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New on Sports Illustrated: Florida and Missouri Brawl at Halftime, Ejections Follow

Three players were ejected after Florida and Missouri got into a brawl as both teams headed to the locker room at halftime.

Punches were thrown and three players were ejected during a brawl between Florida and Missouri players as both teams made their way to the locker room for halftime of Saturday night's game.

Defensive lineman Zachary Carter and linebacker Antwuan Powell were ejected for Florida, while Missouri linebacker Tre Williams was also disqualified.

Florida quarterback Kyle Trask took a late hit from defensive lineman Drajan Jeffcoat on the last play of the half, which seemed to fuel the fight that followed.

After order was eventually restored and the two sides made it to their respective locker rooms, Florida coach Dan Mullen encouraged the home crowd on his way to the tunnel, eventually returning to the field for more pump-up material.

Florida will play rival No. 5 Georgia next weekend, making any possible suspensions forFlorida players involved in the brawl that much more important. Missouri has a bye next week, but will face Georgia at home on Nov. 14.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Texas Upsets No. 6 Oklahoma State in OT for Longhorns' First Road Victory Over Top-10 Team Since 2010

The upset marks Oklahoma State's first loss of the season, and the Longhorns' first road win over a top-10 team since 2010..

With just 22 seconds left in overtime, Oklahoma State lined up on the 12 yard line, hoping to match Texas' touchdown and push it to double overtime. 

That is until the offensive line collapsed. 

Texas chased quarterback Spencer Sanders and sacked him close to the 25-yard-line, marking an end to the game.

The Longhorns stunned No. 6 Oklahoma State with a 41-34 victory, giving OKSU its first loss of the season and topping off a shocking night in Stillwater, OK.

Earlier that evening, Oklahoma State displayed yellow lines on its video board during Texas' field goal attempt in late in the second quarter. The Halloween trickery, if you will, didn't work. 

Oklahoma State dominated early with a 14-7 lead in the first quarter and a narrow 24-20 edge heading into half. However, the team's offensive edge seemed to stall and only scored 10 points in the next two quarters. 

The Longhorns scored 14 combined points, but it was Oklahoma State who made the field goal attempt that sent the game into overtime. 

Oklahoma State ended the tight with 530 total yards (400 passing) compared to Texas' 287 yards (169 passing). Oklahoma also tallied more average yards per pass (10) compared to Texas (4.8), but tallied four turnovers while the Longhorns had none. 

The upset victory marks Texas' first road win over a top 10 team since 2010.

New on Sports Illustrated: Rutgers' Near-Touchdown on 4th and 32 Must Be Seen to Be Believed

Facing an impossible situation, Rutgers got creative and dug into its bag of tricks to nearly pull off one of the most miraculous plays in recent memory.

They say desperate times call for desperate measures, and there are few moments more desperate than facing a 4th and 32 with two minutes left in the game trailing by 16. That's exactly the situation Rutgers found itself in on Saturday against No. 17 Indiana. The Scarlett Knights dug into their bag of tricks, and the result was nothing short miraculous:

Eight laterals and 33 seconds was all it took for pigs to fly and hell to freeze over. The glorious moment was, unfortunately, short-lived, as replay review showed a lateral by wide receiver Shameen Jones at the 35-yard line was thrown forward, negating the Piscataway Prayer in a cruel twist of fate.

Aside from actually counting, this play had everything, and choosing a favorite moment is a real 'Sophie's Choice' scenario. Here are a few standouts for consideration:

• The first truly transcendent moment of beauty and grace comes around the 9-second mark. By this point, the play has already seen two laterals and regressed to six yards behind the original line of scrimmage when offensive linemen Raiqwon O'Neal enters the fray. He scoops up a wild lateral from quarterback Noah Vedral that bounces off the turf and, after corralling the ball and immediately being swarmed by Indiana defenders, flings the ball backwards over his head like a bride tossing a bouquet.

• The ball somehow finds Jones, who caught the original pass from Vedral to start the play. He stumbles around the 30-yard line and is going down at the 35-yard line before throwing the ill-fated forward lateral.
• The ball ends up in the hands of offensive lineman Sam Vretman, who by this point has run more on one play than any offensive lineman should ever have to. He immediately hands it off to running back Aaron Young, who pitches it back to Vedral.
• Vedral throws the ball toward the sideline to wideout Bo Melton, who follows his convoy of blockers and wins the footrace to the end zone.

The play might not have officially counted, but it was a joy to watch and will live on forever in the hearts of all who saw it (and especially so for those who bet on Indiana to cover the 11-point spread).

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New on Sports Illustrated: In Impressive Starting Debut, the Young D.J. Uiagalelei Shows He's Up for the Challenge

The true freshman QB had an impressive starting debut, but the stakes will be even higher next week.

So far, so very good for D.J. Uiagalelei. But the next challenge is so very big.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said Saturday after his team’s 34–28 comeback victory over Boston College that star quarterback Trevor Lawrence won’t play next week at Notre Dame. That will be his second straight missed game after testing positive for COVID-19 Thursday. And that means the showdown of top-five teams in South Bend will be the second collegiate start for Uiagalelei, the five-star freshman from California.

His first start was pretty spectacular: 30 of 41 passing for 342 yards and two touchdowns, plus another touchdown rushing. Uiagalelei’s rocket arm, athleticism and poise were all on display against the Eagles, as he led Clemson back from an 18-point deficit—the largest home comeback in school history.

“It shows he has the heart of a champion,” said Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott.

Despite that shiny first college start, the Tigers surely would feel better taking on the Fighting Irish with Lawrence, who has a 31–1 record as a college starter. Lawrence’s 10-day Atlantic Coast Conference window since testing positive would be closed in time for him to play against the Irish, but Swinney said Saturday that “you have the cardiac part. He won’t be able to get through that in time to play.”

The ACC’s cardiac protocols were released in August: “Based on the [medical advisory group’s] consultation with multiple cardiologists, at a minimum, every student-athlete, symptomatic or otherwise, who tested positive shall undergo a cardiac evaluation that includes an electrocardiogram (ECG), a troponin test, and an echocardiogram after isolation and before a phased return to exercise and re-acclimatization.” However, as Sports Illustrated reported earlier this week, some sports cardiologists are no longer recommending any cardiac screenings for those who experience mild or no symptoms. Lawrence has said he has mild symptoms.

Barring some change in protocol or diagnostic timing, Uiagalelei’s next start will be against a Notre Dame defense that entered this Saturday second nationally in scoring defense (9.8 points allowed) among teams that have played more than one game, and fourth in total defense (273 yards allowed). The Irish backed that up by throttling Georgia Tech Saturday, allowing only one offensive touchdown in a 31–13 stroll.

While the challenge will be great, don’t expect Uiagalelei to be rattled by it. He’s been a big deal for years, a phenom prospect who played for the Southern California powerhouse St. John Bosco High School. He didn’t come to Clemson to avoid the spotlight.

“I’ve been preparing myself like I was a starter all along,” he said Saturday. “I was ready to go.”

News came down of Lawrence’s positive test Thursday at 12:45 p.m., according to Elliott. Swinney found Uiagalelei in the quarterback room at the Clemson football facility, studying film, and informed him that he was now the starting QB for the No. 1 team in the nation.

What followed was a 48-hour crash course with the starting offense, but both Uiagalelei and Elliott said the gameplan for B.C. didn’t really change from what it had been all week. Elliott gave him a list of potential play calls, and Uiagalelei checked off the ones he liked and those he didn’t, as usual. Lawrence texted his support Thursday and again Saturday morning.

“I was just bummed out he couldn’t play,” Uiagalelei said. “He told me he had total faith in me.”

Among the other texts D.J. received was one from former USC star Reggie Bush, who Uiagalelei said is his favorite player. When that one came in he thought, “Dang, I’ve got to play good today.”

And then he did. Uiagalelei had a pedestrian 108.25 pass efficiency rating through Clemson’s first six games, completing 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards. His efficiency rating Saturday: 159.34.

“We pressured him a bunch but they did a good job protecting,” Boston College coach Jeff Hafley said. “They did a great job on third down. We tried to rattle him, we tried to get after him on third down. … He’s got a big time arm. He’s a good kid and he’s got a bright future. I would have loved to rattle him a bit more but they did a good job protecting and executing. Hats off to him, he’s going to be a really good football player.”

Thing is, Uiagalelei had to be good, because this was a major struggle for Clemson as a whole against the Eagles.

