The Most Intimidating NFL Players in History: From Night Train Lane to Dick Butkus

Intimidation is a rare quality in NFL players, especially with the recent rule changes that prioritize player safety. However, there were moments in the past when fear was an essential part of the game. One notable player who once instilled fear through his death-defying tackles and rule-breaking moves was Night Train Lane. Additionally, the legendary Dick Butkus embodies the concept of an intimidating NFL player who was feared and respected in equal measure.

Night Train Lane: A Cornerback Rewriting the Rules

The late Richard "Night Train" Lane, who passed away in 2002, set the all-time single-season interception record of 14 picks in 1952 – his rookie season. His career interception record of 68 picks ranks fourth all-time. Night Train had a fascinating start to his professional football career. He played college football at Western Nebraska Community College and in the Army before moving to Southern California to build airplanes. One day, he ventured to the LA Rams' training camp and requested a tryout, impressing them enough to sign him to the team.

One of the most significant reasons Night Train Lane was so dangerous as a cornerback is that the NFL had to rewrite the rulebook to stop his dominance. Lane invented the face-mask tackle and the clothesline tackle, both now illegal. The face-mask tackle had to be banned in 1962 because he often knocked opponents unconscious with it. The clothesline tackle was also outlawed for its dangerous nature. In 1962, he tackled a Giants' quarterback so hard that it temporarily erased the quarterback's memory.

Dick Butkus: An Intimidating Legend

While Lane instilled fear through his physical prowess, the legendary defensive tackle Dick Butkus was an intimidating figure both on and off the gridiron. Dick Butkus, whose hard-hitting style earned him the nickname "Animal," was feared as much as he was respected by his peers. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and is often considered one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.

During his career, Butkus demonstrated a level of intensity and intensity that raised the bar for what was expected from a linebacker. His unmatched competitiveness and thunderous hits earned him the nickname "Iron Mike" from his teammates. Butkus was known for his willingness to put his body on the line, even when it came to making dirty plays that were once commonplace in the NFL.

Notable moments in Butkus' career include a conversation with the player he just hit, where he said, "I never learned to play small on people, Joe. I could never knock a man down, except to hurt him. I knock a man down to teach him a lesson. He learns to play the game like I know it should be played." Off the field, Butkus continued to embody the same values, making him an endearing and respected figure among his peers and fans.

It is worth mentioning that there were other players who were equally imposing in their own right. Jack Tatum and Anthony Smith, with a terrible personal legacy, were noted for their intimidating presence on the field. Butkus stands out as the most intimidating NFL player owing to his dedication both on and off the field, as well as his impact on the game itself.

Other Intimidating Players

There were undoubtedly many others who left an indelible mark on the game with their intimidating presence. Some notable mentions include:

Jack Tatum: Famous for his high-flying hits and dirty play, Tatum was feared by opposing players. However, his controversial personality and ties to hate groups make him a divisive figure. Anthony Smith: With four murders and kidnapping and torture convictions, Smith's presence on the field was undoubtedly intimidating. He has a close second to Roger Rozier, who also had a similarly violent personal background. O.J. Simpson: Although acquitted of two murders, Simpson's brutal nature on the field was unquestionable, setting an ugly precedent for his play style. Aaron Hernandez: Hernandez left behind a tragic legacy with one murder and his own suicide, but his violence on the field was not in question. Eric Naposki: With a single murder conviction, Naposki's intimidating presence on and off the field was undeniable.

In conclusion, while modern rule changes have removed many of the brutalities that once defined the sport, the legacy of Night Train Lane and Dick Butkus remains. These players set a standard of physicality and tenacity that will continue to inspire players and fans alike, albeit in a more controlled environment.