Ranking NFC all-time tackles leaders: Former Saint safety on the list
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Ranking NFC all-time tackles leaders: Former Saint safety on the list
Luke Loffredo, Saints Wire·Saints Wire
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2 min read
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We find ourselves circling back to the defensive side of the ball in our top-10 series after wrapping up the NFC's all-time statistical leaders on offense. This time, we're looking at a category that truly reflects both production and longevity: solo tackles.
When most fans think of tackles, they immediately think of the legendary linebackers who dominated the conference for years. Players like Brian Urlacher, who was widely regarded as one of the two best linebackers of his era alongside Ray Lewis, andBobby Wagner, whose remarkable consistency earned him All-Pro honors in 11 of his first 14 NFL seasons while cementing himself as one of the greatest linebackers of his generation.
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But this list isn't made up of linebackers alone. The defensive back position is well represented by players who made careers out of flying downhill and delivering punishing hits.SaintslegendMalcolm Jenkinsand longtime Vikings starHarrison Smithwere two of the NFC's most dependable defenders, combining physicality, durability, and elite instincts over careers that spanned well over a decade.
Speaking for both linebackers and defensive backs, these defenders made a living around the football and built their legacies through true consistency at their positions.
Here's our ranking of the top 10 all-time solo tackle leaders in NFC history.
Dec 10, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Thomas Davis (58) wears a Walter Payton patch on his jersey prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2010; Miami, FL, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Malcolm Jenkins (27) celebrates after a tackle during the second half of Super Bowl XLIV against the Indianapolis Colts at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Safety Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers returns an interception against the New Orleans Saints during the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 14, 2012 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)
ATLANTA - DECEMBER 14: Linebacker Keith Brooking #56 of the Atlanta Falcons lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the Georgia Dome on December 14, 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears lb Brian Urlacher is tackled by Green Bay Packers qb Aaron Rodgers after picking off a pass he threw during the 3rd qtr of their NFC Championship game Sunday, January 23, 2011 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Ill. Mjs Packers24 19 Of Hoffman Jpg Packers24
Team:Chicago Bears (2000 to 2012)
2. Bobby Wagner: 1,150 tackles
Jan 18, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) waits for a snap against the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter of the NFC Championship game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and safety Tykee Smith (23) react after a tackle during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
Brad Pitt - New Orleans Saints. The actor/producer developed a close friendship with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and narrated the 2009 "America's Game" episode chronicling the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
Kay Adams attends the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 03: Jimmy Buffett sings the national anthem before the start of the game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers December 3, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Buffett ORG XMIT: 71465444 GTY ID: 65444CG019_San_Francisco
(Getty Images)
1. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) • Notable game shows: Ellen's Game of Games • Years on air as host: 2017-present • Wikipedia page views (2 yr.): 8,646,063 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has become a fixture on television as a talk-show guest and host, game show host, and producer. DeGeneres has been the host of "Ellen's Game of Games" since 2017. Many of the games on the game show were played on her talk show. She's been the host of her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003. Known for her effusive, fun-loving personality, DeGeneres has also hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. Her public image has taken a beating lately over accusations by former employees that her show has created a "toxic" work environment. ALSO READ: America’s Most Loved TV Personalities
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
Comedian Theo Von watches the second quarter between Vanderbilt and Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
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(MMA Junkie)
Superstar Britney Spears took her sons to Disneyland and posted a photo showing how much her two sons have grown.
(Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Master
P visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on January 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
Actor Zac Efron attends NEA's Read Across America Day kickoff with Zac Efron at the New York Public Library - Celeste Bartos Forum on March 2, 2012 in New York City.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NEA)
Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles round of 16 tennis match on the seventh day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2026.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP via Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 25: Director Spike Lee is interviewed prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight's game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
US Actress Hillary Swank is pictured arriving to the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.
(Susan Goldman, AFP/Getty Images)
Aaron Neville performs at the American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times debut gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on May 2, 2017, in Washington, DC.
(Paul Morigi, Getty Images for WS Productions)
Wendell Pierce attends the European premiere of Marvel Studios' ''Thunderbolts*" in London, Britain, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
(Chris J Ratcliffe, REUTERS)
Joe Dumars
(Provided by Independent Sports & Entertainment)
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, left, talks with Reggie Wayne, wide receivers coach for the Colts before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
American rapper Birdman looks on prior to a game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
Pop-Country singer Kenny Chesney and his band perform for a large crowd at the Germain Amphitheater Thursday evening June 7, 2007.
(James D. DeCamp/Columbus Dispatch)
Jan 5, 2025; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY
(Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY)
Archie Manning takes time to talk to IndyStar's Dana Benbow during a promotional visit to St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospital in Noblesville, Ind., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Manning was born in Drew, Miss., in 1949. His No.18 was the first of only four Ole Miss Jersey's ever retired and he was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL draft. He played most of his 14 years in the NFL with the Saints and twice made the Pro Bowl. He's received many accolades and is well known for his philanthropic work. Manning was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
(Matt Kryger/IndyStar)
1/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
1/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
The actor John Goodman was recognized by the crowd at the official opening of the new John Goodman Amphitheatre at Missouri State University on October 30, 2022.