Boston College rolled through the Tigers defense for touchdowns on its first two possessions, taking a 14–7 lead into the second quarter. Then Clemson turned a touchdown drive into a disaster at the goal line, when Uiagaeleli and star running back Travis Etienne botched a handoff—a mistake Elliott attributed to Etienne. B.C. defensive back Brandon Sebastian scooped it and ran 97 yards the other way for a shocking 21–7 lead.

That marked the first time Clemson had trailed by two touchdowns in six years. And it got worse from there.

The deficit grew to 28–10 after another long Eagles drive. But from that point on, the Tigers defense finally took control and Uiagalelei calmly guided four scoring drives to regain the lead.

“What I loved the most was his poise, demeanor,” Swinney said of his freshman QB. “He led the team. Everybody saw what we saw all the time as far as his demeanor."

Elliott began the game giving Uiagalelei a steady diet of short throws, most of them quick plays that didn’t require much reading of the B.C. safeties. But as the game progressed the playbook opened, and there were more throws downfield. Senior receiver Cornell Powell, who Elliott said was “really challenged” by Swinney this week to step up amid multiple injuries at that position, responded with career highs of 11 catches and 105 yards (his previous highs were five and 50, respectively).

But the true security blanket was, as always, Etienne. He became the ACC’s all-time leading rusher during the game, but it was his receiving out of the backfield that provided Clemson’s biggest weapon. He had seven catches for 140 yards and finished the game with 264 all-purpose yards.

Etienne will be counted on all the more in South Bend next week, as the journey without the best player in college football ratchets up a notch in terms of difficulty. But the Tigers also can go into that road showdown knowing that their next great quarterback is talented enough and confident enough for that challenge.

More Clemson Coverage From SI.com:

Uncommon Victory Gives Clemson Confidence Going Forward
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New on Sports Illustrated: Biopic on Randy Arozarena in the Works After Breakout Postseason

Arozarena set records for most home runs and hits in a single postseason during Tampa Bay's World Series run.

Following his record-setting playoff run that saw him set a new record for home runs (10) and hits (29) in a single postseason, the Randy Arozarena story is reportedly on its way to the silver screen.

Wonderfilm Media is in early stages of production on a biopic around Arozarena,

according to The Hollywood Reporter. The film's screenplay will be penned by Brad Gann, whose writing credits include 2006's 'Invincible' about the unlikely NFL career of Vince Papale; and 2011's 'Soul Surfer' about surfer Bethany Hamilton, who survived a horrific shark attack before recovering and returning to professional surfing.

Arozarena defected from Cuba to Mexico in 2015 before signing with the Cardinals in 2016. He made his major league debut in 2019 before getting traded to the Rays in January 2020. Arozarena missed the first five weeks of this season after contracting COVID-19, but eventually recovered and made his Tampa Bay debut on Aug. 30.

“Randy’s story is so inspirational—his journey grabs at your heart and this film will explore the triumphs of the human spirit when driven and focused,” Wonderfilm’s Bret Saxon said in a statement.

Arozarena grew up a talented soccer player in addition to his exploits on the diamond—his younger brother, Raiko, is a professional goalkeeper playing in Mexico. His father's death in 2014, when Aroznarena was just 15 years old, spurred him into pursuing a professional baseball carer in the U.S.

“You honestly just have to risk your life for your family,” Arozarena said to Juan Toribio of MLB.com earlier this month. “I took the chance and thankfully, I got here without any problems, and now I’m representing the Tampa Bay Rays.”

Production on the Arozarena film is expected to begin in late 2021. It will be produced by Jeff Bowler and Saxon, with William J. Macdonald, Alex Zakrzeski, John Lewis and Gregg Backer serving as executive producers.

New on Sports Illustrated: 10 Best Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Players of All Time

These are the top 10 Pittsburgh Steelers defensive players of all time. The Steelers have always been known for tough defense and these are the men that built that reputation.

Linebacker James Harrison is one of the best defensive players in Steelers' history.

There are two ways to win a football game: score more points than your opponent or prevent them from scoring more points than you. For the last fifty years, the Steelers have excelled at the latter.

During the ‘70s, the Steelers' Steel Curtain defense was a 4–3 scheme with a dominant front four, three athletic linebackers and hard-hitting defensive backs. The ‘90s ushered in the Blitzburgh era, marked by hyper-aggressive linebackers who relentlessly ran down quarterbacks. During the Super Bowl years of the mid-2000s, the addition of a roving, tenacious, strong safety made the Steelers defense even more dangerous.

The Steelers defense has ranked in the top five for points allowed in a season 17 times since 1972. During that same period, Pittsburgh has won six Super Bowls and eight AFC championships. Even during the pre-Super Bowl era, when the Steelers rarely posted a winning season, they still fielded powerful defenses. In 1957, the Steelers ranked first in the NFL for yards allowed and second for points allowed.

Choosing the Top Defenders in Steelers History

The players on this list are the best Steelers defensive players of all time. They made the cut based on:

• their dominance during the time in which they played,
• stats and accolades,
• contributions to championships,
• and overall value to the Steelers organization.

Ultimately, these players on this list are not only the greatest defensive players in Steeler franchise history but also some of the best the NFL has ever seen.

10. Jack Butler

Defensive Back, 1951–59

Today, Jack Butler is somewhat of an unsung hero from pre-Super-Bowl-era Steelers lore. While it is true that the franchise struggled through most of its early history, there were bright spots and a few superstars, and Butler was one of them.

In nine seasons, he intercepted an impressive 52 passes and took four of them back for touchdowns. He ranks second in franchise history for career interceptions, behind only Mel Blount. He made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams even though the Steelers could only put together two winning seasons during Butler’s tenure.

Butler finally joined other great

Steelers in the Hall of Fame when he was enshrined with the class of 2012, more than 50 years after his retirement from the NFL. He is an all-time Steelers great from a time when greatness was hard to come by.

Jersey Number: 80

Accolades

• 4 Pro Bowls
• 3 All-Pro Selections
• Hall of Fame Class of 2012

Stats

• 9 Seasons
• 104 Games
• 52 Interceptions for 827 Yards and 4 Touchdowns
• 10 Fumble Recoveries for 38 Yards and 1 Touchdown

9. Kevin Greene

Linebacker, 1993–95

It is tough to decide where Kevin Greene should rank among the best Steelers defensive players. He is a Hall of Famer and one of the top linebackers of all time, a pass-rushing machine with a nonstop motor. He played opposite fellow outside linebacker Greg Lloyd in an aggressive 3–4 defense, and the pair pummeled quarterbacks for three amazing seasons in Pittsburgh. Greene’s time in the Steel City culminated in a trip to Super Bowl XXX, an achievement he played no small part in.

On the other hand, he only spent three seasons in Pittsburgh before moving on to the Panthers after the Super Bowl season of 1995. For that reason alone, it seems unfair to rank him higher than other Steelers greats who spent all or most of their careers in the black and gold. Greene is one of those players that Steeler Nation sure would have liked to have stuck around longer.

Jersey Number: 91

Accolades

• 2 Pro Bowls
• 1 All-Pro Selection
• Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Stats

• 3 Seasons
• 48 Games
• 35.5 Sacks
• 1 Interception
• 6 Fumble Recoveries

8. Ernie Stautner

Defensive Tackle, 1950–63

Like Jack Butler, Ernie Stautner was a Hall-of-Fame-caliber defensive player during an era when the Steelers rarely posted a winning season. Undersized at only 230 pounds, he made up for it with toughness and tenacity. Thanks to his gritty style of play, Stautner and players like him began to cultivate the reputation for tough, hard-hitting defensive football that the Steelers are still known for today.

Stautner made the Pro Bowl roster nine times and the All-Pro team once in his 14-year career. In 1964, the Steelers retired his No. 70 jersey. For a long time, he was the only player in Steeler franchise history to have his jersey retired by the franchise, though Joe Greene joined him in that honor in 2014. Ernie Stautner was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1969.

Jersey Number: 70

Accolades

• 9 Pro Bowls
• 1 All-Pro Selection
• Hall of Fame Class of 1969

Stats

• 14 Seasons
• 173 Games
• 2 Interceptions
• 23 Fumble Recoveries
• 3 Safeties

7. Mel Blount

Cornerback, 1970–83

Mel Blount was one of the toughest cornerbacks of his era. At 6’3” tall, he towered over most wide receivers and his physical playing style fit in perfectly with Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense. Blount’s aggressive abuse of receivers eventually led to a rule change and today, defensive backs are no longer allowed to contact receivers more than five yards beyond the line of scrimmage.

