The Top 10 White Free Safeties of All Time: D-Backs Who Roamed the Secondary
The game-changing contributions of white free safeties have redefined the position, blending instinct, athleticism, and football intelligence. From the interception prowess of Paul Krause to the disciplined and consistent play of Cliff Harris, these players brought unique abilities that elevated their teams’ defenses.
Larry Wilson’s innovative playstyle and Jake Scott’s clutch Super Bowl performances have cemented their legacies.
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The Top 10 White Free Safeties of All Time features athletes who not only excelled in their roles but also shaped the evolution of the position. Their ability to make game-changing plays and lead defensive units remains a testament to their greatness.
Table of Contents
#1. Larry Wilson
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 194 lbs
- Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1960-1972)
Larry Wilson, a legendary figure in professional football, spent his entire illustrious career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Renowned for his fierce tackling and ball-hawking instincts, Wilson revolutionized the safety position with his aggressive playing style.
Despite never winning a Super Bowl, his influence on the game is unmistakable, particularly in how free safeties are utilized even today. With a reputation as a formidable opponent, Wilson’s most memorable moment includes playing with a cast on both hands and still making key interceptions, underscoring his resilience and dedication.
- Accolades:
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1978)
- 8-time Pro Bowl selection
- 7-time First-team All-Pro
- Member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Member of the NFL 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams
- Recorded 52 career interceptions
#2. Paul Krause
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’3″, 200 lbs
- Teams: Minnesota Vikings: (1964-1979)
Paul Krause is widely regarded as one of the greatest free safeties in NFL history. His exceptional ability to read the game and make pivotal interceptions made him a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings‘ defense.
With an innate knack for being in the right place at the right time, Krause excelled at creating turnovers, contributing considerably to the Vikings’ dominant defensive units in the late 1960s and 1970s.
Remarkably, he still holds the NFL record for career interceptions with 81, a demonstration of his extraordinary ball-hawking abilities. Krause’s leadership and consistency carved out a lasting legacy as a key piece in Viking history.
- Accolades:
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee
- 8× Pro Bowl selection
- 81 career interceptions (NFL record)
- 6× First-team All-Pro
- Member of the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
#3. Cliff Harris
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 188 lbs
- Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1970-1979)
Cliff Harris, renowned for his tenure with the Dallas Cowboys, was an influential free safety in the NFL during the 1970s. Known as “Captain Crash,” Harris brought intensity and tactical intelligence to the Cowboys’ defense, contributing greatly to their dominance in the decade.
His aggressive playing style, combined with exceptional read-and-react skills, made him an anchor in the secondary.
A pivotal moment in his career was being an integral part of the Cowboys’ success in Super Bowls VI and XII. Harris’ legacy endures through his hard-hitting approach and leadership both on and off the field.
- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl selections (1974-1979)
- 4× First-team All-Pro selections (1975-1978)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VI, XII)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor inductee
#4. Nolan Cromwell
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 200 lbs
- Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1977-1987)
Nolan Cromwell played his entire NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams from 1977 to 1987. Known for his exceptional speed and agility, Cromwell was a cornerstone of the Rams’ secondary during his tenure.
His ability to read the game and anticipate opponents’ plays made him a formidable force on the field. Cromwell’s playing style was characterized by his aggressive tackling and strong ball skills, which resulted in numerous interceptions and defensive stops.
Over the years, he became one of the most respected players on the Rams, leaving a lasting legacy as a defensive powerhouse.
- Accolades:
- 4× Pro Bowl selection (1980-1983)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1980-1983)
- Rams’ career leader in interceptions during his playing timeframe
- NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1980)
- Played in Super Bowl XIV
#5. Scott Case
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 195 lbs
Teams: Atlanta Falcons (1984–1994), Dallas Cowboys (1995)
Scott Case was an integral part of the Atlanta Falcons’ defense throughout the 1980s and into the early 90s. Known for his hard-hitting style and tenacity on the field, Case played with a relentless drive that set the tone for the Falcons’ secondary.
His versatility allowed him to excel at both free and strong safety positions, showcasing impressive coverage skills and an ability to close gaps with speed.
One of the highlights of his career was leading the league in interceptions in 1988, solidifying his reputation as a formidable ball-hawking defender. Case’s legacy with the Falcons is defined by his toughness, leadership, and impactful playmaking abilities.
