NFL analyst and personnel expert Gil Brandt has compiled a list of the greatest cornerbacks in NFL history. This article explores his top 24 selections, highlighting their achievements and contributions to the game. After the opening section, you can navigate directly to a specific player by clicking the name in the table of contents.
Ranking the best players in any sport is always a subjective exercise, but Brandt’s extensive experience offers a valuable perspective on the cornerbacks who have shaped the NFL. He considers factors such as career interceptions, Pro Bowl selections, Super Bowl victories, and overall impact on the game. Let’s dive into Brandt’s rankings, beginning with number 24. You can learn more about offensive strategies by checking out our article, Falcons vs Seahawks: Breaking Down Key Offensive Strategies for Both Teams.
Gil Brandt’s Top 24 NFL Cornerbacks
| Rank | Player |
|---|---|
| 24 | Albert Lewis |
| 23 | Aqib Talib |
| 22 | Lester Hayes |
| 21 | Dick LeBeau |
| 20 | Ronde Barber |
| 19 | Ty Law |
| 18 | Roger Wehrli |
| 17 | Patrick Peterson |
| 16 | Darrelle Revis |
| 15 | Lem Barney |
| 14 | Herb Adderley |
| 13 | Jimmy Johnson |
| 12 | Champ Bailey |
| 11 | Dick “Night Train” Lane |
| 10 | Mel Renfro |
| 9 | Richard Sherman |
| 8 | Darrell Green |
| 7 | Aeneas Williams |
| 6 | Mel Blount |
| 5 | Willie Brown |
| 4 | Charles Woodson |
| 3 | Mike Haynes |
| 2 | Rod Woodson |
| 1 | Deion Sanders |
24. Albert Lewis
Lewis spent the majority of his career with the Kansas City Chiefs (1983-1993) before finishing with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1994-1998). A four-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Lewis snagged 42 interceptions throughout his career.
alt text: Albert Lewis in action for the Kansas City Chiefs
23. Aqib Talib
Talib’s journey through the league took him from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2008-2012) to the New England Patriots (2012-2013) and Denver Broncos (2014-2016). A Super Bowl champion, four-time Pro Bowler, and one-time First-Team All-Pro, Talib amassed 33 interceptions, returning nine for touchdowns. The 2015 football playoff schedule marked a significant point in his career. Interested in learning more about the playoffs? Check out our article: 2015 football playoff schedule nfl.
alt text: Aqib Talib celebrating an interception
22. Lester Hayes
Hayes, a cornerstone of the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders’ defense from 1977-1986, won two Super Bowls. His impressive career boasts 11 Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, and 39 interceptions.
alt text: Lester Hayes during his time with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders
21. Dick LeBeau
LeBeau’s long tenure with the Detroit Lions (1959-1972) saw him collect 62 interceptions, tying for 10th on the all-time list. A three-time Pro Bowler, LeBeau’s impact on the game earned him a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
alt text: Dick LeBeau, Hall of Fame cornerback
20. Ronde Barber
Barber spent his entire career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1997-2012). He won a Super Bowl, earned five Pro Bowl nods, three First-Team All-Pro selections, and intercepted 47 passes, returning eight for touchdowns.
alt text: Ronde Barber in action for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
19. Ty Law
Law played for several teams, most notably the New England Patriots (1995-2004), where he won three Super Bowls. He also played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Denver Broncos. A five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, Law grabbed 53 interceptions and returned seven for touchdowns.
alt text: Ty Law celebrating a touchdown
18. Roger Wehrli
Wehrli played his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals (1969-1982). He was voted to seven Pro Bowls, earned three First-Team All-Pro honors, and recorded 40 interceptions. He is enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
alt text: Roger Wehrli during his time with the St. Louis Cardinals
17. Patrick Peterson
Peterson has been a stalwart for the Arizona Cardinals since 2011. With six Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro selections to his name, he has started in all 96 of his career games and recorded 20 interceptions. In 2017, he was ranked No. 19 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list.
alt text: Patrick Peterson in an Arizona Cardinals uniform
16. Darrelle Revis
Revis, known for his “Revis Island” nickname, has played for several teams including the New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New England Patriots. He won a Super Bowl, earned seven Pro Bowl selections and four First-Team All-Pro honors, and notched 29 interceptions.
alt text: Darrelle Revis in action
15. Lem Barney
Barney, a Detroit Lions legend (1967-1977), is a Hall of Famer with seven Pro Bowl and two First-Team All-Pro selections. He boasts 56 career interceptions, with seven returned for touchdowns. For a captivating look into a matchup showcasing both young talent and veteran coaching, read our article Patriots vs Jaguars: A Battle of Young Talent vs Veteran Coaching.