Blount played 200 games as a Steeler, intercepted 57 passes and made five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. In 1975, he earned the award for NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and throughout the ‘70s, he helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls. Blount was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1989.

Jersey Number: 47

Accolades

• 5 Pro Bowls
• 2 All-Pro Selections
• 4 Super Bowl Championships
• 1975 Defensive Player of the Year
• Hall of Fame Class of 1989

Stats

• 14 Seasons
• 200 Games
• 57 Interceptions for 736 Yards and 2 Touchdowns
• 13 Fumble Recoveries, 2 Touchdowns

James Harrison (92) is the Steelers' All-Time sack leader.

6. James Harrison

Linebacker, 2002, 2004–12, 2014–2017

Linebacker James Harrison chased down quarterbacks for 14 seasons with the Steelers. He is the franchise’s all-time leading pass rusher with 80.5 sacks, and he played a major role in two Super Bowl championships. He made five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams during 177 games as a Steeler and he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2008. Harrison's 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII helped solidify one of the biggest wins in Steelers' history.

Harrison took the long road to NFL stardom and struggled to make the roster with both the Steelers and Ravens as a young player. He spent some time with the Rhein Fire of NFL Europe before returning to the Steelers and eventually becoming a full-time starter in 2007. The rest is history, as Harrison went on to become one of the most dangerous pass rushers in the NFL and a major problem for any offensive coordinator that faced the Steelers.

Jersey Number: 92

Accolades

• 5 Pro Bowls
• 2 All-Pro Selections
• 2 Super Bowl Championships
• 2008 Defensive Player of the Year

Stats

• 14 Seasons
• 177 Games
• 80.5 Sacks
• 7 Interceptions for 86 Yards
• 8 Fumble Recoveries

5. Rod Woodson

Cornerback, 1987–96

Woodson was a cornerback and return man with blazing speed. Drafted by the Steelers in 1987, he made his first of six straight Pro Bowls in 1989. In 10 seasons as a Steeler, he made a total of seven Pro Bowls and was voted an All-Pro five times. He intercepted 38 passes and returned five for touchdowns. Woodson was awarded the Defensive Player of the Year in 1993.

As a return man, Woodson ran back two kicks and two punts for scores during his time with the Steelers. He was a star player during a time when the Steelers had few and a scoring threat any time he got his hands on the ball. Because of Woodson and other players in the early ‘90s, the Steelers were able to return to their former glory and make the playoffs under new head coach Bill Cowher. Woodson missed the 1995 regular season with a knee injury but still managed to play in the Super Bowl that year. Woodson was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.

Jersey Number: 26

Accolades

• 7 Pro Bowls
• 5 All-Pro Selections
• 1993 Defensive Player of the Year
• Hall of Fame Class of 2009

Stats

• Seasons 10
• 134 Games
• 38 Interceptions for 779 Yards and 5 Touchdowns
• 21 Fumbles Recovered for 1 Touchdown
• 257 Punt Returns for 2,362 Yards and 2 Touchdowns
• 220 Kick Returns for 4,894 Yards and 2 Touchdowns

4. Jack Ham

Linebacker, 1971–82

Jack Ham was not only the best outside linebacker ever to put on a Steelers uniform, but he was also one of the best in NFL history. He came to the Steelers in 1971 as part of a draft class that included safety Mike Wagner and defensive tackle Ernie Holmes, two more defensive stars who, along with Ham, were part of the Steelers dynasty of the '70s.

Ham made eight straight Pro Bowls and six straight All-Pro teams in his 12 seasons with the Steelers. He was an excellent all-around athlete with the strength to handle blockers, the speed to cover running backs and the intelligence to make the right decisions. He was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1988.

Jersey Number: 59

Accolades

• 8 Pro Bowls
• 6 All-Pro Selections
• 4 Super Bowl Championships
• Hall of Fame Class of 1988

Stats

• 12 Seasons
• 162 Games
• 32 Interceptions for 218 yards and 1 Touchdown
• 21 Fumble Recoveries for 1 Touchdown
• 3 Sacks

Troy Polamalu (43) is one of the best defensive players in Steelers history.

3. Troy Polamalu

Safety, 2003–14

As a Steelers fan, it is fun to imagine how much sleep offensive coordinators must have lost during the nights before facing Troy Polamalu and the Pittsburgh defense. While the Pittsburgh pass rush and run defense were highly ranked in the mid-2000s, Troy Polamalu was the heart and soul of the defense.

Polamalu was an unpredictable terror with the freedom to make made bold decisions that offenses often didn’t expect. In his prime, he seemed to be everywhere at once and there was little an opposing quarterback could do to avoid him. During 12 seasons, he helped the Steelers win two Super Bowls and three AFC championships. He made eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams and was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. He intercepted 32 passes, recovered seven fumbles, and in 158 games, he scored five defensive touchdowns.

Jersey Number: 43

Accolades

• 8 Pro Bowls
• 4 All-Pro Selections
• 2010 Defensive Player of the Year
• 2 Super Bowl Championships

Stats

• 12 Seasons
• 158 Games
• 32 Interceptions for 398 Yards and 3 Touchdowns
• 7 Fumbles Recovered for 2 Touchdowns
• 12 Sacks

2. Jack Lambert

Linebacker, 1974–84

As a rookie, Jack Lambert filled in at middle linebacker when starter Henry Davis got injured. Davis never got his job back. Lambert earned Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974, and Defensive Player of the Year in 1976. Throughout 11 seasons, he made nine Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams.

Lambert was a terrifying presence with missing front teeth and a perpetual scowl on his face. He wore huge shoulder pads with a neck roll, and at 6’4”, he loomed over quarterbacks before the snap like a dark, menacing storm cloud. In reality, he was an undersized linebacker even for his era. Though listed at 220 pounds, according to some accounts, he was much lighter.

It didn’t matter. Lambert was ferocious on the field and seemed to treat every play like a street fight. He set the tone for an unforgiving Pittsburgh defense that won four Super Bowl championships for the Steelers. Today he is regarded as one of the best middle linebackers ever to play the game.

Lambert was enshrined in the Hall of Fame with the class of 1990.

Jersey Number: 58

Accolades

• 9 Pro Bowls
• 6 All-Pro Selections
• 1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year
• 1976 Defensive Player of the Year
• 4 Super Bowl Championships
• Hall of Fame Class of 1990

Stats

• 11 Seasons
• 146 Games
• 28 Interceptions for 243 Yards
• 17 Fumble Recoveries
• 8 Sacks

1. Joe Greene

Defensive Tackle, 1969–81

Though it might be hard to imagine today, the years before the arrival of head coach Chuck Noll in 1969 were dark days for the Steelers. With the exception of a few years here and there, for the better part of four decades, the Steelers were rarely able to cobble together a winning season.

In 1969, Noll drafted a defensive tackle named Joe Greene, and the tide began to turn. Greene was named Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1969, and the Steelers continued to draft well over the next few years. By 1972, the Steelers had their first winning season since 1963 and defeated the Raiders for the franchise’s first-ever playoff win. In 1974, the Pittsburgh Steelers won the Super Bowl.

The Steelers won three more Super Bowls during the 1970s and are widely considered the Team of the Decade. Today, Pittsburgh is one of the most successful NFL franchises in history. It all started with Joe Greene.

“Mean” Joe Greene played for 13 seasons in Pittsburgh. He was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1972 and '74, and he made an amazing 10 Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Greene was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1987. In 2014, he joined Ernie Stautner as one of two Steelers to ever have their jersey numbers officially retired by the organization.

Jersey Number: 75

Accolades

• 10 Pro Bowls
• 4 All-Pro Selections
• 1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year
• 1972 Defensive Player of the Year
• 1974 Defensive Player of the Year
• 4 Super Bowl Championships
• Hall of Fame Class of 1987

Stats

• 13 Seasons
• 181 Games
• 1 Interception for 26 Yards
• 1 Fumble Recovery

Who Is the Best Steelers Defensive Player of All Time?

Joe Greene is the greatest Steelers player of all time and is regarded as one of the best defensive tackles ever to play in the NFL. He made more Pro Bowls than any other Steeler in history and earned Defensive Player of the Year twice. He was a hard-nosed player who didn’t tolerate losing and set the tone for the Steel Curtain defense.

Joey Porter, former player and linebackers coach for the Steelers, was a hard-charging linebacker who played with a ton of heart.

