The Most Notorious NFL Players of All Time

The Most Notorious NFL Players of All Time

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Steve Smith: Breaking Anthony Bright's Orbital Bone
3. Richard Sherman: Dirty on and off the Field
4. Michael Crabtree: Shut Down by Sherman
5. Roy Williams: The Notorious Horse-Collar Tackler
6. Terrell Suggs: Targeting Ben Roethlisberger
7. Ray Lewis: Dirty Hits and a Murder Case
8. Rodney Harrison: Playing with a Chip on his Shoulder
9. Jack Tatum: Brutal Hits and Paralysis
10. Richie Incognito: Infractions and Harassment
11. Ndamukong Suh: On-Field Fights and Cheap Shots
12. Vontaze Burfict: Notorious for Being a Jerk
13. Conclusion
14. FAQ

Introduction {#introduction}

The NFL has seen its fair share of intense and hard-hitting players over the years. While some players may push the boundaries of the game, others have earned reputations as the dirtiest players in NFL history. From bone-breaking hits to off-field controversies, these players have been known for their dirty tactics and unsportsmanlike conduct.

Steve Smith: Breaking Anthony Bright's Orbital Bone {#steve-smith}

One of the dirtiest players in NFL history is Steve Smith. In 2002, during training camp, Smith got into a fight with his teammate Anthony Bright. The altercation ended with Smith breaking Bright's orbital bone, causing significant injury. Smith's aggressive and dangerous behavior on the field earned him a reputation as a dirty player. While his skills as a receiver are unquestionable, his violent actions showcased a darker side.

Richard Sherman: Dirty on and off the Field {#richard-sherman}

Richard Sherman is another player who has made a name for himself as one of the dirtiest players in the NFL. Not only was Sherman known for his questionable on-field tactics, but he also gained notoriety for his off-field behavior. His toxic language and confrontational attitude made reporters apprehensive about interviewing him. Sherman's dirty play and disrespectful behavior towards opponents and media alike solidified his reputation as a dirty player.

Michael Crabtree: Shut Down by Sherman {#michael-crabtree}

During the 2013 NFC title game between the Seattle Seahawks and the San Francisco 49ers, Richard Sherman infamously shut down Michael Crabtree in the game's closing moments. After making a game-winning play, Sherman taunted and mocked Crabtree in a post-game interview. This disrespectful behavior further emphasized Sherman's status as a dirty player. Crabtree became a target of Sherman's on-field aggression and was forced to endure humiliation both during and after the game.

Roy Williams: The Notorious Horse-Collar Tackler {#roy-williams}

Roy Williams gained a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in NFL history due to his frequent use of horse-collar tackles. During the early 2000s when horse-collar tackles were still legal, Williams became notorious for employing this dangerous technique. His tackling style resulted in injuries to multiple players, including Terrell Owens, whose leg was broken by Williams in one season. Williams' disregard for player safety and consistent use of this controversial tactic cemented his place among the dirtiest players in the NFL.

Terrell Suggs: Targeting Ben Roethlisberger {#terrell-suggs}

Terrell Suggs earned his reputation as a dirty player through his intense rivalry with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Suggs developed a strong dislike for Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and targeted his knees on multiple occasions. Suggs' intent was clear – he wanted to eliminate Roethlisberger from the game, believing it would give his team the best chance of winning. His continual attempts to injure an opposing player reflected a win-at-all-costs mentality that contributed to his status as a dirty player.

Ray Lewis: Dirty Hits and a Murder Case {#ray-lewis}

Ray Lewis, a decorated linebacker and future Hall of Famer, is a controversial figure in the NFL. While Lewis was involved in a high-profile murder case in 2001, it's his dirty hits on the field that place him among the dirtiest players. Throughout his career, Lewis was known for his hard-hitting style, with several hits resulting in fines. In the 2010 season alone, Lewis received two separate fines totaling $25,000. These dirty plays, combined with his off-field controversy, make Lewis one of the most notorious figures in the history of the NFL.

