NFL Rankings: The Top 10 Players You Would Want on Your Side in a Bar Fight

The NFL features players who have become modern-day gladiators. They are physical specimens who make a living off pummeling each other for our enjoyment. Most of them are big, some of them are nasty and a select few are downright scary.

Every once in a while, we see an altercation break out on the field. Although it is my belief that extracurricular activity takes away from the game itself, I can't help but wonder—which of these guys would I want on my side if I got into a bad situation?

Here is the top 10.

No. 10: Steve Smith (New York Giants)

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MIAMI - JANUARY 4: Wide receiver Steve Smith #2 of the USC Trojans celebrates with teammate David Kirtman #37 after catching a 5-yard touchdown pass against the Oklahoma Sooners in the second quarter during the FedEx Orange Bowl 2005 National Championshi

Unless you knew Steve Smith back when he was a Trojan, you probably don't know why he is on this list. Smith broke 6'3", 255-pound Dominique Byrd's jaw when the two were teammates at USC.

The fact that he took out a guy who had four inches and 50 pounds on him is impressive in itself, but what makes me want him on my side is more the nature of the fight.

The two were playing a video game when the incident occurred. Apparently Smith tried to back out of a bet midway through a game, and it turned into a brawl.

The point being, if Smith is willing to engage in an altercation that stems from a video game, I know he is willing to fight over trivial matters, which helps him break into the top 10.

No. 9: Vernon Davis

Vernon Davis could enter the Mr. Olympia competition if his NFL career gets cut short. The 6'3", 250-pound Davis was raised in a brutal part of Washington, DC. The chip on his shoulder he obtained while fighting his way through the streets of DC followed him into the NFL.

He was known for his training camp fights and poor attitude. This workout warrior was eventually kicked off the field by his own coach. His temper was put on hold, and he tied the record for most touchdowns in a single season for a tight end.

Although he may have put his attitude in check, I could certainly see Davis reverting to his old ways if push came to shove.

No. 8: Albert Haynesworth

Albert Haynesworth has an awful attitude. He is a cancer and has the most lackluster work ethic of anyone in the entire NFL. His indifference towards everything makes him one of the most hated players in the NFL today.

That being said, he is a ruthless and gargantuan man—the perfect combination to break onto this list.

Haynesworth gained NFL notoriety by stomping on the face of Andre Gurode. The vicious act let everyone know that when Haynesworth feels like it, he is willing to put others' safety at risk without thinking of the ramifications he will face in the aftermath. Perfect.

No. 7: Vince Young

Vince Young made headlines earlier in this year for pummeling a man at a strip club for making the Texas Longhorns "hook 'em" sign upside down. For this wonderful display of rage issues, brash decision-making and physical strength, Young earned his way on the list.

It was not the first time Young was involved in an altercation. He slapped a teammate in the face for what he thought to be a cheap shot on one of his receivers.

Skip to 2:05, where he battles through three men, jumps over a woman and demolishes an overmatched Joe Schmo.

No. 6: Ray Lewis

We all know how ferocious Ray Lewis is. For over a decade, he has brought a level of physicality that has been unrivaled throughout the NFL. He is ferocious, mean and relentless.

He has been through his share of legal battles as well, being arrested for being involved in the murder of two men in Atlanta.

What puts Lewis in the No. 6 spot is his ability to ride a Raven, wearing nothing but soap, while shooting laser beams out of the bird's eyes.

No. 5: Taylor Mays

Taylor Mays represents the impossible. Nobody at 6'3", 230 should be as strong or fast as he is. Whether or not he is able to play football at the professional level is yet to be seen. What is certain is that he is one of the best athletes in football.

His raw speed and size make him a ferocious hitter. Mays is a super human and relishes in inflicting pain on unsuspecting prey.

Still not convinced? Just watch him run the 40. If this list were "The Top 10 Players Who Could Survive in the Wild," Mays would be No. 1.

No. 4: Kerry Collins

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CHARLOTTE, NC - AUGUST 28: Quarterback Kerry Collins #5 of the Tennessee Titans talks to a teammate on the sideline during their preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on August 28, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Ph

Whoa whoa whoa. Kerry Collins? You bet. Collins is a recovering alcoholic, so you know he knows his way around a bar fight. Norberto Garrido and Muhsin Muhammad have fallen victim to the racial slurs Collins throws out in drunken tirades.

Collins was arrested for drunk driving in 1998 but has since cleaned up his act through heavy rehabilitation. Going that many years sober has to irk Collins to his core. At 6'5" 250, I would not want to provoke the already agitated first pick in Carolina Panthers history.

No. 3: Mike Vick

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Sussex, VA - NOVEMBER 25: Suspended Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick (R) leaves Surry County Circuit Court after entering a guilty plea on two felony counts connected to dog fighting on November 25, 2008 in Sussex, Virginia. Under a plea agreemen

Michael Vick is one of the poster boys of second chances. Vick was once considered the scum of the earth after drowning, electrocuting and hanging dogs. Many Americans have chosen to forgive him. Many still hold their own grudges.

One thing, however, is certain: Michael Vick did his time. Twenty-three months in federal prison is no easy stint. Vick may or may not have mended his character flaws while he was in prison, but if push came to shove, those two years in prison certainly could pay dividends.

No. 2: Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson did something we all would like to do: He beat the hell out of Cortland Finnegan on television.

Johnson is regarded as one of the most high-character guys in the entire league. He has been overwhelmingly productive and consistent throughout his entire career, yet you rarely ever hear him speak.

Finnegan, on the other hand, is a loudmouthed player who constantly wants to be heard. Johnson heard him loud and clear and beat his head into the ground.

Johnson stands at 6'3", 225. He is the best receiver in the league and terrifying when provoked.

No. 1: James Harrison

James Harrison is the scariest person in the NFL. He is huge and doesn't seem to like anyone very much. He is known for destroying his opponent, sometimes leading to a fine. You have to pat Roger Goodell on the back for even having the courage to levy the fines.

Harrison defines the phrase beast. Everything about him is intimidating. His lurking presence on the field is enough to make a quarterback dread facing him on Sunday.

If I was ever in a bar fight, the person I would want to see behind me the most is James Harrison, no questions asked. Remember when he pile-drove this Browns fan? Hilarious.