First-team All-Pa. defense: The state’s best NFL players of the modern era
The NFL brings in the best talent from around the world, including the Keystone State. Pennsylvania has produced 1,517 NFL players over the years — and 34 Hall of Famers — according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. Ahead of Eagles-Steelers, here are our votes for the state's best player at each defensive position since 1970.
The NFL brings in the best talent from around the world, including the Keystone State. Pennsylvania has produced 1,517 NFL players over the years — and 34 Hall of Famers — according to Pro-Football-Reference.com. Ahead of Eagles-Steelers, here are our votes for the state's best player at each defensive position since 1970.
Aaron Donald, defensive tackle
Donald was one of the most dominant forces in recent memory. The Pittsburgh native played for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams for a decade and was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, 10-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl champion.
Aaron Donald, defensive tackle
Donald was one of the most dominant forces in recent memory. The Pittsburgh native played for the St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams for a decade and was a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, 10-time Pro Bowler, and a Super Bowl champion.
Joe Klecko, defensive tackle
A Chester native and Temple Owl, Klecko was a member of the Jets’ “New York Sack Exchange.” In 1981, the year before sacks became an official stat, the Hall of Famer recorded 20.5. Honorable mention: Randy White, Cameron Heyward
Joe Klecko, defensive tackle
A Chester native and Temple Owl, Klecko was a member of the Jets’ “New York Sack Exchange.” In 1981, the year before sacks became an official stat, the Hall of Famer recorded 20.5. Honorable mention: Randy White, Cameron Heyward
Jason Taylor, edge rusher
Taylor earned six Pro Bowl invites during his Hall-of-Fame career. The 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, another Pittsburgh native, also enjoyed four All-Pro seasons, playing with Miami, Washington, and the New York Jets.
Jason Taylor, edge rusher
Taylor earned six Pro Bowl invites during his Hall-of-Fame career. The 2006 Defensive Player of the Year, another Pittsburgh native, also enjoyed four All-Pro seasons, playing with Miami, Washington, and the New York Jets.
Micah Parsons, edge rusher
Parsons is in his fourth season with the Cowboys and already has three Pro Bowl selections. The Harrisburg native also won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. Honorable mention: Raheem Brock, Carl Nassib, Shaun Phillips.
Micah Parsons, edge rusher
Parsons is in his fourth season with the Cowboys and already has three Pro Bowl selections. The Harrisburg native also won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. Honorable mention: Raheem Brock, Carl Nassib, Shaun Phillips.
Jack Ham, linebacker
A Johnstown native, Ham was a key part of Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s. The linebacker, who played for the Steelers from 1971-82, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, eight-time Pro Bowler, and four-time Super Bowl champ.
Jack Ham, linebacker
A Johnstown native, Ham was a key part of Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain” defense in the 1970s. The linebacker, who played for the Steelers from 1971-82, is a Pro Football Hall of Famer, eight-time Pro Bowler, and four-time Super Bowl champ.
Paul Posluszny, linebacker
Posluszny, a native of Butler, played for Penn State before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007. Over his 11-year career, he played for the Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning Pro Bowl honors during the 2013 season.
Paul Posluszny, linebacker
Posluszny, a native of Butler, played for Penn State before being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2007. Over his 11-year career, he played for the Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning Pro Bowl honors during the 2013 season.
LaVar Arrington, linebacker
Before Arrington was drafted second overall in 2000, he left his mark on the college scene at Penn State with plays such as the “LaVar Leap.” In the NFL, he was a three-time Pro Bowler with Washington. Honorable mention: Sean Lee
LaVar Arrington, linebacker
Before Arrington was drafted second overall in 2000, he left his mark on the college scene at Penn State with plays such as the “LaVar Leap.” In the NFL, he was a three-time Pro Bowler with Washington. Honorable mention: Sean Lee
Darrelle Revis, cornerback
Nicknamed “Revis Island,” the Aliquippa native was one of the top shutdown cornerbacks of all time. Revis, mostly known as a Jet, was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots during his 11-year career.
Darrelle Revis, cornerback
Nicknamed “Revis Island,” the Aliquippa native was one of the top shutdown cornerbacks of all time. Revis, mostly known as a Jet, was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots during his 11-year career.
Ty Law, cornerback
Another Aliquippa native, Law was drafted out of Michigan by the Patriots in the first round in 1995. Law, a Hall of Famer and five-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL twice in interceptions and was an integral part of three Patriots Super Bowls.
Ty Law, cornerback
Another Aliquippa native, Law was drafted out of Michigan by the Patriots in the first round in 1995. Law, a Hall of Famer and five-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL twice in interceptions and was an integral part of three Patriots Super Bowls.
Herb Adderley, cornerback
The Philadelphia native was a Michigan State star drafted by Green Bay with the 12th pick in 1961. The five-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer won five NFL championships and two Super Bowls with the Packers — and another with the Cowboys.
Herb Adderley, cornerback
The Philadelphia native was a Michigan State star drafted by Green Bay with the 12th pick in 1961. The five-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer won five NFL championships and two Super Bowls with the Packers — and another with the Cowboys.
Bob Sanders, safety
Sanders was an NFL safety for eight seasons with the Colts and Chargers. The Erie native spent most of his career battling injuries but still managed to earn Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, two Pro Bowl bids, and a Super Bowl win.
Bob Sanders, safety
Sanders was an NFL safety for eight seasons with the Colts and Chargers. The Erie native spent most of his career battling injuries but still managed to earn Defensive Player of the Year in 2007, two Pro Bowl bids, and a Super Bowl win.