Hardest hitters in NFL history: 10 most feared players in the league feat. Sean Taylor (Credit: Getty)

The NFL has always been a sport with a lot of contact. The nature of the game has pushed teams and players to be as physical as possible within the rules to get an advantage over their opponents.

Here are 10 hard hitters who left a big mark in the league with plays that would take them out of the field due to all the suspensions they would’ve gotten.

Ten hardest hitters in NFL history

#10 John Lynch

NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Source: Imagn

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The man in charge of putting together a Super Bowl-contender team in San Francisco was once one of the most dangerous safeties in the NFL. While he played well within the league rules, John Lynch played hard and didn’t hesitate to take shots at opponents’ heads while earning a reputation in the league.

Not even future legends like Barry Sanders or Marshall Faulk were safe from Lynch during his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Denver Broncos.

#9 Troy Polamalu

NFL: Pittsburgh Steelers at San Francisco 49ers – Source: Imagn
Speaking of aggressiveness, Troy Polamalu was a very accurate definition of that word.

To this day, he remains one of the best and most impactful defensive players in the modern era of the NFL with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The versatile player wasn’t afraid of getting physical with opponents, going after them while playing either as a safety or linebacker.

#8 Steve Atwater

Denver Broncos v New York Jets – Source: Getty
Steve Atwater had an imposing physique that instilled fear in opponents. Moreover, his aggressive playstyle and hard-hitting capabilities made him a serious threat to opposing teams. Atwater became infamous for celebrating with a smile after ferociously taking opponents to the floor.

#7 Sean Taylor

Washington Redskins v St. Louis Rams – Source: Getty
The late Sean Taylor’s career was sadly cut short, but he made sure to make an impact while he was active. The Washington Redskins icon was nicknamed ‘Meast’ for being half man and half beast. That alone should tell you everything about Taylor’s style of play.

He became a hard-hitting safety in the league, and not even playing in a commonly non-competitive game like the Pro Bowl did he stop going at full speed.

#6 James Harrison

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James Harrison is the second Pittsburgh Steelers former star on this list. He had a fierce style of play and an imposing presence, which meant danger for opposing players. Harrison had issues getting used to the NFL’s new rules late in his career, as some of the plays he used to complete were deemed illegal.

However, nobody can take anything away from him, as Harrison was effective on the field, becoming one of the best players in his position.

#5 Jack Tatum

USA TODAY Sports Images-Historical – Source: Imagn
Jack Tatum instilled fear in opponents during his most dangerous days. It’s fair to admit that the rules favored his style of play while he became the leader of the Oakland Raiders defense that won the Super Bowl XI. Tatum was so aggressive on the field that he was nicknamed ‘The Assassin.’

#4 Brian Dawkins

Pittsburgh Steelers v Philadelphia Eagles – Source: Getty
Brian Dawkins, considered one of the best safeties in the league during his prime and one of the hardest hitters the competition ever saw, used the rules of his era in his favor.

He wasn’t afraid of being extra physical with opposing players. It was common to see him engaging in head-to-head contact, plays that the NFL would ban later.

#3 Ray Lewis

NFL: New England Patriots at Baltimore Ravens – Source: Imagn
The last player from the modern NFL era sits at third on this list. Ray Lewis was one of the most aggressive players the league has seen.

He wasn’t only a hard-hitter but a player who could affect the result of games with his performances and actions on the field. He was an integral part of the Ravens’ two Super Bowl wins, even during the legendary linebacker’s last dance.

#2 Dick Butkus

NFL: USA TODAY Sports-Archive – Source: Imagn
Dick Butkus was one of those players who made an impact on games beyond the scoreboard.

Butkus was often named as the reason why players needed rehab after facing the Chicago Bears he led in the 60s and 70s. With a combination of speed and power, Butkus became an unstoppable force in the league, stopping whoever dared to carry a football while he was on the field.

#1 Dick Lane

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Dick Lane was one of those players who took advantage of the rules during their era. He was anything but an easy player on the field, using the clothesline to stop opponents, which led the NFL to ban that move.

Even after that, he grabbed opposing players from their facemask and slammed them to the ground. The league also banned that move, but none of that could stop Lane.

He played at a high pace every game, becoming one of the most intense players in NFL history.