Image via Complex Original
After a seven-month break from games that actually matter (sorry, preseason) the NFL is back like cooked crack. The defending champion New York Giants are opening the 2012 NFL season tonight against the Dallas Cowboys (8:30 p.m., NBC).
So while you kill time before kick-off, take a look at these vicious, agonizing, and gruesome hits—everything from classic DE blindsides to LB spine-twisters to even punters getting brolic with it. Check out this list for a tour of those game-ending (or season-ending, or even—word to Joe Theismann—career-ending) NFL hits that you crave. Here are the 50 Most Brutal Hits in NFL History.
50. Primetime Gets Stopped By the Punter
Date: 10/31/1999
Victim: Deion Sanders, Dallas Cowboys
Hit By: Hunter Smith, Indianapolis Colts
Smith saw Neon Deion about to score and put a stop to all that. The young boy put it all on the line to prevent the score showing that punters can dish out tackles every so often, just ask Sam Paulescu. More on him in a bit...
49. Peyton Manning's Career Is Threatened
Date: 10/22/2006
Victim: Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts
Hit By: Andre Carter, Phillip Daniels, Washington Redskins
You know that neck surgery that Peyton had that caused him to miss the entire 2011 season and was subsequently the reason why the Colts opted to let him go? Well, this is the hit that caused all of that.
48. Pretty Boys Could Get It, Too. Ayo!
Date: 12/16/2001
Victim: Tom Bady, New England Patriots
Hit By: Nate Clements, Buffalo Bills
Yeah, a young Tom Brady got laid out on this play. It happens to the best of them. Dude did go on to win three rings and wife up Gisele. Safe to say he ended up doing alright for himself.
47. Is That Legal? Yes, Yes It Was.
Date: 12/21/1980
Victim: Harold Carmichael, Philadelphia Eagles
Hit By: Dennis Thurman, Dallas Cowboys
Thanks to this hit, receivers learned to look both ways before catching the ball.
46. The Wheels on the Bus Roll Over Urlacher
Date: 12/11/2005
Victim: Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Hit By: Jerome Bettis, Pittsburgh Steelers
Not even the 6' 4" 260 pound Urlacher can stop a moving vehicle.
45. It's the Preseason But The Pain Is Still The Same
Date: 8/17/2007
Victim: Vince Young, Tennessee Titans
Hit By: Rodney Harrison, New England Patriots
In this preseason clip, Harrison shows that he doesn't care whether the game counts or not—if you have the ball, he's coming to get you.
44. A Denver Bronco vs. a Buffalo Bill
Date: 8/20/2011
Victim: Donald Jones, Buffalo Bills
Hit By: Rahim Moore, Denver Broncos
*cues the soundtrack*
43. Are You Sure He's a Punter?
Date: 10/26/2008
Victim: Clifton Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hit By: Sam Paulescu, Dallas Cowboys
Another punter? Wow. Being that Paulescu was a back-up most of his career, this was definitely the highlight of his career. That, and the time he and Romo ran a train on Jessica Simpson. Allegedly. #wekid #pleasedontsueus
42. "Straight Cash, Homie!"
Date: 11/30/2007
Victim: Randy Moss, New England Patriots
Hit By: J.R. Reed, Philadelphia Eagles
Even the best receivers can get caught off guard by a sneaky safety coming over the middle to lay the lumber.
41. Up, Up, and Away!
Date: 1/5/2009
Victim: Tavaris Jackson, Minnesota Vikings
Hit By: Chris Clemons, Philadelphia Eagles
When trying to take one for the team goes wrong. *Turns off the Pusha T and Kanye*
40. No One Hit Like Butkus!
Date: Late '60s
Victim: Cleveland Browns RB
Hit By: Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears
For those young'ns who don't know, Dick Butkus was a bad motherfucker. #nuffsaid #watchandlearn
39. Head Game Crazy
Date: 8/23/2009
Victim: Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears
Hit By: Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Urlacher caught the wrong end of a violent B.J. Ayo! But seriously, he might want to stay out of Jacobs' way next time.
38. "Oh You Thought You Had a TD? Nope!"
Date: 1/14/2012
Victim: Pierre Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Hit By: Donte Whitners, San Francisco 49ers
Donte was neither penalized or fined for this play. Would this hit have been considered legal if it was delivered by James Harrison? Just sayin'...
