"If not me, who?" – Giants icon skips Aaron Donald, Reggie White, crowns himself NFL’s defensive GOAT

There have been many legendary defensive players in NFL history. The best ones eventually get selected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the list of defensive players in the discussion for the greatest of all time is reserved for just a few. Some of the names that come to mind as potential options for this prestigious title are Reggie White, Aaron Donald, Deion Sanders, and Ray Lewis.

Iconic New York Giants pass rusher Lawrence Taylor has made his opinion clear of who he believes is the greatest defensive player in NFL history, and it's none of the names listed above. He gave his pick and explanation during his recent appearance on an episode of the "I Am Athlete" podcast.

"I never said I'm the best player to ever play football," Taylor said. "But, am I the best defensive player? Okay, if not me who? Reggie White is a good player and I put him up there in the same class as myself."

"Every time I walk into a room or pick up a paper on Sunday, so LT, you know, I see an article that talks about all these people. And then always, my name always shows up in the last sentence of the last paragraph, just before they say, 'greatest of all time.' "

While Lawrence Taylor gives Reggie White credit for being in the same class as him, he still believes that he himself is the greatest defensive player to ever step on the football field. He also believes that public perceptions and media views share the same opinion. Given his unbelievable NFL career, it's hard to argue against Lawrence Taylor in this debate.

---

Is Lawrence Taylor the GOAT of NFL defensive players?

New York Giants icon Lawrence Taylor

Lawrence Taylor was one of the most dominant pass rushers during his era in the NFL, as well as of all time. He was the first player ever to exceed 20 sacks in a single season when he did so in 1986. He was named the NFL MVP during that same 1986 season, joining Alan Page as the only two defensive players ever to win the award.

Taylor has also been named the Defensive Player of the Year three times during his legendary career. This is tied for the most by any NFL player ever, along with Aaron Donald and JJ Watt. He also helped the New York Giants win two Super Bowl rings on his way to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

It's extremely difficult to make a legitimate case for any player other than Lawrence Taylor as the greatest defensive player ever, especially given his unmatched list of accomplishments.

---