Till I Collapse: 5 Most Intense Players in the NFL

Intensity

1: The quality or state of being intense; especially : extreme degree of strength, force, energy, or feeling
2: The magnitude of a quantity (as force or energy) per unit (as of area, charge, mass, or time)

Synonyms: fanaticism, ferocity, fire, fury

Intensity can be measured in three ways. How much effort a player gives each down, or his "motor", if he can ignite his teammates as a vocal leader, and the player feeds on his enemy's fear and hungers for contact.

Don't be fooled by these men's mellow demeanor off the field. These players are the definition of wolves in sheep's clothing, or more like wolverines in sheep on steroid's clothing.

Here are the most intense players in the NFL.

"You try to stay within the rules for the sake of the game, but you can always turn up the intensity."-Lawrence Taylor

5 - Roy Williams

With one of the desired qualities for this list being a player's desire for contact, it would be a travesty to deny Roy Williams the number five spot.

Williams is widely known as the fiercest hitter in the league. He's so violent, the NFL even made a rule named after him.

The "Roy Williams Rule" banned horse collar tackles in 2004 after Williams severely injured three different opponents.

4 - Adrian Peterson

Who in the NFL runs harder than Adrian Peterson? Absolutely no one.

The term "angry" often comes up when describing Peterson's rushing style.

Peterson refuses to be taken down. He treats the sideline as a 12th defender, never letting it get to him.

3 - Troy Polamalu

When you talk about defensive players with a great motor, pass-rushing defensive ends are usually the position of discussion. This player is not a defensive end, but no one has better pursuit to the football than Troy Polamalu.

Whether he's starting out playing center-field or creeping up into the box, Polamalu always is around the football when the whistle blows.

2 - Ray Lewis

There may have never been or ever will be more of a fiery leader than Ray Lewis.

Lewis has been the heart and soul of that vaunted Baltimore Ravens defense for well over the past decade. Not only does he get into the heads of his teammates each and every week to play out of their mind, he intimidates opponents like no other.

The only thing worse for an offensive player when you know you're getting dominated, is if the defensive player knows he owns you and he's in your head. Lewis has excelled at getting in the head's of the opposition for 14 years.

1 - Brian Dawkins

Brian Dawkins is hands down the most intense player in the NFL.

He fits the bill in all aspects of the mentioned measures of intensity.

Dawkins knocks the snot out of ignorant ball carriers. He flies to the football with every intention of making a game changing play. If there is anyone in the NFL that can inspire his teammates more than Ray Lewis, it's Brian Dawkins.

The most intense player in the NFL deserves two videos. A highlight reel and a clip of him wired.

"When he comes out, you know he transforms into that wolverine thing, I mean he believes it. He just is out of his mind, and he maintains that now though the whole game, on fire the whole game"-Andy Reid

Honorable Mention: Hines Ward

No offensive skill player in the league even compares with Hines Ward's pancaking ability.

Honorable Mention: Drew Brees

Drew Brees runs the sickest team breakdown ever.

Honorable Mention - John Henderson

John Henderson uses one of the more unique techniques to get pumped up in the league.

Honorable Mention: Owen Schmitt

Owen Schmitt may not qualify for this top five list, but if I ever make a slideshow about the five most insane players in the NFL, he's the front runner.

Honorable Mention: Owen Schmitt

Owen Schmitt may not qualify for this top five list, but if I ever make a slideshow about the five most insane players in the NFL, he's the front runner.

Others Considered

Marion Barber
Keith Brooking
Cortland Finnegan
Steven Jackson
Shawn Merriman
Philip Rivers
Kyle Vanden Bosch
Sean Weatherspoon
Patrick Willis
Steve Smith