Notre Dame Football: 20 Greatest Defensive Players in School History

Notre Dame has had a vast number of incredibly skilled athletes throughout the years, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

Whether it be current New York Giant Justin Tuck or former greats, the Irish have a sterling tradition of bringing in highly skilled defensive players.

Following are the 20 greatest defensive players in school history.

20. Bob Dove

Bob Dove, a former defensive end for the Fighting Irish, joined the Chicago Cardinals during the 1948 season and remained with the team for five seasons.

Dove was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2002, four years before his death.

19. Chinedum Ndukwe

Chinedum Ndukwe was recruited by former head coach Charlie Weis, and he attended the same high school as former quarterback Brady Quinn.

Ndukwe, a safety, was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the 2007 NFL draft. He last played for the Oakland Raiders during the 2011 season.

18. Michael Stonebreaker

A former linebacker at Notre Dame, Michael Stonebreaker was a key cog in the Fighting Irish's defense of the 1988 national championship team.

Stonebreaker was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 1991 NFL draft, and last played professionally for the Frankfurt Galaxy during the 1995 season.

17. Walt Patulski

Walt Patulski played defensive end for the Fighting Irish. He was an All-American in 1971.

Patulski was the first overall pick in the 1972 NFL draft by the Buffalo Bills.

16. Jim Martin

Not only was Jim Martin a standout linebacker at Notre Dame, he was also a tremendous placekicker.

The fearsome lineman was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the 1950 NFL draft.

15. Pat Terell

Pat Terell is best known for his game-winning deflection against Miami in 1988, which kept the Fighting Irish's national championship hopes alive.

Terell played professionally for the Los Angeles Rams, New York Jets, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers.

14. Tom Zbikowski

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Tom Zbikowski, a current safety for the Baltimore Ravens, is better known for his short-lived boxing career.

A fearless player on the gridiron, Zbikowski returned punts and patrolled the defensive backfield during his days in South Bend.

13. Trevor Laws

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Perhaps well known because of his exotic hairstyle, Trevor Laws was always a fan favorite among the Irish faithful.

A never-say-die type of player, Laws recorded the most tackles among collegiate defensive linemen during the 2007 season.

Laws was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2008 NFL draft, and he's still with the team today.

12. Wayne Millner

Wayne Millner played on both sides of the ball during his time at Notre Dame, but he doesn't get enough credit for his play as a defensive end.

Millner was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

11. Justin Tuck

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Current New York Giant Justin Tuck was a critical piece of the team's run to victories in Super Bowls XLII and XLIV, both over the New England Patriots.

A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Tuck has recorded 45.5 sacks thus far in his career.

10. Manti Te'o

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Yes, Manti Te'o has one more season to build on his already solid career at Notre Dame.

The Hawaiian native debated on whether or not to enter this spring's NFL draft, but he withdrew his name following the team's end-of-season banquet.

Te'o will challenge for All-American honors during the upcoming season.

9. Leon Hart

After graduating from Notre Dame, tight end/defensive end Leon Hart enjoyed an eight-year career in the NFL with the Detroit Lions.

Hart shares the distinction of winning a national championship, the Heisman Trophy and being the first overall pick in the NFL draft with Cam Newton.

8. Steve Niehaus

Steve Niehaus was the second overall pick in the 1976 NFL draft, but his career was cut short by multiple knee injuries.

He holds the Seattle Seahawks' record for sacks in a rookie year with nine-and-a-half.

7. Mike McCoy

Like Steve Niehaus, Mike McCoy was also a second overall pick the NFL draft. McCoy debuted with the Green Bay Packers in 1970, and he last played for the Oakland Raiders in 1980.

He currently serves on a few community outreach groups and formerly served as the chaplain of the Atlanta Braves.

6. Jim Lynch

A former Notre Dame linebacker, Jim Lynch enjoyed a professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs that lasted from 1967 to 1977.

A 1968 Pro Bowl selection, Lynch also won a Super Bowl (IV) with the Chiefs.

5. Aaron Taylor

Aaron Taylor, a former defensive lineman at Notre Dame, was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 16th overall pick in the 1994 NFL draft.

Taylor won the Lombardi Trophy during his senior season and went on to win Super Bowl XXXI with the Packers.

4. Chris Zorich

Once deemed "not good enough" to play at the collegiate level, Chris Zorich proved all of his doubters wrong by becoming one of the best defensive players in program history.

Zorich was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 1991 NFL draft, and he was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1993.

3. George Connor

A four-time All-Pro selection, George Connor was an excellent two-way player at Notre Dame following the conclusion of World War II.

Connor won the Outland Trophy while playing for Notre Dame in 1946.

2. Alan Page

Perhaps the best defensive player in Notre Dame history, Alan Page was voted as the 1971 NFL MVP along with being a nine-time Pro Bowler.

A monstrous defensive tackle, Page now serves as a justice on the Minnesota Supreme Court.

1. Ross Browner

A two-time All-American at Notre Dame, Ross Browner well deserves to be remembered as the best defensive player in school history.

Browner played for the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers of the NFL. He last played in 1987.