Rodney Harrison: Playing with a Chip on his Shoulder {#rodney-harrison}

Rodney Harrison played the game with a relentless intensity, often crossing the line between legal and dirty play. Known for his hard hits and aggressive style, Harrison was voted the league's dirtiest player in both 2004 and 2006. One of his most notable infractions was a head-to-head hit on Jerry Rice in 2002, for which he was suspended. Harrison's ferocious playing style and willingness to push the boundaries earned him a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the NFL.

Jack Tatum: Brutal Hits and Paralysis {#jack-tatum}

Jack Tatum is remembered as one of the dirtiest defensive players in NFL history. His brutal hits on opponents were often criticized for the sheer force and recklessness with which they were delivered. In a 1978 preseason game against the New England Patriots, Tatum made a hit on opposing receiver Darryl Stingley that left him paralyzed from the chest down. This devastating hit shocked the football world and further solidified Tatum's reputation as a dirty player.

Richie Incognito: Infractions and Harassment {#richie-incognito}

Richie Incognito, a former offensive lineman, etched his name among the dirtiest players in NFL history through a combination of on-field infractions and off-field harassment. In a game against the Washington Redskins in 2008, Incognito committed three separate infractions, including an altercation with an official and multiple penalties. Off the field, he was involved in a highly-publicized case of harassment towards his Dolphins teammate Jonathan Martin, which led to Martin leaving the team due to anxiety and depression. Incognito's repeated infractions and troubling behavior placed him in the ranks of the NFL's dirtiest players.

Ndamukong Suh: On-Field Fights and Cheap Shots {#ndamukong-suh}

Ndamukong Suh is notorious for his on-the-field fights and cheap shots. Throughout his career, Suh has been involved in numerous altercations and incidents that have drawn criticism and fines. In a 2014 playoff game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers, Suh stepped on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers' leg after sacking him, displaying a blatant disregard for fair play. Similarly, in 2012, he targeted the crotch of Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. Suh's repeated acts of aggressions and dirty play have earned him a reputation as one of the dirtiest players in the NFL.

Vontaze Burfict: Notorious for Being a Jerk {#vontaze-burfict}

Vontaze Burfict has gained infamy for his dirty play on the football field. Known for his excessive use of force and unsportsmanlike conduct, Burfict has continuously crossed the line between hard-hitting and downright malicious play. His aggressive style has resulted in countless fines and multiple suspensions. Burfict's disregard for the well-being of opposing players and his consistent pattern of actions make him one of the dirtiest players in NFL history.

Conclusion {#conclusion}

Throughout NFL history, certain players have developed reputations for their dirty play, whether it be through bone-breaking hits, aggressive tactics, or off-field controversies. Players like Steve Smith, Richard Sherman, and Terrell Suggs have all left a lasting mark with their dirty play. Their actions not only tarnish their own legacies but also detract from the overall integrity of the game. While physicality is a part of football, it is essential for players to remember the importance of fair play and respect for their opponents.

FAQ {#faq}

Q: Who is the dirtiest player in NFL history? A: Determining the "dirtiest" player in NFL history is subjective and open to interpretation. However, several players, including Jack Tatum, Ndamukong Suh, and Vontaze Burfict, have been widely recognized for their dirty play and repeated rule violations.

Q: Do dirty players face consequences for their actions? A: Yes, dirty players often face fines, suspensions, and disciplinary action from the league. The NFL emphasizes player safety and fair play, and those who engage in dirty or unsafe tactics are penalized accordingly.

Q: Are there any current players considered dirty? A: The NFL landscape is constantly evolving, and players' reputations can change over time. While there are players who have been involved in controversial incidents or have a history of dirty play, it's important to evaluate each player's behavior on an individual basis.

Q: Can dirty play be eliminated from the NFL? A: While the NFL has implemented various rules and penalties to discourage dirty play, it is an ongoing challenge to completely eliminate such behavior. The league continually evaluates and adjusts its rules to promote player safety and fair competition. Education, player discipline, and enforcement of rules are vital in addressing dirty play and maintaining the integrity of the game.