The Top 10 White Safeties of All Time: Game-Changers Who Rewrote the Playbook
Safeties? They’re the real ones who blend brain, brawn, and a whole lotta swag on the field. When you talk about the top 10 white safeties of all time, these dudes didn’t just play the position—they set the tone, shaping the game with their legendary moves and clutch moments.
Take John Lynch, for example. The man didn’t just grab a Super Bowl ring—he built a style so cold that it still inspires safeties today. And Jim Leonhard’s IQ? Off the charts. Pair that with Eric Weddle’s agility, and you’ve got a crew that’s still rewriting the playbook on what safeties can do. No cap, these guys are the blueprint.
#1. Larry Wilson
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 190 lbs
- Teams: St. Louis Cardinals (1960-1972)
Larry Wilson was a transformative safety in the NFL, renowned for his toughness and exceptional football IQ. During his career with the St. Louis Cardinals, Wilson redefined the role of safety with his innovative skills and aggressive play style.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
Known for his incredible ball-hawking ability and a knack for impactful interceptions, Wilson was a pivotal force on the defense.
His resilience was legendary; he famously played with casts on both hands due to broken wrists. Wilson’s career laid the groundwork for future generations of safeties and solidified his legacy as one of the game’s most formidable defensive players.
- Accolades:
- 8× Pro Bowl selection
- 6× First-team All-Pro
- NFL interception co-leader in 1966
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee 1978
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Ranked in the top 100 greatest NFL players of all time
#2. John Lynch
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 220 lbs
- Teams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1993-2003) Denver Broncos (2004 – 2007)
John Lynch became a cornerstone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defense during his tenure from 1993 to 2003. Known for his hard-hitting style and keen football intellect, Lynch was a force to be reckoned with in the secondary.
He played a vital role in transforming the Buccaneers from perennial underachievers into one of the most feared defenses in the NFL, reaching their peak with a Super Bowl victory in 2002. His leadership and fierce tackling established him as a fan favorite and a respected figure in the locker room.
- Accolades:
- Super Bowl Champion (XXXVII)
- 5x Pro Bowl Selection with Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- 3x First-team All-Pro
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor inductee
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
#3. Eric Weddle
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’11” / 195 lbs
- Teams: San Diego Chargers (2007-2015), Baltimore Ravens (2016-2018), Los Angeles Rams (2019, 2021)
Eric Weddle, a commanding presence in the secondary, brought intelligence and versatility to every team he played for. Known for his excellent instincts and leadership skills, Weddle was a pivotal force for the San Diego Chargers.
He moved to the Baltimore Ravens, where his strategic play continued to make an impact.
In his 13th season, he briefly retired, only to return with the Los Angeles Rams and help lead them to a Super Bowl victory in 2021. Weddle’s career is marked by his durability, football intellect, and unwavering dedication, cementing his legacy as a revered safety in the NFL.
- Accolades:
- 2× First-team All-Pro (2011, 2014)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2010, 2012, 2013)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018)
- NFL interceptions leader (2011)
- Super Bowl LVI Champion (2021)
- Over 1,100 career tackles and 29 interceptions
#4. Jason Sehorn
- Position: Cornerback/Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’2″/213 lbs
- Teams: New York Giants (1994-2002), St. Louis Rams (2003)
Jason Sehorn shifted from cornerback to safety during his NFL career, primarily with the New York Giants. Known for his exceptional athleticism and versatility, Sehorn made a significant impact in the secondary with his ball-hawking skills and ability to read the opposing quarterback’s intentions.
His tenure with the Giants was marked by a memorable interception in the 2000 NFC Championship Game against the Minnesota Vikings, which stamped his legacy as a clutch performer. Sehorn’s adaptability allowed him to shine in various defensive schemes, making him a fan favorite during his time on the field.
- Accolades:
- Played in Super Bowl XXXV
- Recorded 2 defensive touchdowns
- 19 career interceptions
- 5 total forced fumbles
#5. Jim Leonhard
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’8″, 188 lbs
- Years Played: Buffalo Bills (2005-2007), Baltimore Ravens (2008), New York Jets (2009-2011), Denver Broncos (2012), Buffalo Bills (2013), Cleveland Browns (2014)
Jim Leonhard had a 10-year NFL career, renowned for his football intelligence and versatility. Despite being undersized for the position, Leonhard made his mark as an undrafted free agent from the University of Wisconsin.
His tenacity and understanding of the game enabled him to excel in the defensive backfield.
Leonhard had stints with several teams, most significantly the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets, where he became a vital part of their secondary. Known for his skillful play-making abilities, he was a key contributor in both coverage and supporting the run defense, making him a reliable component of any defense.