37. An Illegal Hit From James Harrison? Ya Don't Say!
Date: 10/17/2010
Victim: Mohamed Massaquoi, Cleveland Browns
Hit By: James Harrison, Pittsburgh Steelers
This is the type of hit will cost you $75,000 in today's NFL. Now who's got that kind of bounty money?
36. The Hit That Changed Kevin Everett's Life
Date: 9/9/2007
Victim: Kevin Everett, Buffalo Bills
Hit By: Domenik Hixon, Denver Broncos
Usually, it's the player on the receiving end that ends up worse for wear. Kevin Everett, though, broke the conventional mold and was forced to put an end to his career after suffering a devastating spinal injury. Eventually, Everett was able to walk again, so luckily, there's a happy ending to this story.
35. Wrong Guy, Bro
Date: 1/25/1998, Super Bowl XXXII
Victim: Randy Hilliard, Denver Broncos
Hit By: Steve Atwater, Denver Broncos
Legendary headhunter Steve Atwater wanted to inflict pain on the Packers' Robert Brooks, but he ended up laying out his own teammate, Randy Hilliard. Depth chart bounties are real!
34. B-Dawk Goes Into Beast Mode
Date: 1/7/2007
Victim: Tim Carter, New York Giants
Hit By: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
Brian Dawkins played the majority of his career with the Eagles and attacked Darcy Johnson like dude was his prey. Maybe it's just us, but this looks like something straight out of the Discovery Channel.
33. Two For One Special
Date: 12/21/2008
Victim: Two Miami Dolphins
Hit By: Damion McIntosh, Kansas City Chiefs
In case you didn't know, when an offensive lineman flattens a defender, it's called a pancake. After knocking over two small, helpless members of the Dolphins secondary, Damion McIntosh scored two pancakes. So, we gotta ask, which one would McIntosh actually prefer?
32. Ickey, Who?
Date: 1/22/1989
Victim: Ickey Woods, Cincinnati Bengals
Hit By: Ronnie Lott, San Francisco 49ers
Lott let Woods know early that he wouldn't be Ickey Shuffling on him in SB XXIII. Nope!
31. Hit 'Em High, Hit 'Em Low
Date: 10/21/2007
Victim: T.J. Houshmandzadeh, Cincinnati Bengals
Hit By: David Barrett, New York Jets
In 2007, T.J. Houshmanzadeh set a career numbers in receptions (112) and receiving yards (1,143). With the highs come the lows and T.J. found it in this devastating shot from David Barrett. But seriously, who would've thought the low would last for the rest of Housh's career?
30. Everybody Hurts...
Date: 1/18/2009
Victim: Willis McGahee, Baltimore Ravens
Hit By: Ryan Clark, Pittsburgh Steelers
During the 2009 AFC Championship Game, the Steelers' Ryan Clark took Willis McGahee out of the game and on a stretcher after this collision. A knockout hit in an all-important contest? Are we sure Gregg Williams isn't involved somehow?
29. The Beginning of the Patriots Dynasty
Date: 9/23/2001
Victim: Drew Bledsoe, New England Patriots
Hit By: Mo Lewis, New York Jets
For a decade, Tom Brady has been giving the Jets and their fans fits. But who would've thought that a former member of Gang Green would be responsible for Brady's arrival. Yet another reason why the Jets can only blame themselves for the years upon years of championship-less seasons.
28. Big Ben Goes Down For the Count
Date: 11/26/2006
Victim: Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers
Hit By: Bart Scott, Baltimore Ravens
Last year, Terrell Suggs said that he only exists so he could stop Ben Roethlisberger. Apparently, that mindset is shared between practically every Ravens defensive players, past and present, because Bart Scott absolutely owned Big Ben on November 11, 2006 when he capped off the Ravens' NINE sack performance with this monstrous hit.
27. Yes, He's a Wide Receiver
Date: 10/19/2008
Victim: Keith Rivers, Cincinnati Bengals
Hit By: Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Who said defensive players were the only ones who could lay out a player? Hines Ward absolutely obliterates Keith Rivers with this blindsided block and what does Ward get for cutting Rivers' rookie season short? A rule named after him, which made it illegal for blockers to land a blindside block using their helmet, forearm or shoulder, to strike at the head or neck area of a defender. So, uh, congratulations?
