Florida Football: Gators All-Time NFL Defensive Unit

Last week we took a look at the Gators all-time NFL offensive unit, so this week, we take a look at the Gators all-time defensive unit.

There is no doubt that the Gators have sent some pretty special talents to the NFL, and some of these names will definitely ring a bell. On the other hand, some players may not seem like the greatest, but they are the best available.

The criteria is the same as it was for the offensive players. Players have to be consistent, start a lot of games, have long careers and, hopefully, have the statistics and awards to back up their play. All this in the NFL of course.

The formation here is your basic 4-3 defense.

So here goes a list of the Florida Gators all-time NFL Defensive Unit. Enjoy.

Honorable Mention

Defensive Tackle- Alex Brown

Defensive End- Trace Armstrong

Linebacker- David Little

Linebacker- Godfrey Myles

Cornerback- Jimmy Spencer

Cornerback- John Symank

Safety- Don Fleming

Defensive End: Jevon Kearse

Jevon Kearse, or "the Freak," played for 11 seasons in the NFL, switching his time between the Tennessee Titans and the Philadelphia Eagles.

During his time in the NFL, Kearse recorded 314 tackles, 74 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and even had one interception.While Kearse was unfortunate enough not to be able to win the Super Bowl, he achieved a good deal of individual recognition for his achievements.

Kearse was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1999 and was selected AFC Defensive Player of the Year in the same season. He went to the Pro Bowl three times and was selected All-Pro once.

Defensive Tackle: Ellis Johnson

Ellis Johnson played in the NFL for 10 seasons with his career taking him to three cities; Indianapolis, Atlanta and Denver. During that time, Johnson put together quite a solid career.

With his ability to play either on the end or as a tackle, Johnson recorded 356 tackles, 51 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and three interceptions—returning one of those for a touchdown.

Defensive Tackle: Brad Culpepper

Brad Culpepper was a traveler just like Ellis Johnson. During his nine-year career, Culpepper played in over 100 games for the Minnesota Vikings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Chicago Bears.

Culpepper recorded 227 tackles, 34 sacks and forced six fumbles while playing as a professional.

Defensive End: Jack Youngblood

Jack Youngblood was quite a force during his 14-year career with the Los Angeles Rams. Youngblood entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and deservedly so.

While Youngblood never won the Super Bowl, he had a host of accomplishments both on the field—and off—that are reasons why he is considered one of the best players to play the game. A few of his accomplishments include; selection to the Pro bowl seven times, 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year and recording 151.5 sacks during his career.

To see a list of all Youngblood's accomplishments click here.

Outside Linebacker: Mike Peterson

Mike Peterson is still playing in the NFL and is currently playing for his third team, the Atlanta Falcons. Before the Falcons, Peterson played for the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars.

So far in his career, Peterson has recorded 1,172 tackles, 21.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and 18 interceptions, with one of those returned for a touchdown. Peterson has played in 175 regular season games starting 158 of them.

Peterson was a Second-team All-Pro selection 2005.

Inside Linebacker: Andra Davis

Andra Davis is another current player on this list. During his career, Davis has played for the Cleveland Browns, the Denver Broncos and the Buffalo Bills.

So far in his career Davis has recorded 787 tackles, 12 sacks, 5 forced fumbles and nine interceptions.

Outside Linebacker: Wilber Marshall

Wilber Marshall represented a lot of teams during his 12-year career in the NFL. The Chicago Bears, the Washington Redskins, the Houston Oilers, the Arizona Cardinals and the New York Jets.

Marshall recorded 1,043 tackles, 45 sacks, 24 forced fumbles and 23 interceptions during his career. He played 179 games and started in 153 of them. All these statistics led to even greater accomplishments.

Marshall was a three time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection as well as being NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1992. He was also a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Cornerback: Bernie Parrish

Bernie Parrish played in the NFL for nine seasons and appeared for two teams, the Cleveland Browns and the Houston Oilers.

Parrish recorded five fumble recoveries and 31 interceptions—returning three of those for touchdowns. Parrish was awarded off the field for his accomplishments as he was selected to the Pro Bowl two times and was a NFL champion in 1964.

Cornerback: Lito Sheppard

Lito Sheppard is another player still participating on Sundays. So far during his career, Sheppard has played for the Philadelphia Eagles, the New York Jets, the Minnesotta Vikings and is currently playing for the Oakland Raiders.

Sheppard has recorded 303 tackles, two sacks, three forced fumbles and 19 interceptions—three of them for touchdowns. Sheppard has been selected to the Pro Bowl two times and was also a two-time All-Pro selection.

Strong Safety: Jarvis Williams

Jarvis Williams appeared for two teams—the Miami Dolphins and the New York Giants—during his seven year career.

During that time, Williams recorded 575 tackles, three sacks, three forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and 16 interceptions—returning one for a touchdown.

Williams started 95 of the 104 games he appeared in.

Free Safety: Louis Oliver

Louis Oliver played in the NFL for eight seasons and appeared for two teams, the Miami Dolphins and the Cleveland Browns.

Oliver recorded 544 tackles, two sacks, four forced fumbles, eight fumble recoveries and 27 interceptions—returning two for touchdowns. Oliver was on the same Miami Dolphins team as Jarvis Williams.

During his career Oliver started 101 of the 117 regular season games he played in.