Honorable Mentions

L.C. Greenwood

Defensive End, 1969–81

Greenwood arrived in Pittsburgh with the 1969 draft—the same year as Joe Greene. The pair lined up alongside each other from 1969 to '81 and made up half of the original Steel Curtain defensive line. Greenwood made six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro rosters. Many Steelers fans believe he deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Donnie Shell

Safety, 1974–87

Shell is an old-school Steeler who was finally inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2020. He helped win four Super Bowls and intercepted 51 passes in his 14-year career. He made the Pro Bowl five times and All-Pro three times.

Greg Lloyd

Linebacker, 1988–97

Lloyd was an intimidating linebacker with a bad on-field attitude who would have fit in perfectly with the Steelers of the 1970s. He made five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams as a Steeler and racked up a total of 53.5 sacks. Lloyd helped the Steelers make it back to the Super Bowl in 1995 where they lost to the Cowboys.

Jason Gildon

Linebacker, 1994–2003

Gildon’s 77 career sacks rank him second behind James Harrison in franchise history. He was a prototypical Steelers pass rusher who made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro team during his time in Pittsburgh.

Carnell Lake

Defensive Back, 1989–98

Lake was a linebacker in college who became a Pro-Bowl safety in the NFL. He had an All-Pro season at cornerback as well when Steelers cornerback Rod Woodson left and Coach Bill Cowher asked Lake to fill in. During his time in Pittsburgh, Lake made the Pro Bowl four times and All-Pro once.

Joey Porter

Linebacker, 1999–2006

Porter was an aggressive pass rusher who tallied 60 sacks during his eight years as a Steeler, putting him third in team history. He made three Pro Bowls and one All-Pro roster as Steeler and helped Pittsburgh win a Super Bowl in 2005.

Steelers All-Time Sacks Leaders

Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Records

Interceptions All-Time

Mel Blount (1970-1983): 57

Interceptions in a Season

Mel Blount (1975): 11

Sacks All-Time

James Harrison (2002–17): 80.5

Sacks in a Season

James Harrison (2008): 16

Safeties All-Time

Ernie Stautner (1950–63): 3

Bill McPeak (1949–57): 3

Steelers All-Time Interception Leaders

What Was the Steel Curtain?

Most Steelers fans have heard about the Steel Curtain defense. It has become a term practically synonymous with Pittsburgh football, but it is occasionally misused and misunderstood. The era of the Steel Curtain was a specific time period in the 1970s, and while it is poetic to use the term for modern Steelers defenses, it really isn't accurate.

The Steel Curtain often is used to refer to the entire Steelers defense of the '70s Super Bowl period, a definition that is acceptable in the eyes of most Steelers fans. However, Steelers sticklers will tell you the term Steel Curtain refers only to the front four defensive linemen.

Who Were the Original Steel Curtain?

• L.C. Greenwood: Defensive End
• Joe Greene: Defensive Tackle
• Ernie Holmes: Defensive Tackle
• Dwight White: Defensive End

These four players teamed up from 1971 to '77, making for one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history. Holmes left the team in '77 and was replaced by defensive tackles John Banaszak, Gary Dunn and Steve Furness for the final two Super Bowls championships of the era.

Top-Ranked Steelers Defenses

Defense Wins Championships

They say that defense wins championships, but this may no longer be true in the modern NFL. I'm not convinced an NFL team can win a Super Bowl today without a great quarterback and a powerful offense. Even the best defenses struggle to contain the top-level, high-scoring offenses in the modern-era NFL.

But if you do happen to have a great quarterback and an offense capable of putting four touchdowns on the board every game, a strong defense can still make a big difference. Games in today's NFL are often battles of attrition, and stopping your opponent from scoring more points than you is still a valid game plan.

The Steelers of the '70s stopped offenses in their tracks with a tenacious front four called the Steel Curtain. Blitzburgh of the '90s relentlessly chased down quarterbacks. The Steelers defense of the mid-2000s confused opponents with a ferocious pass rush and an unpredictable All-Pro strong safety.

The Steelers of today still play great defense . . . maybe even championship caliber. But without an offense that can put points on the board, they may never achieve what their predecessors had.

Time will tell. The NFL is always changing, and defenses today have more to worry about than any other time in the history of the league.

Stats and Reference

• Pro Football Reference

New on Sports Illustrated: Sue Bird, Megan Rapinoe Get Engaged

The power couple met at the 2016 Rio Olympics and were the first openly gay couple to appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue.

Power couple Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe are engaged. 

Bird posted a photo on Instagram of Rapinoe on one knee, putting a ring on the Seattle Storm guard's left hand ring finger. 

The couple met at a sponsor event at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and hit it off. They were the first openly gay couple to

appear on the cover of ESPN The Magazine's Body Issue. 

Since Bird revealed the two were dating, the Seattle sports stars became an iconic couple within the LGBTQ community. Bird's authentic history features three-time WNBA champion with the Storm, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, a three-time FIBA World Champion, and two NCAA titles at UConn.

Rapinoe has an equally impressive resume, boasting an Olympic gold medal, two Women’s World Cup titles and the 2005 NCAA title from her time at the University of Portland.

Rapinoe and Bird have been outspoken in their support of one another, both writing pieces in Player's Tribune within the last year. The soccer legend wrote a WNBA Finals Preview earlier this month while the basketball icon penned "So the President F*cking Hates My Girlfriend" as a World Cup Semifinals preview in July 2019. 

The two are often seen supporting each other on the sidelines, like when Bird cheered on as Rapinoe (who was a co-captain of the US Women's National Soccer Team) led her team to victory in the 2019 World Cup and vice versa when Bird and the Seattle Storm dominated the 2020 WNBA Finals. 

As the Seattle Storm tweeted, it's ring season for the two love birds. 

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New on Sports Illustrated: Trevor Lawrence's Positive COVID-19 Test Throws Status for Notre Dame Showdown Into Doubt

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence's positive COVID-19 test throws his availability for next Saturday's showdown against No. 4 Notre Dame into doubt.

Trevor Lawrence had a hell of a summer.

He became the face of college football, if he wasn’t already. The Clemson quarterback

spoke out about racial injustice, even releasing his own plan for change. He led the #WeWantToPlay movement, as hundreds of college football players expressed their desires to play this fall. He and his fiancée also started a GoFundMe page to help with COVID-19 relief efforts.

And on the football field, he was good too. He has led the No. 1-ranked Tigers to a 6-0 record, passed for 1,833 yards, thrown 17 touchdowns and completed 70% of his attempts. In fact, Lawrence had positioned himself as the top pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Things were going quite well.

And then he tested positive for COVID-19 nine days from Clemson’s showdown with No. 4 Notre Dame.

The news, broken Thursday night by NFL Network, reverberated through the college football world. Later on, Clemson confirmed the news that Lawrence would enter the mandatory 10 days of isolation and miss this weekend’s game against Boston College. However, the school’s release was missing a significant detail: his status for the game against the Irish on Nov. 7.

That’s because it’s complicated, so complex in fact that even high-ranking Clemson staff members contacted Thursday weren’t completely sure themselves.

What is known: Lawrence’s collection of the testing sample came during weekly testing Wednesday. He was the only positive result among players, sources told SI. The school is confident that contact tracing will not turn up new positives, referring to this as an “isolated positive.” High-risk contacts are mostly found in roommates. Lawrence lives alone (he does, however, have a fiancée, as previously mentioned).

Meanwhile, Clemson may be just fine this weekend. Lawrence’s replacement is the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the 2020 recruiting class. While he’s big and gifted, D.J. Uiagalelei is still a true freshman.

But let’s get back to that big, unanswered question: Will Lawrence be eligible to play against Notre Dame?

The answer is, indeed, complicated and it does include several hypotheticals, but Lawrence could very well be cleared and out of isolation in time to play the Irish, sources at Clemson told SI on Thursday night.

The 10-day isolation clock doesn’t actually start from the time of isolation. It begins in two ways, according to CDC guidelines: 1) on the date in which the positive test sample was collected (in Lawrence’s case, Wednesday morning, which could mean a Saturday morning return) or 2) the date in which symptoms began (which is estimated to be on or around Wednesday, or potentially before).

Lawrence passed a COVID-19 test on Sunday. So at some point between then and Wednesday morning’s test, he contracted the virus.

And so, here we are, wondering if college football’s best player will play in one of college football’s biggest games.

