Top 10 Biggest Hits in Football
Hi, I’m Emily Johnson and I’m a huge football fan. I’ve been following the sport for many years and I have to say, there’s nothing quite like a big hit on the field. It’s exhilarating to see a player take down their opponent with such force and precision. In this article, I’ll be counting down the top 10 biggest hits in football. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to relive some of the most memorable moments in football history.
Curiosities, Statistics, and Facts
- The average NFL player weighs 251 pounds
- The hardest hit ever recorded in the NFL was by Denver Broncos linebacker Al Wilson, who hit San Diego Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson with a force of 1,800 pounds
- The NFL has implemented several rule changes in recent years to reduce the number of concussions and serious injuries
- The average career length for an NFL player is just 3.3 years
10. Ray Lewis vs. Dustin Keller
Ray Lewis is one of the greatest linebackers of all time, and this hit on Dustin Keller in 2011 is a perfect example of why. Keller caught a short pass and turned upfield, only to be met by Lewis with a crushing blow that sent him flying backwards. It’s no surprise that Lewis was named to the Pro Bowl 13 times in his career.
9. Kam Chancellor vs. Vernon Davis
Kam Chancellor was known for his hard-hitting style during his time with the Seattle Seahawks, and this hit on Vernon Davis in the 2013 NFC Championship game is one of his most memorable. Davis caught a pass over the middle and was immediately met by Chancellor, who jarred the ball loose and sent Davis to the ground.
8. Ryan Shazier vs. Giovani Bernard
This hit from Ryan Shazier in a 2015 playoff game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals is one of the most controversial on this list. Shazier launched himself at Giovani Bernard, making helmet-to-helmet contact and causing Bernard to fumble the ball. The hit was penalized and Shazier was fined, but it remains a topic of debate among football fans.
7. Steve Atwater vs. Christian Okoye
Steve Atwater was known for his hard-hitting style during his time with the Denver Broncos, and this hit on Christian Okoye in a 1990 game against the Kansas City Chiefs is one of his most famous. Atwater launched himself at Okoye, who was known as the Nigerian Nightmare for his physical running style, and sent him flying backwards.
6. Sean Taylor vs. Brian Moorman
Sean Taylor was a safety for the Washington Redskins known for his bone-crushing hits. In the 2006 Pro Bowl, he showed off his skills on special teams by absolutely destroying punter Brian Moorman on a fake field goal attempt. The hit was so brutal that Moorman was left dazed and confused on the ground for several moments.
5. Jack Tatum vs. Darryl Stingley
This hit from Jack Tatum in a 1978 preseason game between the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots is one of the most infamous in football history. Tatum launched himself at Darryl Stingley, making helmet-to-helmet contact and causing Stingley to suffer a spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed for life.
4. Jalen Ramsey vs. Davante Adams
This hit from Jalen Ramsey in a 2017 game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Green Bay Packers is one of the most recent on this list. Adams caught a pass over the middle and turned upfield, only to be met by Ramsey with a devastating blow that knocked him out of the game with a concussion.
3. Ronnie Lott vs. Christian Okoye
Christian Okoye makes his second appearance on this list, this time on the receiving end of a hit from Ronnie Lott in a 1990 game between the San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. Lott, one of the greatest safeties of all time, launched himself at Okoye and sent him spinning through the air.
2. Chuck Bednarik vs. Frank Gifford
This hit from Chuck Bednarik in a 1960 game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants is one of the most famous in football history. Bednarik tackled Frank Gifford, causing him to fumble the ball and suffer a concussion that would sideline him for over a year.
1. Lawrence Taylor vs. Joe Theismann
There’s no question that this hit from Lawrence Taylor in a 1985 game between the New York Giants and Washington Redskins is the biggest and most memorable on this list. Taylor came around the edge and sacked Joe Theismann, causing a compound fracture in his leg that ended his career. The hit was so brutal that Theismann never played another down of football.
FAQs
Q: Why are big hits so popular in football?
A: Football is a physical sport, and big hits are a part of what makes it so exciting. Fans love to see their favorite players lay the smackdown on their opponents.
Q: Are big hits dangerous?
A: Yes, big hits can be dangerous and can cause serious injuries, including concussions and spinal cord injuries. The NFL has implemented several rule changes in recent years to reduce the number of serious injuries.
Q: Who is the hardest hitter in football?
A: There have been many hard hitters throughout football history, but some of the most famous include Ray Lewis, Jack Tatum, and Ronnie Lott.
Q: Have any players been suspended for hits?
A: Yes, several players have been suspended for hits that were deemed illegal or dangerous by the NFL. The league takes player safety very seriously and will not hesitate to suspend players who violate the rules.