Top 10 pass rushers in NFL history

Derrick Thomas

   In the early '90s, Thomas replaced Lawrence Taylor as the game's most dominant pass rusher, recording 126.5 sacks over 11 seasons. 

Watch clip | Video: Thomas' career | Video: Thomas' seven-sack game

Doug Atkins

   Exceptionally strong and agile, the 6-8 Atkins earned acclaim as a devastating pass rusher who often leapfroged blockers to get at the QB. 

Watch clip | Player page: Doug Atkins | 1982 Hall of Fame inductee

Mark Gastineau

   The 
  Jets' flamboyant Gastineau recorded a then-record 22 sacks in 1984 as part of the 
  Jets' famed "New York Sack Exchange." 

Watch clip | Player page: Mark Gastineau | Jets history

Michael Strahan

   In addition to owning the single-season sack record, Strahan helped lead the 
  Giants to an improbable 
  Super Bowl win over the undefeated 
  Patriots. 

Watch clip | Video: Strahan's Super sack | Super Bowl XLII highlights

Kevin Greene

   In a 15-year career playing for the 
  Rams, 
  Steelers, 
  Panthers and 
  49ers, Greene recorded double-digit sack totals in 10 seasons. 

Watch clip | Player page: Kevin Greene | Video: Greene retrospective

Gino Marchetti

   Marchetti was adept at stopping the running play, but was best known for his vicious pass rushing techniques in his time with the Baltimore 
  Colts. 

Watch clip | Player page: Gino Marchetti | Historic 1958 NFL title game

Bruce Smith

   As a defensive end for the 
  Bills, and later the 
  Redskins, Smith amassed an NFL-record 200 sacks over 19 seasons. 

Watch clip | Player page: Bruce Smith | Individual records: Sacks

Lawrence Taylor

   A dominant force on defense, Taylor was named first-team All-Pro in each of his first nine seasons with the 
  Giants. 

Watch clip | Player page: Lawrence Taylor | Video: Taylor retrospective

Reggie White

   The "Minister of Defense" anchored the talented 
  Eagles defenses of the late '80s and early '90s, then helped the 
  Packers win a 
  Super Bowl. 

Watch clip | Video: White retrospective | Video: Fields of Glory

Deacon Jones

   Highly motivated as a 14th round pick out of Mississippi Valley State, Jones terrorized QBs as a member of the 
  Rams' famed "Fearsome Foursome." 

Watch clip | Video: Jones on all-time team | Video: Jones as draft steal

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