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Honorable Mention:
Bubba McDowell:
As a rookie in 1989, McDowell immediately became a starter on the very physical Oilers, coached by Jerry Glanville. Bubba was an All-Pro in 1991, and helped Houston reach the playoffs in five consecutive seasons.
Happy birthday to former #Oilers SS Bubba McDowell.
— (@BudsOilers) November 4, 2018
He spent 6 seasons in Houston (1989-1994) and intercepted 16 passes (one that he returned for a TD in a 1992 week 14 win over the Bears). McDowell was a 3rd round pick in the 1989 NFL draft #LuvYaBlue pic.twitter.com/jwYqbdwp5S
Fred Marion:
During the historic 1985 season for the Patriots, Marion was a Pro Bowler and an All-Pro, helping New England reach their first Super Bowl.
Fred Marion of Buchholz made the Pro Bowl in 1985 and started in the Super Bowl that same season. Has to be on the short list of players from the 352 to do both of these things in the same season. pic.twitter.com/kIluoRenf5
— Richard Burton (@FLFBRecords) January 26, 2018
Darryl Williams:
Playing for the Bengals and Seahawks during his 10-year career, Williams was selected to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro in 1997.
Earl Thomas first #Seahawks safety to make Pro Bowl since Darryl Williams in 1997.
— Eric Williams (@eric_d_williams) December 28, 2011
5. Brandon Meriweather
Known for punishing receivers while at Miami, Meriweather brought that hard-hitting tenacity to the pros. In his nine-year NFL career, the Apopka native spent time with the Patriots, Redskins, Bears and Giants.
A two-time Pro Bowler, Meriweather is remembered as one of the most physical safeties in recent memory in the NFL.
4. Bennie Blades
Throughout his 10-year career in the NFL, Blades went to the Pro Bowl in 1992, and was an All-Pro in 1988. He is regarded as one of the finest safeties in Lions history.
GOOD MORNING LIONS FAMILY. 38 days until Monday night football.
— Mike GM #OnePride CEO Detroit Lions vs Everybody (@archambeaum3) August 3, 2018
Enjoy a little Bennie Blades
https://t.co/hya2MzB27P pic.twitter.com/lGv36r4Rff
More than just an asset when it came to coverage, Blades was also one of the tackling defensive backs in the NFL, posting three seasons with over 100 tackles. He ranks second in Lions history in tackles, totaling 815 in his career. Bennie spent the his last year, 1997, in Seattle with his brother Brian (WR).
3. Antrel Rolle
Rolle is an interesting player, due to the fact that he was drafted as a cornerback coming out of Miami in 2005, though prior to the 2008 season, the Cardinals switched him to safety. No surprise that the following year in 2009, Rolle was selected to the first of three Pro Bowl’s in his career. Antrel was also a two-time All-Pro selection.
Rolle played in Arizona for five seasons, then spent five more in New York and helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLVI.
2. Sean Taylor
One of the most beloved, if not the most beloved player in the history of the Miami Hurricanes and the game of football. Taken from this world too soon, Taylor might have ended up number-one on this list, and is the one of the most talented football players ever seen.
Playing with the Redskins from 2004 up until his tragic death in November of 2007, Taylor was well on his way to becoming one of the best safeties in the NFL.
By far my favorite NFL highlight of Sean Taylor pic.twitter.com/eXBp5wxi5r
— Bring Cave/Daz/Chantz/Issiah To Miami (@hurricanesmarsh) July 3, 2019
A highlight machine who could run back an interception, blitz the quarterback, or straight flatten any player on the field, Taylor was a two-time Pro Bowler, and was a first-team All-Pro selection in 2007. #21 is also in the Redskins Ring of Fame.
- Ed Reed
Not only the greatest Miami safety of all-time, Reed is arguably the greatest safety in NFL history. Teaming up with fellow Hurricane Ray Lewis, Reed ruled Baltimore for years, and will join Lewis in the Hall of Fame come August.
A nine-time Pro Bowl selection, Reed also the 2004 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, eight-team All-Pro, and also helped the Ravens win the Super Bowl in 2012. Reed also holds the NFL record the two longest interception returns, (106 and 107 yards). As mentioned above, Ed will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in August, with 2019 being his first year of eligibility.
Did I miss anyone? Let me know in the comments.
GO CANES!