26. Buffalo Takes Another L
Date: 10/5/2008
Victim: Trent Edwards, Buffalo Bills
Hit By: Adrian Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
We don't know what deserves a bigger FOH: Adrian Wilson getting fined a hefty $25K for this concussion-inducing hit on the Bills' Trent Edwards or the announcer saying that losing Edwards would be a big blow for then-Bills coach Dick Jauron.
25. Bo Knows
Date: 11/20/1987
Victim: Brian Bosworth, Seattle Seahawks
Hit By: Bo Jackson, Los Angeles Raiders
So, this was it? This was the showdown between the two most hyped rookies of '87? The only thing we learned is that Bo knows carrying overrated white linebackers into the end zone. Oh, by the way, a Most Overrated Great White Hopes in Sports history list is on deck.
24. A Linebacker vs. a Kicker = Bad News
Date: Preseason 2007
Victim: Sav Rocca, Philadelphia Eagles
Hit By: Antwan Barnes, Baltimore Ravens
Even if it was linebacker vs. kicker, this hit is still ridiculous. Welcome to the league, fam!
23. The Beef Is Real
Date: 11/6/2007
Victim: Ed Reed, Baltimore Ravens
Hit By: Hines Ward, Pittsburgh Steelers
Ward went down like a battering ram to destroy Reed. Too bad this tackle would be considered an illegal helmet-to-helmet hit today. SMH, the No Fun League has got to go back to the old days.
22. Lights Out!
Date: 11/18/2007
Victim: Shawne Merriman, San Diego Chargers
Hit By: Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars
Sure, Shawne Merriman was on the end of a mean pancake block on this play but back in '07 he was on his way to a third straight Pro Bowl, nowadays he's out of a job. Remember kids, shit can always get 10x worse than it already is.
21. This Is What Happens When You Collide with Ray Lewis
Date: 1/10/2009
Victim: Ahmard Hall, Tennessee Titans
Hit By: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
Despite being de-helmeted, Ahmard Hall got the first down and bounced right up after the hit—props on that! #headgamecrazy #ayo
20. Excuse Me! Thank You!
Date: 9/9/2006
Victim: Laron Landry, Washington Redskins
Hit By: Brandon Jacobs, New York Giants
Yes, we know that the the video quality is ridiculous but whether it's free streaming porn quality or HD, it ain't hard to tell what happens in this clip. Jacobs straight up trucked Landry. Side bar: One YouTuber's comment of "let the finger hit the mute" has got to be the best advice we've heard in a while. Uploaders, you're not going to win an Oscar for your shitty soundtracks, let the real audio play out.
19. Adding Injury to Insult
Date: 10/9/2011
Victim: Mike Williams, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Hit By: Dashon Goldson, San Francisco 49ers
Check the score, fam. It was 34-3 when this went down. Was this hit really necessary? SMH.
18. Chris Henry Gets Lynch'd
Date: 12/24/2006
Victim: Chris Henry, Cincinnati Bengals
Hit By: John Lynch, Denver Broncos
On this play Lynch launches Henry into a 360 and forces a fumble in this bone-crunching wreck at the one-yard line. And you wonder why Henry used to smoke weed on his off days? R.I.P. fam.
17. PETA Would Be Proud
Date: 1/11/2003
Victim: Michael Vick, Atlanta Falcons
Hit By: Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles
During his heyday B-Dawk broke bread, ribs, hundred-dollar bills, and quarterbacks. This legendary hit during the 2003 NFC Divisional Playoffs left a pre-jail Michael Vick feeling the pain. Word is that to this day members of PETA watch this clip to relieve stress.
16. Everything (Including the Hits) Are Bigger In Texas
Date: 10/31/2004
Victim: Tai Streets, Detroit Lions
Hit By: Roy Williams, Dallas Cowboys
*Cues the appropriate soundtrack which is curiously enough is also Jerry Jones' theme song*
15. Going Nowhere Fast
Date: 12/30/2007
Victim: Chris Henry, Tennessee Titans
Hit By: Darrell Reid, Indianapolis Colts
Darrell Reid to Chris Henry: "Where are you going? Oh, yeah, that's what I thought."