Goodman Theatre798 Print
(Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader, Bruce Stidham special to the News-Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK)
2/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Brad Pitt - New Orleans Saints. The actor/producer developed a close friendship with Saints quarterback Drew Brees and narrated the 2009 "America's Game" episode chronicling the Super Bowl XLIV-winning team.
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
3/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Kay Adams attends the 13th annual NFL Honors at Resorts World Theatre on February 8, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
(Ethan Miller, Getty Images)
4/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW ORLEANS - DECEMBER 03: Jimmy Buffett sings the national anthem before the start of the game between the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers December 3, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Jimmy Buffett ORG XMIT: 71465444 GTY ID: 65444CG019_San_Francisco
(Getty Images)
5/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
1. Ellen DeGeneres (1958-) • Notable game shows: Ellen's Game of Games • Years on air as host: 2017-present • Wikipedia page views (2 yr.): 8,646,063 Comedian Ellen DeGeneres has become a fixture on television as a talk-show guest and host, game show host, and producer. DeGeneres has been the host of "Ellen's Game of Games" since 2017. Many of the games on the game show were played on her talk show. She's been the host of her own talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003. Known for her effusive, fun-loving personality, DeGeneres has also hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammys, and the Emmys. Her public image has taken a beating lately over accusations by former employees that her show has created a "toxic" work environment. ALSO READ: America’s Most Loved TV Personalities
(Kevork Djansezian / Getty Images)
6/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Comedian Theo Von watches the second quarter between Vanderbilt and Georgia State at FirstBank Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025.
(Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean)
7/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
.
(MMA Junkie)
8/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Superstar Britney Spears took her sons to Disneyland and posted a photo showing how much her two sons have grown.
(Getty Images)
9/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 15: Master
P visits SiriusXM at SiriusXM Studios on January 15, 2025 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images)
(Theo Wargo, Getty Images)
10/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Actor Zac Efron attends NEA's Read Across America Day kickoff with Zac Efron at the New York Public Library - Celeste Bartos Forum on March 2, 2012 in New York City.
(Jason Kempin/Getty Images for NEA)
11/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Japan's Naomi Osaka celebrates beating Belarus's Aryna Sabalenka during their women's singles round of 16 tennis match on the seventh day of the 2026 Wimbledon Championships at The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club in Wimbledon, southwest London, on July 5, 2026.
(KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV, AFP via Getty Images)
12/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
NEW ORLEANS - SEPTEMBER 25: Director Spike Lee is interviewed prior to the Monday Night Football game between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints on September 25, 2006 at the Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Tonight's game marks the first time since Hurricane Katrina struck last August, that the Superdome, which served as a temporary shelter to thousands of stranded victims in the wake of Katrina, has played host to an NFL game. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
(Chris Graythen, Getty Images)
13/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
US Actress Hillary Swank is pictured arriving to the Golden Globes Awards in Beverly Hills.
(Susan Goldman, AFP/Getty Images)
14/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Aaron Neville performs at the American Visionary: John F. Kennedy's Life and Times debut gala at the Smithsonian American Art Museum on May 2, 2017, in Washington, DC.
(Paul Morigi, Getty Images for WS Productions)
15/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Wendell Pierce attends the European premiere of Marvel Studios' ''Thunderbolts*" in London, Britain, April 22, 2025. REUTERS/Chris J. Ratcliffe
(Chris J Ratcliffe, REUTERS)
16/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Joe Dumars
(Provided by Independent Sports & Entertainment)
17/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon, left, talks with Reggie Wayne, wide receivers coach for the Colts before an NFL football game at EverBank Stadium, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Jacksonville, Fla.
(Doug Engle/Florida Times-Union)
18/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
American rapper Birdman looks on prior to a game between the Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi's Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California.
(Thearon W. Henderson, Getty Images)
19/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Pop-Country singer Kenny Chesney and his band perform for a large crowd at the Germain Amphitheater Thursday evening June 7, 2007.
(James D. DeCamp/Columbus Dispatch)
20/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Jan 5, 2025; Beverly Hills, CA, USA; Anthony Mackie at the 82nd Annual Golden Globe Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. Mandatory Credit: Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY
(Dan MacMedan, Dan MacMedan-USA TODAY)
21/21
These celebrities are the New Orleans Saints' most famous fans
Archie Manning takes time to talk to IndyStar's Dana Benbow during a promotional visit to St. Vincent Neighborhood Hospital in Noblesville, Ind., on Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2019. Manning was born in Drew, Miss., in 1949. His No.18 was the first of only four Ole Miss Jersey's ever retired and he was drafted second overall in the 1971 NFL draft. He played most of his 14 years in the NFL with the Saints and twice made the Pro Bowl. He's received many accolades and is well known for his philanthropic work. Manning was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
