good, and his jersey number was retired by the team in October 2021.
Detroit Lions: DT Ndamukong Suh
The dictionary definition of gentle off the field but a menace on the field. Suh's time in Detriot was marred by controversy and the notable stomp on Thanksgiving Day against Green Bay. Suh's stomp on Evan Dietrich-Smith's arm resulted in an ejection and a fine. There was also the time when Suh kicked Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin. Dirty tactics without question, but when Suh is off the field, you see a completely different side.
Unfortunately for Suh, those early incidents are what he is most often going to be remembered by, as opposed to what he did on the field when everything was normal. That was when he seemingly was an unblockable force with explosiveness. Seeing him now in a calm mindset and mellowed down is different, but is also a pleasure to experience.
Green Bay Packers: QB Aaron Rodgers
No doubt No. 12 has his fair share of enemies. Chicago Bears fans know it all too well, having been the victim of "I own you." But whenever it comes to crazy Hail Marys, Rodgers seems to chuck the ball up, and the next thing you know, it's caught for a touchdown. Randall Cobb and Richard Rodgers can attest to that. But Rodgers made more enemies mainly due to several instances of a lack of leadership.
Calling out young receivers during his final years in Green Bay was certainly a bad look, yet most of his villainous nature is primarily on the field, where it may look like the game was won for the opposition until Rodgers stepped in and delivered heartbreak; just ask the Dallas Cowboys. It would have been easy to put Charles Martin on this list mainly for what he did to Jim McMahon, but Rodgers eclipses Martin for multiple moments.
Minnesota Vikings: DT John Randle
This undrafted free agent was the dictionary definition of the Tasmanian Devil. No. 93 came out of Texas A&M University–Kingsville. What did he do besides instigate? Well, how about 137.5 career sacks? The second-highest total by a defensive tackle in NFL history, only ranking below fellow Vikings legend Alan Page (148.5). Over his career, Randle made seven Pro Bowl selections and was known for his first-step quickness off the line of scrimmage.
Funny enough, Randle didn't do much talking when he first came into the league. He had to work his way up before he could say anything. Once the stats came in, the words kept flowing. Randle was a character and an instigator. Like most folks, he backed it up, and he's been rewarded for her services. The Big Dogs were in the house when Randle was around, and that's a guarantee.
Chicago Bears: KR Devin Hester
Don't kick it to Devin Hester. DO NOT. Just don't. Did you kick it to him? You messed up. Just ask the Cardinals in 2006. It cost them the game. Oh, and even though they won the game, Peyton Manning and the Colts made the decision to kick it to him to start Super Bowl XLI and watched him take it to the house. You just don't do that. You won the game, but you didn't need to start the game like that.
Oh, and who could forget Broncos punter Todd Sauerbrun and his comments? Two return touchdowns later, in the same game, I might add, the punter was looking worse for it. It's a shame Hester is not in the Hall of Fame yet, because he was a nightmare for special teamers. Given how the Bears largely were inept offensively during his tenure in Chicago, it was he and the defense that had to do most of the heavy lifting.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: DT Warren Sapp
Bald, Brash, Boastful, and Beastly. No. 99 out of the University of Miami was just a menace. He was the ultimate 3-tech defensive tackle that could trample the run on his way to the quarterback. But while his on-the-field play was impeccable, Sapp was a different person in other areas. Packers coach Mike Sherman and his spat with Sapp is well documented, though Sapp did feel remorse for Chad Clifton after said hit.
When Sapp arrived in Tampa, the franchise was known for losing, but he and fellow draft pick Derrick Brooks, along with former Bucs safety turned NFL general manager John Lynch, made that unit a terror, and with Sapp at the heart of it all, they pounded the opposition en route to their peak in Super Bowl XXXVII, a 48-21 win over the Raiders.
New Orleans Saints: LB Jonathan Vilma
"Bountygate" will never be forgotten. The damage it did, combined with how egregious it was as a whole, will never be forgotten. Gregg Williams will have that associated with it. But you cannot have a coach on this list. Players only. In this case, we have to go with someone who was part of that role and has a prominent role in the scandal. That would have to be linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was initially suspended for a year as punishment for the scandal but was later overturned.