14. The Block That Stole the Show
Date: 9/30/2002
Victim: Keith Burns, Denver Broncos
Hit By: Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens
The man "speaks life" and makes you want to run through walls. So it's no surprise that he makes a 6'2", 235 pound linebacker look like Verne Troyer on this play. #getyourweightupfam
13. The Play That Caused a Player to (Almost) Lose a Limb
Date: 9/5/1994
Victim: Napoleon McCallum, Oakland Raiders
Hit By: Ken Norton Jr., San Francisco 49ers
Checking out a most brutal NFL hits of all time list is all fun and games until you come up on that clip that ends a career and almost causes a player to lose their leg. This is that clip. At the bottom of that pile Napolean McCallum's leg was twisted like pretzel. If it weren't for successful emergency surgery McCallum's leg would've been amputated due to a ruptured artery and nerve damage. Now that you have that terrible image embedded in your mind check out this equally gruesome gallery.
12. Isiah Robertson Gets Rammed
Date: 1978 season
Victim: Isiah Robertson, Los Angeles Rams
Hit By: Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers
Earl Campbell used his head as a battering ram and taking half the L.A. Rams with him for about 20 yards. His no-holds-barred running style is the reason he can't walk today.
11. The Greatest Block in NFL History
Date: 1940 Championship Game
Victim: Two defenders, Washington Redskins
Hit By: George Wilson, Chicago Bears
The Bears literally ran over the Redskins, beating them 73-0 in the '40 Championship Game. George Wilson took out two defenders with one devastating hit.
10. Even The Great Ones Are Vulnerable
Date: 1/20/1991
Victim: Joe Montana, 49ers
Hit By: Leonard Marshall, New York Giants
Just listen to what Montana had to say about the hit in the video. Thinking you're gonna die after a tackle is some serious shit.
9. The Backbreaker. Ayo!
Date: 12/7/2008
Victim: Brad Smith, New York Jets
Hit By: Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers
Brad Smith ran into a brick wall called Patrick Willis. He tried to take it like a man and act like it was nothing. Little did he know a concussion was in his future.
8. So Much Pain
Date: 10/7/2008
Victim: Dallas Clark, Indianapolis Colts
Hit By: Tenard Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Not only did Tenard Jackson leave Clark crying for his mommy, he stepped on his face as well. SMH, so disrespectful.
7. Keep Your Head Up, Chad. No Really.
Date: 9/17/2006
Victim: Chad Johnson, Cincinnati Bengals
Hit By: Brian Russell, Cleveland Browns
Chad never had a chance at catching that ball. During the post-game interview he was asking about Joe Biden and shouting out some guy named, Hugh. That's an illegal hit in today's NFL.
6. Laid Out
Date: 1960 NFC Championship game
Victim: Frank Gifford, New York Giants
Hit By: Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles
Concrete Charlie lived up to his name with this tackle. Frank Gifford tried his best to get away from Bednarik. He looked like he died on impact. Check how he just laid there.
5. The Play That Ended Joe Theismann's Career
Date: 11/18/1985
Victim: Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins
Hit By: Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants
Theisman suffered a compound fracture of the tibia and fibula after this take down. It's almost as if LT knew he ended Joe's career after you see his reaction. It must've been hell seeing No. 56 coming at you in full speed.
4. One of the Originators Shows 'Em How It's Done
Date: January 9, 1977, Super Bowl VII
Victim: Sammy White, Minnesota Vikings
Hit By: Jack Tatum, Oakland Raiders
Jack Tatum is the reason the NFL is soft today. He came down the middle off the field knocking heads off and not giving a single fuck. They didn't call him The Assassin for nothing.
3. That's Why He's a Pro Bowler
Date: 2/10/2007
Victim: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills
Hit By: Sean Taylor, Washington Redskins
What the hell was Brian Moorman thinking? He might've forgot that he's a punter. G shit for giving props where it's due. The late Grim Reaper never took a play off, not even in the Pro Bowl.
2. Crawl It Off, Son
Date: 1/13/2007
Victim: Reggie Bush, New Orleans Saints
Hit By: Sheldon Brown, Philadelphia Eagles
Disclaimer: Yes, the video quality is what you'd expect from a video upload in the mid-2000s but the brutality of this hit shines through despite the poor video quality. Boy do we miss this type of football. This type of hit is probably illegal these days. Bush didn't know whether to come or go. Bendito.
1. Who's Down For Some Fencing?
Date: 9/28/2008
Victim: Anquan Boldin, Arizona Cardinals
Hit By: Eric Smith, New York Jets
The Jets Eric Smith suffered a concussion while Boldin suffered a fractured skull and was out three weeks. Want to know why Anquan is fighting the air? Check out this weird list.
