The 10 Dirtiest NFL Players to Ever Play

Football has always been a physical sport, but some players took it to another level. These weren’t just hard-nosed competitors—they were the ones who left opponents checking for cleat marks and counting their limbs after every play.

Whether it was late hits, blatant fouls, or just a general disregard for the rulebook, these players made “playing dirty” part of their brand. Here are the 10 dirtiest NFL players to ever step on the field.

10. Rodney Harrison

Harrison was a fierce safety who played like every hit was personal. His aggressive style drew plenty of fines and a reputation as someone you didn’t want crossing the middle.

9. James Harrison

James Harrison delivered hits that rattled teeth and stirred controversy. He played angry—and a little recklessly—which often landed him in hot water with the league.

8. Conrad Dobler

Dobler made offensive line play look more like a street fight. He was known for punching, biting, and doing whatever it took to win the trenches.

7. Albert Haynesworth

Haynesworth’s infamous stomp to a player’s face alone is enough to land him on this list. He had the size and skill to dominate clean—but didn’t always choose to.

6. Richie Incognito

Incognito’s mean streak was impossible to ignore. Between cheap shots and off-field issues, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

5. Jack Tatum

Tatum didn’t just tackle—he tried to decimate. Nicknamed “The Assassin,” he was feared for bone-crushing hits that pushed the limits of legality.

4. Bill Romanowski

Romanowski brought chaos wherever he played, and not in a subtle way. From spitting on opponents to throwing punches, he was dirty from whistle to whistle.

3. Ndamukong Suh

Suh made stomping an unofficial part of his pass-rushing technique. No matter how dominant he was, the extra-curriculars always followed him.

2. Vontaze Burfict

Burfict’s resume includes helmet-to-helmet hits, suspensions, and a highlight reel of dangerous plays. He seemed to thrive on pushing the rules—and players—to the edge.

1. Brandon Meriweather

Meriweather built a reputation on headshots and reckless abandon. Fines and suspensions came often, but his playing style never changed—just ask any wide receiver who ran a slant near him.