alt text: Lem Barney during his Detroit Lions career
14. Herb Adderley
Adderley contributed to both the Green Bay Packers (1961-1969) and Dallas Cowboys (1970-1972) dynasties. A five-time NFL champion (including three Super Bowls), Adderley is a Hall of Famer with five Pro Bowl and four First-Team All-Pro selections. He intercepted 48 passes, returning seven for touchdowns.
alt text: Herb Adderley celebrating a victory
13. Jimmy Johnson
Johnson spent his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers (1961-1976). A Hall of Famer, Johnson earned five Pro Bowl and four First-Team All-Pro selections. He racked up 47 career interceptions.
alt text: Jimmy Johnson in a San Francisco 49ers uniform
12. Champ Bailey
Bailey starred for the Washington Redskins (1999-2003) and Denver Broncos (2004-2013). With an incredible 12 Pro Bowl appearances and three First-Team All-Pro selections, Bailey intercepted 52 passes, returning four for touchdowns.
alt text: Champ Bailey in action
11. Dick “Night Train” Lane
Lane played for the Los Angeles Rams, Chicago Cardinals, and Detroit Lions during his career (1952-1965). A Hall of Famer, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro. Lane’s 68 career interceptions rank fourth all-time.
alt text: Dick "Night Train" Lane, Hall of Fame cornerback
10. Mel Renfro
Renfro was a key figure in the Dallas Cowboys’ success from 1964-1977. A two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Renfro was a 10-time Pro Bowler and one-time First-Team All-Pro. He tallied 52 interceptions in his career.
alt text: Mel Renfro during his time with the Dallas Cowboys
9. Richard Sherman
Sherman played a major role in the Seattle Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” era (2011-Present). A Super Bowl champion, he has been voted to four Pro Bowls and earned three First-Team All-Pro selections. He has recorded 30 career interceptions so far.
alt text: Richard Sherman in action for the Seattle Seahawks
8. Darrell Green
Green’s exceptional speed defined his long career with the Washington Redskins (1983-2002). A two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, he earned seven Pro Bowl and one First-Team All-Pro selections, recording 54 interceptions.
alt text: Darrell Green in a Washington Redskins uniform
7. Aeneas Williams
Williams played for the Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals (1991-2000) and the St. Louis Rams (2001-2004). A Hall of Famer, Williams went to eight Pro Bowls, earned three First-Team All-Pro selections, and amassed 55 interceptions. The Minnesota Vikings have had their ups and downs, and you can delve into their journey in our comprehensive article: The Minnesota Vikings: Navigating a Tough 2024 NFL Season.
alt text: Aeneas Williams during his NFL career
6. Mel Blount
Blount was a dominant force in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legendary Steel Curtain defense (1970-1983). A four-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Blount was selected to five Pro Bowls, earned two First-Team All-Pro honors, and recorded 57 interceptions.
alt text: Mel Blount, Hall of Fame cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
5. Willie Brown
Brown played for the Denver Broncos (1963-1966) and Oakland Raiders (1967-1978). A Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro. He collected 54 interceptions during his career.
alt text: Willie Brown celebrating a Super Bowl victory
4. Charles Woodson
Woodson played for the Oakland Raiders and Green Bay Packers. A Super Bowl champion, he boasts nine Pro Bowl and three First-Team All-Pro selections. His 65 career interceptions are tied for fifth all-time, and his 11 interception return touchdowns are tied for second.
alt text: Charles Woodson celebrating an interception
3. Mike Haynes
Haynes split his career between the New England Patriots (1976-1982) and Los Angeles Raiders (1983-1989), earning a Super Bowl ring along the way. A Hall of Famer, Haynes was selected to nine Pro Bowls and earned two First-Team All-Pro nods, intercepting 46 passes during his career.
alt text: Mike Haynes in action
2. Rod Woodson
Woodson’s career spanned several teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, and Oakland Raiders. He won a Super Bowl, played in 11 Pro Bowls, and earned six First-Team All-Pro selections. His 71 career interceptions rank third all-time. He is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. To analyze a key offensive strategy comparison between the Falcons and Seahawks, check out our in-depth article: Falcons vs Seahawks: Can Atlanta’s Rushing Attack Overcome Seattle’s Defense?.
alt text: Rod Woodson celebrating an interception return
1. Deion Sanders
“Prime Time” Deion Sanders dazzled with the Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins, and Baltimore Ravens. A two-time Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, Sanders boasts eight Pro Bowl and six First-Team All-Pro selections. He grabbed 53 interceptions, returning nine for touchdowns, which is tied for fourth all-time.
alt text: Deion Sanders in his "Prime Time" era
Conclusion
This list provides a compelling overview of some of the most impactful cornerbacks in NFL history. From game-changing interceptions to Super Bowl heroics, these players have left an indelible mark on the sport. While debates about rankings will always continue, Brandt’s perspective serves as a valuable starting point for appreciating the contributions of these exceptional athletes.
