The 10 Filthiest NFL Players Ever

Table of Contents

1. Roy Williams: The Tackling Enforcer
2. James Harrison: The Head Hunter
3. Rodney Harrison: The Late Hit Specialist
4. Hines Ward: The Blocking Bulldog
5. Richie Incognito: The Violent Blocker
6. Jack Tatum: The Assassin
7. Conrad Dobler: The Nasty Lineman
8. Ndamukong Suh: The Cheap Shot Artist
9. Vontaze Burfict: The Reckless Tackler
10. Bill Romanowski: The All-Dirty Team Captain

The Dirtiest Players in NFL History

Football is a game known for its toughness and physicality, but there have been players throughout history who have taken it to another level. These players became notorious for their dirty and often dangerous style of play, compromising the integrity of the sport in their quest to gain an advantage over opponents. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the dirtiest players in NFL history and examine the impact they had on the game.

1. Roy Williams: The Tackling Enforcer

Roy Williams was a highly touted safety for the Dallas Cowboys who became notorious for his dangerous tackling style. His technique, known as the "horse-collar tackle," involved grabbing an opposing player's jersey from behind and pulling them down by the collar. This tactic proved to be extremely dangerous and led to severe injuries for multiple offensive stars in the league. In fact, Williams' reckless tackling was so concerning that the NFL eventually banned the horse-collar tackle in 2004, dubbing it the "Roy Williams Rule." Despite the rule change, Williams continued to defy the new regulations, drawing penalties and suspensions for his refusal to adapt his playing style. While he had a long and successful career, Williams will always be remembered for his careless and dirty play on the field.

Pros:

• Effective at bringing down opponents quickly
• Intimidating presence on the field

Cons:

• Repeatedly violated rules and endangered opponents
• Drew penalties and suspensions for his actions

2. James Harrison: The Head Hunter

James Harrison was a formidable force as a linebacker in the NFL. Known for his aggressive and hard-hitting style of play, he quickly gained a reputation as one of the league's most dangerous players. Harrison's hits were often brutal and left opponents motionless on the field. In fact, his play was so vicious that he was voted the most dangerous player in the NFL by his fellow players in 2012. Harrison himself admitted that he aimed to hurt people on the field, and his head-first knockout blows resulted in hefty fines and suspensions throughout his career. While his intense playstyle led to a great underdog story, it also made him one of the dirtiest players in NFL history.

Pros:

• Intense and intimidating player
• Consistently delivered impactful hits

Cons:

• Inflicted brutal hits that endangered opponents
• Accumulated fines and suspensions for his actions

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Highlights

• Roy Williams became notorious for his dangerous tackling style, leading to the ban of the horse-collar tackle.
• James Harrison was voted the most dangerous player in the NFL in 2012 for his aggressive hits.
• Rodney Harrison was repeatedly voted the dirtiest player in the league by coaches and players.
• Hines Ward was known for his devastating blindside blocks that left opponents injured.
• Richie Incognito's career was marred by controversies both on and off the field.
• Jack Tatum gained the nickname "The Assassin" for his jolting tackles.
• Conrad Dobler was named the dirtiest player in NFL history by Sports Illustrated.
• Ndamukong Suh developed a reputation for his cheap shots and late hits.
• Vontaze Burfict's reckless tackling style and personal fouls led to numerous suspensions.
• Bill Romanowski had a long list of dirty and violent actions throughout his career.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Who was the dirtiest player in the NFL? A: It is difficult to determine the single dirtiest player in NFL history as there have been several notorious players known for their dirty play. Some notable examples include James Harrison, Conrad Dobler, and Bill Romanowski.

Q: What is the "Roy Williams Rule"? A: The "Roy Williams Rule" refers to the NFL's decision to ban the horse-collar tackle following the dangerous and unsportsmanlike nature of Roy Williams' tackling style. The rule prohibits players from grabbing an opponent's collar inside the shoulder pads and pulling them to the ground.

Q: Did any of these players face legal consequences for their actions? A: While some players faced fines and suspensions from the NFL, there were no legal consequences beyond the realm of the sport. The NFL imposes penalties and suspensions to enforce player safety and maintain the integrity of the game.

Q: Are there any current players known for their dirty play? A: The NFL continually works to eliminate dirty play from the game, but occasionally, there are players who engage in dangerous or unsportsmanlike conduct. However, it is crucial to remember that these actions do not define the entirety of their careers or personalities.