Welcome to 2020, where we’ve now had the sport’s best player and best coach (Nick Saban) test positive for the coronavirus. Saban’s test was ruled a false positive after he tested negative three times over three ensuing days.

Clemson retested Lawrence a second time to ensure the result. It was positive.

And now comes the waiting and guessing game. Would Lawrence play in Clemson’s biggest game after having practiced very little or not at all? Will his symptoms subside enough to allow him to exit isolation in time? And when did his symptoms actually start?

Conceivably, he could have contracted the virus as early as Sunday. If that’s the case, he could have experienced symptoms as soon as two days later, Tuesday.

“He may have had symptoms Monday or Tuesday,” says a source at the school. “We’ll have to wade through that.”

And it’s not like it’s any old game, right?

“It’s Notre Dame,” the source said. “It’s not like we have a bye week. It’s the game.”

New on Sports Illustrated: Atlanta's Charles Harris Ejected After Unsportsmanlike Hit on Teddy Bridgewater

Bridgewater took a blow to the head while being sacked, causing him to leave the game. He eventually returned in the fourth quarter.

Late in the third quarter of the Panthers' Thursday Night Football game against the Falcons, Carolina quarterback Teddy Bridgewater suffered a blow to the head from Atlanta pass rusher Charles Harris. Bridgewater exited the game and was replaced by backup P.J. Walker, though he eventually returned in the fourth quarter.

Harris was penalized and ejected from the game. The penalty occurred on third down and extended Carolina's drive, which ended with a 39-yard field goal from Joey Slye, cutting Atlanta's lead to 19-17.

To that point, Bridgewater was 10-for-15 for 112 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed three times for 22 yards.

Walker made a name for himself during the short-lived XFL season, which was eventually canceled because of the pandemic. He led the Houston Roughnecks to a 5-0 record before signing with Carolina in March, reuniting him with his former college coach Matt Rhule, who coached Walker at Temple from 2013-16.

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New on Sports Illustrated: Clemson's Trevor Lawrence Tests Positive for COVID-19

Lawrence is 31-1 as a starter, and coming into today, the quarterback was -175 to win the 2020 Heisman Trophy.

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has

tested positive for COVID-19, head coach Dabo Swinney confirmed on Thursday. NFL Network was first to report the news.

"Trevor has authorized us this evening to announce that he has tested positive for COVID-19 and is now in isolation," Swinney said in a statement. "He is doing well with mild symptoms but will not be available for this week's game against Boston College. While we certainly will miss Trevor, this is an opportunity for other guys to step up and we're excited about competing against a very good BC team on Saturday. Go Tigers."

Lawrence later issued the following statement on social media:

"I have tested positive for COVID-19, and my symptoms have been relatively mild while I'm following the protocol from Clemson and the ACC," he said. "The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love. I hate that I can't be there, but I'll be watching from isolation and pulling for our guys while I wait for the opportunity [to] rejoin the team. God bless and go Tigers!"

Per Sports Illustrated's Ross Dellenger, Lawrence received his test results Thursday from Wednesday's full-team testing. The quarterback was the only positive, a source tells SI. Dellenger adds Clemson believes this is an isolated positive.

Barring a change a la Nick Saban, Lawrence is expected to miss Saturday's contest against Boston College. His status for Clemson's matchup against Notre Dame looms large. D.J. Uiagalelei, a five-star recruit from the 2020 class, is the Tigers' backup quarterback.

The ACC operates under CDC guidelines, as Dellenger points out, so a player who tested positive must isolate 10 days from the time of their positive test.

The news comes just over an hour after Swinney leaves the door open for Lawrence's future, saying he would be 'surprised' if the quarterback returned to Clemson for his senior year. 

Lawrence has tallied 1,833 yards and 17 touchdowns in six games this season. He's 31-1 as a starter, and coming into today, the quarterback was -175 to win the 2020 Heisman Trophy. 

New on Sports Illustrated: Report: A.J. Hinch Emerges as Favorite to Become Detroit Tigers Manager

Hinch was fired by the Astros in January for his role in the team's sign-stealing scandal, and subsequently served a one-year suspension.

Former Houston Astros manager A.J. Hinch is the favorite to become the next manager of the Detroit Tigers,

according to ESPN's Buster Olney. A final decision is is expected soon, as Detroit is making "decisive progress" toward finalizing a deal.

Hinch managed the Astros from 2015-19, leading the franchise to a World Series title in 2017. He was fired in January and handed a one-year suspension by Major League Baseball for his role in Houston's 2017-18 sign-stealing scandal.

Hinch did not devise the scandal, yet he was punished for his role in allowing it to happen. He expressed regret for his inaction weeks after his firing with SI's Tom Verducci.

“I regret so much about that and it’s so complicated and so deep and there are parts that are hard to talk about but taking responsibility as the manager … it happened on my watch. I’m not proud of that," Hinch said. "I’ll never be proud of it. I didn’t like it. But I have to own it because I was in a leadership position. And the commissioner’s office made it very, very clear that the GM and the manager were in position to make sure nothing like this happened—and we fell short.”

Hinch led the Astros to the postseason in four of his five seasons as manager, winning two American League pennants. He was hired as the Arizona Diamondbacks manager in the middle of the 2009 season but was fired a little over a year later after just 212 games.

The Tigers are looking to fill their managerial position after former skipper Ron Gardenhire abruptly stepped down in September, citing health reasons. Detroit has not made the postseason since 2014.

New on Sports Illustrated: Nebraska Keeps Defying the Big Ten, Responding to Adversity With Petulance

The school has been much more of an antagonist than a Big Ten loyalist in 2020.

Nebraska is in its 10th season as a member of the Big Ten Conference. It has played 78 league games since relocating from the Big 12 (losing 38 of them). And yet the school continues to act like it has no idea how to be a cohesive member.

Are the Cornhuskers slow learners, tone deaf, willfully belligerent or still clinging to an outdated sense of blueblood entitlement?

Maybe all of the above. Because here we are again, with another case of Why Nebraska and the Big Ten Can't Get Along.

They certainly didn’t read the Big Ten room very astutely this week, finding yet another way to tick off everyone but their Ohio State bromancers. After losing their upcoming game against

Wisconsin due to the Badgers’ COVID-19 issues, the Huskers once again responded to adversity with petulance. Then with an attempt to flout the league rules. Then with another statement when everyone said, once more, “What’s up with these people?”

The petulance: Some fans said the Wisconsin game should be a forfeit instead of declared “no contest,” because (by the thinnest of technicalities), the Badgers could have tried to play. That likely would have changed by Thursday, when Wisconsin reported three more positive tests.

Then it got worse. Nebraska’s IMG radio affiliate, Husker Sports, tweeted a poll that idiotically suggested a conspiracy against the school. “If the roles were reversed and the Huskers had (six) players and (six) staff members sitting out with positive tests, would the game be played Saturday?” This, of course, follows the thinking that the Big Ten office stuck it to Nebraska by giving it a tough early schedule. The perpetual victimhood emanating from the program in 2020 is really something.

That poll eventually was deleted, but not until after it ran for a good long time.

Meanwhile, Nebraska’s administration negotiated a fill-in game against Chattanooga for Saturday. Only after setting up a deal to pay the FCS school a reported $200,000-250,000 for the game did the Huskers get around to asking the Big Ten if, ya know, anyone would mind changing the previously agreed upon 2020 rules against non-conference games.

That request was put before the league presidents and commissioners on a previously scheduled conference call Thursday. It was swatted back to Lincoln at warp speed, with no need for a formal vote. Nobody else was in favor of enabling the latest Nebraska power trip.

This led to another in a series of statements from the school attempting to justify a decision that left the rest of the league wondering what Nebraska’s deal is. It contained some gems.

Start with this sentence: “The discussions we had were with teams that had already implemented stricter testing protocols than those mandated by the Big Ten Conference.” A shot at the league’s testing? It would seem so.

Next: “(T)he young men in our program have worked hard to prepare for the football season and have made the necessary sacrifices in order to play in this unusual environment. With an already shortened season, we owed it to our student-athletes to explore any possible option to play a game this week.” Including paying up to a quarter million dollars for a glorified scrimmage, a little more than two months after furloughing 51 athletic department workers. Wonder how they feel about that outlay of cash while sitting at home not collecting a paycheck?

Also, are we to believe that Nebraska will try this hard for its other sports? Or is this a football-only imperative?

