Mon Sep 01 23:40:00 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

NESN’s Colin Keane is releasing his ranking of the Top 10 defensive players in NFL history. The article focuses on Lawrence Taylor, arguing he is the greatest defensive player of all time and holding the number one position. It highlights his career accomplishments, including being NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year three times, NFL MVP, and winning two Super Bowls with the New York Giants. Taylor’s aggressive playing style, speed, power, and ability to disrupt offenses are emphasized. The article also notes the ranking of players two through five which are: Reggie White, Ray Lewis, Deion Sanders, and Joe Greene, respectively.

**News Article:**

**NESN’s Colin Keane Crowns Lawrence Taylor King of NFL Defense**

**BOSTON, MA -** New England Sports Network (NESN) contributing journalist Colin Keane has ignited debate with his highly anticipated ranking of the Top 10 defensive players in NFL history. Keane, a Villanova University graduate with experience writing for various sports outlets, has placed former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor at the top of his list, arguing that he is the greatest defensive player to ever grace the gridiron.

Keane’s article details Taylor’s illustrious 13-season career, highlighting his immediate impact as NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in his debut season. Taylor anchored the “Big Blue Wrecking Crew,” leading the Giants to two Super Bowl victories and earning an NFL MVP award in 1986, a rare feat for a defensive player.

“Taylor was a game-changer,” Keane writes. “His speed, power, and relentless aggression forced offenses to completely re-think their blocking schemes. He redefined the linebacker position.”

Beyond the accolades, Keane emphasizes Taylor’s disruptive playing style, citing his 142 career sacks, 1,088 tackles, and his ability to consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks. His career highlights include a 97-yard interception return touchdown and a notorious sack that ended Joe Theismann’s career.

While Taylor takes the top spot, Keane also revealed his picks for the immediate runners up: Reggie White (2), Ray Lewis (3), Deion Sanders (4) and Joe Greene (5). The ranking is sure to spark heated debate among fans and analysts alike. Read the full article, including Keane’s complete Top 10 list, on NESN.com.

*Disclaimer: This article is for entertainment purposes only.*

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