Vilma was a hard-hitting linebacker dating back to his days with the Jets, but being at the center of arguably, the darkest scandal in the NFL has to be taken into consideration when choosing a villain. Guys like Darren Sharper and Anthony Hargrove could have been added, but unfortunately for Vilma, he has to take the fall for this, and he indeed does.
Carolina Panthers: WR Steve Smith Sr.
How dare we not include Smith? Oh wait, we did. So, we are off the hook for now, but if memory serves, despite his short stature, Mr. Smith was a force and, more often than not, a menace for opposing defensive backs because he could use anything for motivation, and the opposition would have to suffer as a result of it. Smith knows he's been doubted, and he's proven folks wrong along the way.
The most notable instance of Smith's anger was against the Panthers after Smith left the franchise and signed with Baltimore. Smith torched his former team with seven catches for 139 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-10 victory. Doubt Mr. Smith at your own risk. If you saw his face, that's when you knew he just scored, so ice up, please.
Atlanta Falcons: QB Michael Vick
The dogfighting scandal was horrible, but that's not why Michael Vick was a villain. When this man played and was at the peak of his career, it was almost super-human-like. Not to mention, when the Falcons traveled to play Green Bay in the playoffs back in 2003, Vick led the Falcons to an upset victory over the heavily favored Packers 27–7. Green Bay had not lost a home playoff game up until that point in their franchise history.
The flick of the wrist was incredible, as was Vicks' tenure in the ATL, including a run to the 2004 NFC Title Game. Unfortunately, as mentioned before, the dogfighting scandal destroyed a promising career, though Vick got a second chance and has been the poster child for making good on that opportunity. He deserves more love than hate, although his opposition on the field would beg to differ, considering how many times No. 7 took them out with his dazzling abilities.
Seattle Seahawks: CB Richard Sherman
Don't try Richard Sherman with a sorry receiver because an incompletion turned into an interception is the result that you will get. The former defensive back tuned analyst has also mellowed quite a bit, but Sherman will not bite his tongue, nor is he afraid to call people out; see Russell Wilson.
While the memorable postgame with Erin Andrews will forever live on, as will Super Bowl XLVIII, Sherman was one of the more physical corners that was not afraid to play hard and talk hard. His accomplishments merit a Hall of Fame berth, and should he ever get a gold jacket, his speech will be must-see television.
San Francisco 49ers: DE Charles Haley
The hurricane of Harrisonburg. When Charles Haley came to San Francisco from James Madison University, he was an unknown. Two Super Bowls later, along with a long list of sacks, Haley was unblockable, but his off-the-field incidents cast a small cloud over his career in the Bay Area. Eventually, Haley was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.
That was a big mistake. In 1992, Haley took over in the NFC Title game against the 49ers as Dallas rose to the occasion and won the game and the Super Bowl later. Haley would help Dallas win two more rings before retiring with five, a record that stood until Tom Brady came along with seven rings. Like most of the villains on this list, Haley has mellowed his image from his past, but no one will forget the terror he produced on the field and the laughs he provided off the field.
Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams: DT Aaron Donald
Cincinnati Bengals fans will never forgive Quinton Spain for a lackadaisical effort against Donald on the final Bengals play of Super Bowl LVI, allowing Donald to burst through with ease and nullify Joe Burrow's chance to extend the drive and possibly help Cincinnati win the game. At the same time, who can block this man and his violent temperament on the field? It's impossible.
The Rams could have taken Donald No. 2 overall back in 2014 instead of Greg Robinson, but they still got their man, and his anger on the field is enough to send offensive linemen flying backward into quarterbacks. That's what excellent interior pressure will do. Aaron Donald may be undersized, but he is, in fact, a grown man, and the results speak for themselves.
Arizona Cardinals: CB Aeneas Williams
As great as Aeneas Williams was, his most notable play was the hit that unfortunately ended the career of Hall of Fame QB Steve Young, although the late Lawrence Phillips and his lack of blocking had a lot to do with that. Regardless, as nice as a man Williams was and still is to this day, on the field, this Cardinal was anything but pleasant.
Williams' play on the field was spectacular, with powerful hits and an intensity that the Cardinals' secondary did not have until his arrival since Larry Wilson patrolled the back end. Williams had a key interception while with the Rams in 2001 that secured their berth in Super Bowl XXXVI, a game they lost to Tom Brady and the Patriots. Still, it's his accomplishments and intensity as a Cardinal that puts him on this list.