And there is this: “We believe the flexibility to play non-conference games could have been beneficial not only for Nebraska, but other Big Ten teams who may be in a similar position as the season progresses. The ability for all Big Ten members to play a non-conference game if needed could provide another data point for possible College Football Playoff and bowl consideration.” Ah, here Nebraska is trying to sell this as looking out for the best interests of the league.

Yes, because walloping an FCS punching bag is just the data point it would take to make the playoff. The teams that would be available (and willing) to schedule a game on the fly aren’t going to be the ones that help anyone do anything other than pad their win total. (There isn’t even a minimum win total necessary for bowl consideration this year, so scratch that talking point as well.)

Nebraska swaggering into this Chattanooga deal with any expectation that the conference would just roll over and say, “Whatever you want” is terribly misguided after doing nothing to engender goodwill. The school has been much more of an antagonist than a Big Ten loyalist in 2020.

It complained loudly when the season was postponed in August. It was the first school to openly say it would look for ways to play outside the league. And it rattled every available saber during the push to play, up to and including some of its players suing the Big Ten.

Then, after the conference changed course, Nebraska moaned about the schedule. This was the equivalent of a prisoner in solitary confinement begging for a glass of water, having it delivered, then saying, “Wait, where’s the ice?”

During the first game last Saturday, Scott Frost signaled a big F.U. to the conference office by often coaching with his mask around his neck. The optics of that shouted stubborn arrogance, while the rest of the league’s coaches made a good-faith effort to comply with the mask mandate. And let’s remember, this is a guy with a 9-16 record since joining the league—he ain’t exactly Kirk Ferentz when it comes to earned respect.

Look, it stinks that the Wisconsin game can’t be played. That’s a tough break that is not Nebraska’s fault. But in the most unfair year for everyone on the planet, you have to roll with the punches. Some perspective is necessary.

Within the college football world, Nebraska can find examples of how to be a good league member. Florida’s COVID travails threw a huge wrench into the Southeastern Conference schedule, and everyone dealt with it. The Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference have had several postponements to handle, and have done so without anyone going rogue.

That’s what league members do. They work with each other.

Plenty of people around the Big Ten would hold the door open for Nebraska to walk back out. But they aren’t going anywhere that could be as lucrative, and/or as good a geographic fit.

Back to the Big 12? That would require some humility Nebraska doesn’t seem to possess, walking back into the league it left in a huff a decade ago. The biggest rift there was a belief that Texas was insufferably overbearing and entitled. Now you start to wonder.

Maybe, Nebraska, if a school has a second conference relationship issue in ten years, it’s a You Problem.

New on Sports Illustrated: Dabo Swinney Would Be 'Surprised' if Trevor Lawrence Returned to Clemson

Clemson's Dabo Swinney said Thursday he'd be "surprised" if Trevor Lawrence returned for his senior season, but left some wiggle room in his response.

Clemson's Dabo Swinney weighed in on his quarterback's future on Thursday, saying he'd be "surprised" if Trevor Lawrence returned for his senior season. But like Lawrence did

earlier this week, Swinney left some wiggle room in his response. 

Lawrence said to reporters earlier this week that he is open to returning to Clemson for his senior season despite being the projected No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. 

"My mindset has been that I'm going to move on," Lawrence said. "But who knows? There's a lot of things that could happen."

During an appearance on SiriusXM's ESPNU Radio with Mark Packer, Swinney was asked whether there was anything to read into those comments from Lawrence.

"I didn't read anything into it. Don't really care," Swinney said. "He's going to do whatever he needs to do. I'm going to save a scholarship for him just in case. I'm not real worried about it. He ain't worried about it, either. He's got one thing on his mind and that's leading the Tigers and having a great season this year. 

"We'll certainly let him stay if that's what he wants to do. But I'd be surprised if he's back with the Tigers next year, but who knows? You never know. I didn't think Christian Wilkins was coming back, but he did."

Lawrence is arguably the most highly-touted quarterback since Andrew Luck, and Jets fans are already talking about the possibility of the Clemson star joining their team. 

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum also chimed into the conversation. 

“From the old Parcells is he built to last standard? I think this guy has a much better chance of having a sustainable career than the last three number one picks, for a number of reasons,” Tannenbaum said. “Especially when you look at [Baker] Mayfield and [Kyler] Murray. This guy is born to play the position. He looks the part from a physical standpoint. I think he can withstand the rigors of the NFL season right now.”

Over the last several seasons, Clemson has seen projected first-rounders come back for their senior seasons, such as Wilkins and Clelin Ferrell in 2018 and running back Travis Etienne this season. Lawrence making that same choice, however, would be a surprise for the program, as Swinney noted. 

Lawrence has already tallied 1,833 yards and 17 touchdowns in just six games this season. He's 31-1 as a starter and frontrunner for the 2020 Heisman Trophy. 

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New on Sports Illustrated: The Top 5 Quarterbacks in Philadelphia Eagles History

Though the Eagles have been in the NFL since 1933, they haven't had as many truly great quarterbacks as one might expect. Still, the team is fortunate to have been led by some impressive quarterbacks. This article counts down the top five as well as a few honorable mentions.

Confetti falls as (from right) QB Carson Wentz, backup QB Nate Sudfeld, Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles and owner Jeffrey Lurie ride a float during the Eagles Super Bowl LII victory parade, Feb. 8, 2018.

Greatest Eagles Quarterbacks of All Time

Some teams have had an embarrassment of riches at the most important position in the game: quarterback. The Packers basically went from Bart Starr to Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers. The 49ers went from Joe Montana to Steve Young. The Patriots had Tom Brady—who is better all by himself than all the quarterbacks that some teams have had in their entire history combined. Super Bowl wins and enshrinement in the Hall of Fame are normal for some franchise's quarterbacks.

Not so much for the Eagles. If you look at the Hall of Fame, the Eagles don't have a single quarterback who spent the majority of his career playing for the franchise.

Selection Criteria

I was born in 1968, so while I have seen some great Eagles quarterbacks in my day, I spent far too many seasons watching the likes of Bubby Brister, Jeff Kemp, Rodney Peete, A.J. Feeley, Bobby Hoying, Sam Bradford, Mark Sanchez, Kevin Kolb and the Detmer brothers, Ty and Koy, lead the Eagles absolutely nowhere. Oh, the humanity!

Despite this history, there actually have been a few truly great quarterbacks who have led the Eagles—and we will count down the top five here.

For the purpose of this list, I considered only the statistics and accomplishments accumulated while playing for the Eagles. This caveat may upset some fans, but it's the only way to do a list like this.

5. Ron Jaworski

• Eagles QB: 1977–86
• Drafted: Second-round pick by the Rams in the 1973 NFL Draft out of Youngstown State
• Acquired: Via trade with the Rams in 1977
• Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 1992

Selected in the second round of the 1973 NFL Draft by the Rams, Ron Jaworski was traded to the Eagles in 1977. Known affectionately as "Jaws," he teamed with new coach Dick Vermeil to slowly build the Eagles into a winner. Jaworski led Philadelphia to the playoffs in the 1978 and '79 seasons, but the team had early playoff exits both years. Then came the magical season of 1980.

Jaworski and the Eagles started out the 1980 season 11–1, en route to winning the NFC East with a 12–4 record. The Eagles beat the Vikings in the divisional round of the playoffs before heading to one of the biggest games in the franchise's history.

The Eagles had lost 19 of the previous 23 games they had played against their biggest rival, the Cowboys. Now, Jaworski was leading them into the NFC championship game against that rival. The Eagles reversed their fortunes and beat the Cowboys 20–7 to reach their first Super Bowl in franchise history. The Super Bowl against the Raiders was not Jaworski's or the Eagles' finest hour as they lost 27–10, but it was still an amazing season.

Jaworski completed 57% of his passes for 3,529 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions for a 91.0 passer rating during that 1980 season. That earned him first-team All-Pro honors along with several other awards. He still has the record for the second-most yards (26,963) and second-most touchdowns (175) in franchise history.

He finished his Eagles career with a record of 69-67-1, and he started all 16 games during five different seasons. He remains an icon in the city of Philadelphia to this day, and he fits nicely at No. 5 on the all-time list of the greatest Eagles quarterbacks.

4. Tommy Thompson

• Eagles QB: 1941–50
• Signed: Undrafted free agent signed by the Steelers out of Tulsa
• Signed With the Eagles: 1941

Anyone who isn't currently getting a senior citizen discount never got a chance to see Tommy Thompson play quarterback for the Eagles. As old as I am, I can honestly say that I included him on this list strictly on his accomplishments. I say accomplishments, because his statistics weren't exactly great.

