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Top 5 Pro Canes: Safeties

Ed Reed, Sean Taylor, and so many more safeties have gone from Miami to making it big in the NFL.

By marshthomas
Washington Redskins v New York Giants Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

  1. 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!