- Accolades:
- Pro Bowl selection (1988)
- NFL Interceptions Leader (1988)
- Amassed over 30 career interceptions
- Known for his prominent role in a revitalized Falcons’ defense during the late 1980s
#6. Jake Scott
- Position: Free Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 188 lbs
- Years Played for Team: Miami Dolphins (1970-1975), Washington Redskins (1976-1978)
Jake Scott was a significant figure in the Miami Dolphins‘ golden era, renowned for his exceptional instincts and athleticism as a free safety. With a sharp sense for interceptions and tactical ball-play, he became a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ famed “No-Name Defense.”
Scott’s play was vital during the Dolphins’ perfect season in 1972, where his two interceptions in Super Bowl VII earned him the Super Bowl MVP. Beyond his on-field prowess, Scott was a leader whose influence extended throughout the locker room, establishing a legacy of tenacity and intelligence.
- Accolades:
- 5x Pro Bowl selection (1971-1975)
- 2x Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII)
- Super Bowl VII MVP
- First-team All-Pro (1973)
- Miami Dolphins Honor Roll inductee
- Career interceptions: 49
#7. John Lynch
Position: Safety
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 lbs
Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993–2003), Denver Broncos (2004–2007)
John Lynch was a relentless force in the secondary, known for his hard hits and unparalleled leadership. While primarily a strong safety, Lynch occasionally shifted to free safety, showcasing his versatility. He was a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense, leading them to a Super Bowl XXXVII victory.
Over his 15-year career, Lynch recorded over 1,000 tackles, 26 interceptions, and multiple game-changing plays, solidifying his status as one of the NFL’s greatest safeties. Lynch’s dominance at the position earned him the #1 spot on Sortie Sports’ Top 10 White Strong Safeties of All Time, further cementing his legacy
His post-playing career has been equally impactful, as he became the San Francisco 49ers’ general manager, earning praise for his team-building acumen. Lynch’s toughness, leadership, and intelligence left a lasting legacy on and off the field.
Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII)
- 9× Pro Bowl Selection
- 2× First-Team All-Pro
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2021)
#8. Pat Fischer
Position: Cornerback/Free Safety
Height/Weight: 5’9″, 170 lbs
Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1961–1967), Washington Redskins (1968–1977)
Pat Fischer was a fierce competitor who defied expectations throughout his 17-year NFL career. Although undersized for his position, Fischer made up for it with tenacity, intelligence, and unmatched determination.
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He played both cornerback and free safety, adapting seamlessly to team needs. As a leader in the Washington Redskins’ secondary, Fischer was instrumental during their Super Bowl VII appearance, earning respect as a relentless defender.
Known for his knack for interceptions and ability to disrupt plays, Fischer finished his career with over 50 interceptions. His leadership and grit made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in league history.
Accolades:
- 3× Pro Bowl Selection (1964, 1969, 1974)
- 70 Greatest Redskins
- Interception Leader for the Cardinals and Redskins
#9. Chris Conte
Position: Free Safety
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 203 lbs
Teams: Chicago Bears (2011–2014), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015–2018)
Chris Conte was a dependable presence in the secondary, earning his role as a starter early in his career with the Chicago Bears. Known for his ability to cover ground quickly and track the ball, Conte brought stability to defenses wherever he played.
After joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he continued to showcase his talent, recording over 400 tackles and 12 interceptions throughout his career.
Despite battling injuries, Conte remained committed to his craft and earned respect for his resilience. His football IQ and ability to adapt to various defensive schemes ensured his place as a reliable free safety during his eight-season career.
Accolades:
- 2011 NFL All-Rookie Team
- 12 Career Interceptions
- Over 400 Career Tackles
#10. Mark Murphy
Position: Free Safety
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 210 lbs
Teams: Washington Redskins (1977–1984)
Mark Murphy was a cornerstone of the Washington Redskins’ defense during one of the most successful periods in franchise history. Known for his instinctive play and leadership, Murphy excelled at reading offenses and making pivotal plays in crucial moments.
As the Redskins’ defensive captain, he played a key role in the team’s Super Bowl XVII victory, contributing to a championship legacy.
Over his eight-year career, Murphy recorded 27 interceptions and delivered consistent performances that anchored the secondary. His intelligence and dependability made him a standout among free safeties of his era, earning him a lasting place in Redskins history.
Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XVII)
- Second-Team All-Pro (1983)
- Redskins Defensive Captain