While he was technically on the Eagles for 10 years, he actually played only eight seasons. He missed the 1943 and '44 seasons because he was serving in the Army during World War II. During the eight seasons he played, he was a part-time starter who threw for only 10,240 yards with 90 touchdowns and 100 interceptions. These numbers may not sound very impressive, but here's why I believe Thompson deserves to be on this list.

He led the Eagles to three straight NFL championship games in 1947, '48 and '49. The Eagles won the title in 1948 and '49 in bad weather conditions, so Thompson didn't have great stats. But anybody who watched the Eagles lose two Super Bowls due to subpar quarterback play can appreciate a guy who managed to win it all, even as a game manager.

That doesn't mean Thompson was never great. He led the NFL with 25 touchdown passes in 1948. His statistics for the 1949 season were downright dominant for the time. He led the NFL in passer rating (84.4) and touchdown percentage (7.5); it was the third straight season he led the NFL in that category. He completed 54.2% of his passes for 1,727 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. It's also important to remember that the NFL was a very different game in the 1940s. Those stats were enough to earn Thompson an All-Pro nod—and the No. 4 spot on this list.

3. Randall Cunningham

• Eagles QB: 1985–95
• Drafted: Second-round pick by the Eagles in the 1985 NFL Draft out of UNLV
• Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 2009

Once dubbed

"The Ultimate Weapon" by Sports Illustrated, Randall Cunningham redefined the quarterback position in the NFL. Quarterbacks were traditionally pocket passers before Cunningham burst onto the scene. His ability to throw the ball nearly the length of the field and scramble like a running back was just the beginning of the NFL's evolution at the quarterback position.

Cunningham played sparingly during his first two seasons while backing up Ron Jaworski, but he took over as the starter in Week 11 of the 1986 season. By the 1988 season, Cunningham was leading the Eagles to the NFC East division title and the playoffs. Unfortunately, the Eagles lost "The Fog Bowl" to the Bears, 20–12, but Cunningham threw for 407 yards. That was only the beginning of big things for the Eagles quarterback.

The 1990 season saw Cunningham win the NFL MVP Award by completing 58.3% of his passes for 3,466 yards, 30 touchdowns and 13 interceptions for a 91.6 passer rating. He also had 118 carries for an additional 942 yards and five touchdowns. He led the team to a 10–6 record and another playoff berth.

Unfortunately, Cunningham's 1991 season ended in Week 1 when Green Bay's Bryce Paup sacked him and tore his ACL. The following season, Cunningham returned and won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He threw for 2,775 yards, 19 touchdowns and 11 interceptions for a 87.3 passer rating. He added another 549 yards rushing and five touchdowns. He capped the 1992 season by leading the Eagles to their first playoff win in 12 years. But it was obvious that the knee injury had robbed Cunningham of some of his mobility.

The following seasons were marred by injuries, and a switch to the West Coast offense led to Rodney Peete taking over as quarterback. Cunningham soured on the game at that point and retired from football after the 1995 season. He came out of retirement with the Vikings, but that's a story for another article.

Cunningham compiled a 63-43-1 record with the Eagles, but his playoff record was only 1–4. He is still third in passing yards (22,877) and sixth in rushing yards (4,482) in franchise history. His 4,928 rushing yards are still the third-most in NFL history by a quarterback.

Cunningham's Eagles career didn't fully deliver on the promise of his unparalleled talents, and it ended on a sour note, but it was still plenty good enough to be considered No. 3 in franchise history.

2. Nick Foles

• Eagles QB: 2012–14 and 2017–18
• Drafted: Third-round pick by the Eagles in the 2012 NFL Draft out of Arizona

Some may argue that No. 2 is too high a ranking for Nick Foles, but it's hard to argue with the numbers. Not to mention the fact that he is the only quarterback in Eagles history to ever win a Super Bowl.

The Eagles selected Foles in the third round of the 2012 NFL Draft, but he didn't get into a game until Week 10 of that season when Michael Vick got hurt. Foles made his first NFL start the next week, marking the beginning of this unlikely legend. Even though he went 1–6 in 2012, he became the first rookie in NFL history to throw for 240 yards per game while completing 60% of his passes. Breaking records would soon become his norm.

Foles lost a training camp battle to Vick in 2013, but Vick eventually got hurt in Week 5. Foles started Weeks 6 and 7, but the genius that was Chip Kelly decided to start Vick again in Week 8. Vick promptly got hurt again, and it was back to Foles for good. That's when one of the greatest seasons an NFL quarterback has ever had really took off.

Foles decided that he needed another NFL record to break. In Week 9, he tied an NFL record with seven touchdown passes against the Raiders.

For the season, he went 82 in his 10 starts and led the Eagles to a surprising NFC East division title. He lost his first playoff start that year, but he left the field with a lead late in the fourth quarter—only to have his special teams give up a long return before the defense allowed a game-winning field goal to the Saints. As impressive as that was, his stats were even better. He completed 64% of his passes for 2,891 yards, 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions, and he had a league-leading 119.2 passer rating during that 2013 season.

The next season wasn't kind to Foles. He had pedestrian stats before his season was ended early in Week 9 by a broken collarbone. Chip Kelly proved once again that he was in over his head when he traded Foles to the Rams for Sam Bradford. Foles played for the Rams in 2015 and then the Chiefs in '16. He then re-signed with the Eagles in 2017 to back up Carson Wentz.

Every Eagles fan knows what happened next. Wentz got hurt in Week 14, and Foles led the Eagles to the first Super Bowl championship in franchise history.

Foles completed 28 of 43 passes for 373 yards, three touchdowns and one interception in the Super Bowl. He also became the first player in NFL history to both throw and catch a touchdown pass in the Super Bowl. His famous play call (Philly Philly) is still immortalized with a statue outside of Lincoln Financial Field today. I walk by it every home game on my way to my seats.

Nick Foles Stats (in only 32 starts)

• Highest career passer rating in team history (93.2)
• Highest single-season passer rating in team history (119.2 in 2013)
• 9th in franchise passing yards (8,703)
• 8th in franchise touchdown passes (58)
• Lowest interception percentage in a season in team history (0.63 in 2013)
• Most yards passing in a game in team history (471 on Dec. 23, 2018, vs. the Texans)
• Most touchdown passes in a game (7 on Nov. 3, 2013, at Raiders), which tied a franchise and NFL record
• His 27 touchdowns and only 2 interceptions in 2013 was the best TD-INT ratio in NFL history at the time
• His 119.2 passer rating in 2013 is 3rd all-time, trailing only Aaron Rodgers' 122.5 rating in '11 and Peyton Manning's 121.4 rating in '04

Foles may have been an Eagle for only five seasons, but they were five mostly magical seasons that included the franchise's only Lombardi Trophy.

Former Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb throws a pass during Super Bowl XXXIX.

1. Donovan McNabb

• Eagles QB: 1999–2009
• Drafted: No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles in the 1999 NFL Draft out of Syracuse

Donovan McNabb didn't have the normal career of a top franchise quarterback, but that doesn't mean that he didn't put up the numbers and wins to earn this spot at the top of this ranking.

The Eagles took McNabb with the second overall pick of the 1999 NFL Draft. The franchise quarterback didn't receive the warmest of welcomes, however, as a busload of knuckleheads went to the draft to boo his selection. Unfortunately, McNabb never forgave Eagles fans, as a whole, for the misdeeds of a handful of fans. This thin-skinned reaction would become the norm for McNabb, and it kept him from becoming the beloved icon a franchise quarterback in Philadelphia should be.

McNabb's rookie year was uneventful as he only started six games. The starter in those other games during the 1999 season? None other than the current Eagles head coach and Super Bowl champion, Doug Pederson. By the next season, McNabb was entrenched as the starter and would remain there for a decade.

McNabb led the Eagles to the playoffs in his first season as the starter in 2000 and even won a playoff game. In 2001, he led the team to the playoffs again and they advanced to their first NFC championship game since 1980. Losing to the Rams "Greatest Show on Turf" team was certainly nothing to be ashamed of. Unfortunately, this would be the first of numerous failed attempts in the NFC championship game; McNabb would have a record of 1–4 in that game. Of course, at this point, the fans had no reason to doubt that McNabb was going to lead the team to greatness.

