Lawrence Taylor

Most of the time, defensive players are not considered to be the more important leaders of the team, but Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants linebacker, changed this. He played from 1981 to 1993. In his career he made 132.5 sacks, the most famous being when he sacked quarterback Joe Theismann and gave him a compound fracture in his leg that went throught the skin. He also had nine interceptions and 134 yards. He could be the greatest defensive player of all time.

Main Source: http://www.jt-sw.com/football/pro/players.nsf/ID/06270022