- Accolades:
- 326 total tackles
- 14 interceptions
- 3 seasons with the New York Jets, reaching the AFC Championship Game twice
- Known for leadership and serving as a de facto defensive coordinator on the field
#6. Jeff Heath
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’1″ / 212 lbs
- Years Played for Said Team: Dallas Cowboys (2013-2019), Las Vegas Raiders (2020), New Orleans Saints (2021)
Jeff Heath emerged as a gritty and reliable presence in the Dallas Cowboys secondary, carving out a reputation as one of the more underrated safeties of his time. Known for his hard-hitting style and clutch performances, Heath often found himself in pivotal plays, demonstrating a knack for big-game moments.
His versatility allowed him to excel on both defense and special teams, showcasing his commitment and work ethic. Heath’s tenure with the Cowboys solidified him as a fan favorite and a leader in the locker room, remembered for both his no-nonsense approach to the game and his professionalism.
- Accolades:
- 383 total tackles with the Dallas Cowboys
- 8 interceptions in his career with the Cowboys
- Contributed markedly on special teams as well as defense
- Notable for game-winning interception against the Oakland Raiders in 2017
#7. Tom Myers
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’11” / 185 lbs
- Teams: New Orleans Saints (1972-1981)
Tom Myers made a significant impact playing for the New Orleans Saints throughout the 1970s. Known for his remarkable awareness and strong tackling abilities, Myers was a defensive stalwart for the team.
His playing style was characterized by his agility and intelligence on the field, routinely putting himself in the right position to make game-changing plays.
One of his key moments was intercepting five passes in a single game against the Minnesota Vikings in 1978—an enduring franchise record. Myers left a lasting legacy as a leader and consistent performer in the Saints’ secondary.
- Accolades:
- Selected to the Pro Bowl in 1979
- Saints’ all-time leading interceptor (per his era)
- Team captain and defensive leader
- Named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
#8. Matt Giordano
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 204 lbs
- Teams: Indianapolis Colts (2005-2008), Green Bay Packers (2009), New Orleans Saints (2010), Oakland Raiders (2011-2012), St. Louis Rams (2013)
Matt Giordano made a significant impact during his tenure with the Oakland Raiders. Known for his speed and instincts, Giordano brought a tenacious playing style to the defensive backfield.
He displayed a knack for intercepting passes, which contributed to vital moments in tight games, becoming a fan favorite for his hustle and passion.
Despite his relatively short time with the Raiders, his presence was felt, helping to stabilize the secondary. A versatile defender, Giordano’s leadership and experience served as a guiding force for younger players, leaving a lasting impression on the team’s defensive unit.
- Accolades:
- Led the team with five interceptions in the 2011 season.
- Career-high 70 tackles in the 2011 season with the Raiders.
- Recorded 4 interceptions in one game during the preseason, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
#9. Chris Conte
- Position: Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’2″ / 203 lbs
- Teams: Chicago Bears (2011-2014), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015-2018)
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
Chris Conte was known for his solid coverage skills and versatility on the field. Spending the majority of his career with the Chicago Bears and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Conte established himself as a reliable presence in the backfield.
His aggressive play style made him effective in both pass defense and run support.
Conte’s tenure with the Bears included a playoff appearance in 2010, and though his career was marred by injuries, he made numerous key interceptions and tackles to keep his teams competitive. His legacy revolves around his work ethic and determination.
This site uses affiliate links. We may earn a commission when you click at no cost to you.
- Accolades:
- Over 400 career tackles
- Recorded 14 interceptions
- 1 defensive touchdown
- NFC North Division Champion (2010 with the Bears)
#10. Harrison Smith
- Position: Strong Safety
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 214 lbs
- Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2012-present)
Harrison Smith has been a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense since being drafted in 2012. Known for his intelligence, versatility, and hitting ability, Smith has a knack for reading offenses and making game-changing plays.
His presence in the backfield deters opponents from attempting deep throws and supports the run defense with his physical play.
Smith’s key moments include critical interceptions and essential stops in playoff games, cementing his status as a leader on the field. His impact goes beyond statistics, as he embodies the heart and soul of his team’s defensive unit.
- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl selection (2015-2019, 2021)
- First-Team All-Pro (2017)
- NFL All-Decade Team 2010s
Final Rankings
Before you dip, make sure to check out our other can’t-miss lists. Whether it’s the Top 10 White Linebackers of All Time or the Best White NFL Centers, we’ve got the rankings that’ll have you talkin’ and lockin’ in your picks. Slide through and see if your favorites made the cut—this is the content you need to keep your sports knowledge on point.