The Eagles won the NFC East four straight years between 2001 and '04 while McNabb was establishing himself as one of the stars of the league. The only problem was that he couldn't get that last win to get his team into the Super Bowl. That all changed in 2004 when head coach Andy Reid finally decided it would be a good idea for a passing offense to have a great wide receiver. The Eagles got Terrell Owens, who teamed with McNabb to lead the team to the promised land.

Unfortunately, McNabb once again couldn't come through in the biggest game of the season as he coughed up the Super Bowl to the Patriots. This was during the heyday of their Spygate days. But that doesn't mean that 2004 wasn't a magical season. In fact, it was the best season of McNabb's career.

In 2004, McNabb became the first quarterback in NFL history to finish the season with over 30 touchdown passes and fewer than 10 interceptions. He completed 64% of his passes for 3,875 yards, 31 touchdowns and 8 interceptions for a 104.7 passer rating. He also added three rushing touchdowns on only 41 carries.

The Super Bowl hangover was real for the Eagles the next season. T.O. wanted a new contract and began feuding with McNabb. The whole circus ended up with Owens doing sit-ups in his driveway while reporters tried to ask him questions about being banished from the team. McNabb ended the season on the Injured Reserve after only nine games.

The 2006 season wasn't much better, as McNabb tore his ACL and only played in 10 games. The Eagles actually finished first in the NFC East in 2006 behind backup quarterback Jeff Garcia, who went 5–1 as a starter and even won a playoff game that season.

McNabb returned for the 2007 season, but the whole team struggled. Somehow, McNabb and the Eagles had a resurgence in 2008 that ended in yet another loss in the NFC championship game. He even set his career high in passing yards (3,916) that season. His last season in Philadelphia (2009) ended with a playoff loss to the rival Cowboys in the wild-card round of the playoffs. McNabb was traded that offseason.

Donovan McNabb Records:

• Winningest quarterback in Eagles history (92 wins)
• Most pass attempts in franchise history (4,746)
• Most completions in franchise history (2,801)
• Most passing yards in franchise history (32,873)
• Most touchdown passes in franchise history (216)
• Led NFL in quarterback wins between 2000 and '04

McNabb finished his Eagles career with a 92-49-1 record (he famously didn't know NFL games could end in a tie). His playoff record was 9–7; he threw for 3,752 yards, 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for an 80.0 passer rating in those 16 games. He also ran for 422 yards and four more touchdowns in the playoffs.

McNabb may have had his issues in NFC championship games and lost his only Super Bowl, but he was only the second quarterback to even lead the Eagles franchise to a Super Bowl. That, and all of the team records that he still owns, make him the choice for the top quarterback in Eagles history.

Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz

Honorable Mentions

The following three players didn't quite make the cut for the greatest Eagles quarterbacks of all time, but they still made important contributions to the franchise. They are listed here in order of their importance.

Carson Wentz

• Eagles QB: 2016–Present
• Drafted: No. 2 overall pick by the Eagles in the 2016 NFL Draft out of North Dakota State

There may be plenty of Eagles fans who will be upset that Carson Wentz didn't make the list of the top five quarterbacks, but the truth is that he just hasn't played enough games yet to beat out any of the guys on the list. That being said, he has already amassed some amazing stats during his career.

Eagles records Wentz already holds (as of the 2019 season):

• Fifth most pass attempts in franchise history (2,055)
• Fourth most completions in franchise history (1,311)
• Fifth most touchdown passes in franchise history (97)
• Second best career quarterback rating in franchise history (92.7)
• Second best career completion percentage in franchise history (63.8)
• Fifth most passing yards in franchise history (14,191)
• Most touchdown passes in a season in franchise history (33 in 2017)
• Most passing yards in a season in franchise history (4,039 in 2019)

What's really holding Wentz back is that he wasn't able to finish two of his four seasons due to injury. In addition, he has only played in one playoff game—and he only threw four passes in that one because he got hurt.

Of course, Wentz had one of the best seasons of any Eagles quarterback. Sure, his 2017 ended in Week 14, and Nick Foles led the team to victory in the Super Bowl, but Wentz had the team at 11–2 when he got hurt. He completed 60.2% of his passes in 2017 for 3,296 yards, 33 touchdowns and 7 interceptions for a 101.9 passer rating in only 13 games. Those 33 touchdown passes broke a 56-year-old record, previously held by Sonny Jurgensen, and were still the second-most in the NFL that season. He was running away with the MVP award before he blew out his ACL on a touchdown run against the Rams.

I'm sure Wentz will be on any list of the greatest Eagles quarterbacks starting next season, and he might just challenge McNabb for the top spot one day. But for now, he just needs more time and good health to build his stats and his resume.

Norm Van Brocklin

• Eagles QB: 1958–60
• Drafted: Fourth-round pick by the Rams in the 1949 NFL Draft out of Oregon
• Acquired: By the Eagles in a 1958 trade with the Rams
• Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 1987
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1971

Old-school fans may believe that Norm Van Brocklin rightfully belongs among the top five on this list. However, like Wentz, Van Brocklin simply didn't play enough games for the Eagles to be ranked among the best.

The Eagles acquired Van Brocklin in a 1958 trade with the Rams, and he went on to be the starting quarterback for three seasons. He had already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks of his era with the Rams, but for the purposes of this list we are only considering his Eagles career. Of course, the highlight of his time with Philadelphia was the 1960 season.

In that season, his final one in the NFL, Van Brocklin led the Eagles to the NFL championship over the Vince Lombardi–led Packers. Amazingly, Van Brocklin was the only quarterback to ever beat the Lombardi Packers in the playoffs. It was also his best year as an Eagle statistically, with 2,471 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for an 86.5 passer rating. By today's standards these numbers may not seem impressive, but in those days defenses could actually hit offensive players and teams weren't throwing the ball on over 60% of their plays.

For his Eagles career, Van Brocklin threw for 7,497 yards, 55 touchdowns and 51 interceptions. He was a Pro Bowler in all three of his seasons in Philadelphia and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Sonny Jergensen

• Eagles QB: 1957–63
• Drafted: Fourth-round pick by the Eagles in the 1957 NFL Draft out of Duke
• Eagles Hall of Fame Inductee: 1983
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 1987

Much like the other honorable mentions on this list, Sonny Jergensen didn't play for the Eagles long enough to make the top five. Sure, Jergensen was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983, but a lot of that had to do with his 10 years with Washington. The Eagles traded him for Norm Snead after an injury-plagued 1963 season.

Jergensen was the backup to Van Brocklin for four years, and he didn't get a chance to start until 1961. He made up for lost time by leading the NFL in passing yards in back-to-back seasons in 1961 and '62. His 1961 season was especially great as he led the NFL with 235 completions for 3,723 yards and 32 touchdowns. Those 32 touchdown passes were a franchise record for 56 years, until Carson Wentz broke that record with 33 touchdown passes in 2017.

Jergensen finished his Eagles career with 9,639 passing yards, 76 touchdowns and 73 interceptions.

New on Sports Illustrated: Timberwolves Guard Malik Beasley Charged With Threatening Strangers With Gun

Beasley allegedly aimed a rifle at a couple and their teenage daughter in an SUV outside of his home, where a large stash of marijuana and guns were seized.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) —

Timberwolves guard Malik Beasley is charged with using a rifle to threaten a family who was house hunting in his neighborhood in suburban Minneapolis.

Beasley was charged Thursday in Hennepin County District Court with threats of violence and drug possession. His wife, Montana Yao, was charged with a felony drug count.

According to a criminal complaint, a couple on a Parade of Homes tour last month with their 13-year-old child pulled up to the Plymouth home rented by Beasley and Yao, but saw it was roped off. Beasley tapped on the window of the family’s SUV, pointed a rifle at them and told them to get off his property, prosecutors said.

Beasley continued to train the rifle at the SUV as it drove off, the criminal complaint said.

Police said they searched Beasley and Yao’s home and found a 12-gauge shotgun, a handgun and an automatic rifle that matched the description given by the couple in the SUV.

Police said they also found leafy marijuana in the home. Possessing marijuana in its original leafy form in Minnesota is illegal.

Defense attorneys Steve Haney and Ryan Pacyga issued a statement saying that “we are cooperating with the law enforcement investigation and will carefully review the discovery in the coming days.”

The Minnesota Timberwolves issued a statement saying they are aware of the charges and, “we take these allegations seriously and will let the legal process run its course.”

The charges come one day after Wolves executive vice president Sachin Gupta addressed the team’s salary-cap situation and said there should be room to sign Beasley. He is a restricted free agent and averaged 20.7 points in 14 games with the Wolves this past season.