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States to Produce the Most Quality Pass Defenders, States 11-18: Installment 3
Installment 3 of our database includes states ranking 11-18 in per capita production of NFL players to meet or exceed a 7 interception season. Each state is accompanied by a table providing detailed statistical breakdowns of each player born from said state to meet or exceed the designated mark.
For those of you interested in an overview of the statistical data, a link to installment 1 can be found in the text box to the right. For those of you interested in another installment to this database, links can be found to your right or at the bottom of this page.
Links to other state ranking databases presented by Larry Rankin can be found by clicking on the Larry Ranking profile in the upper-right hand corner of this page or at the bottom of this page.
11. West Virginia
Per Capita Score: 216
7 Int Performances: 4
Four qualifiers might not seem like much, but West Virginia has less than 2 million people, and per capita, 4 qualifiers are enough to get them to 11th on our list.
Carl Lee was a three time Pro Bowler and probably the most notable name on West Virginia’s list.
West Virginia 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1951
| Pit Steel
| LS
| Howard Hartley
| 10
| 69
| 0
| 6.9
| 23
| --
|
1988
| Min Vik
| CB
| Carl Lee
| 8
| 118
| 2
| 14.8
| 58
| 60
|
1941
| Chi Card
| DB
| Marshall Goldberg
| 7
| 54
| 0
| 7.7
| 16
| --
|
1981
| Atl Fal
| FS
| Tom Pridemore
| 7
| 221
| 1
| 31.6
| 101
| --
|
12. Arkansas
Per Capita Score: 203
7 Int Performances: 6
The 40s and early 50’s were a time of iron man football. Hall of Famer Don Hutson is best known for being one of the best receivers to ever play the game, but he was also a whale of a defensive back, making Arkansas’s list twice.
Arkansas 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1947
| GB Pack
| DB
| Bob Forte
| 9
| 140
| 1
| 15.6
| 68
| --
|
1965
| Hou Oil
| CB
| W.K. Hicks
| 9
| 156
| 0
| 17.3
| 31
| --
|
1970
| NY Jet
| CB
| W.K. Hicks
| 8
| 99
| 0
| 12.4
| 35
| --
|
1943
| GB Pack
| DB
| Don Hutson
| 8
| 197
| 1
| 24.6
| 84
| --
|
1942
| GB Pack
| DB
| Don Hutson
| 7
| 71
| 0
| 10.1
| 27
| --
|
1983
| SD Chrg
| CB
| Danny Walters
| 7
| 55
| 0
| 7.9
| 33
| --
|
13. New Mexico
Per Capita Score: 192
7 Int Performances: 4
In the history of the NFL not many players have made the Pro Bowl 10 times, but Ronnie Lott is among them. Lot is perhaps most well known for his bone crushing hits, but he was also very adept at making interceptions.
Lott finished his career with 63 interceptions, tied for 7th all-time, and unofficially recorded well over 1,000 tackles during his 14 year career.
New Mexico 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1986
| SF 49ers
| FS
| Ronnie Lott
| 10
| 134
| 1
| 13.4
| 57
| 77
|
1953
| Phi Eag
| DB
| Tom Brookshier
| 8
| 41
| 0
| 5.1
| 22
| --
|
1991
| LA Rai
| SS
| Ronnie Lott
| 8
| 52
| 0
| 6.5
| 27
| 93
|
1981
| SF 49ers
| CB
| Ronnie Lott
| 7
| 117
| 3
| 16.7
| 41
| 89
|
14. Nebraska
Per Capita Score: 161
7 Int Performances: 3
Nebraska born athletes have produced 3 seven interception or more seasons, all of them in the early 1960s.
Pat Fischer accomplished this feat twice in his 17 year career. By the time his career was done, Fischer had 56 interceptions and almost 1,000 yards in interception returns, an accomplishment probably worthy of Hall of Fame consideration, though he has yet to be nominated.
Nebraska 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1962
| NY Ttns
| RS
| Lee Riley
| 11
| 122
| 0
| 11.1
| 30
| --
|
1964
| Stl Card
| CB
| Pat Fischer
| 10
| 164
| 2
| 16.4
| 39
| --
|
1963
| Stl Card
| CB
| Pat Fischer
| 8
| 169
| 0
| 21.1
| 53
| --
|
15. California
Per Capita Score: 157
7 Int Performances: 60
California’s 60 qualifying performances is second in overall number to only Texas, but with a population of almost 40 million, California comes in 15th in per capita production of 7 or more interception seasons.
California’s list is consistently populated by DBs from all eras: players from Don Doll to Jim Norton to David Fulcher, but perhaps the most promising ball hawks to come out of California are from the modern era.
Players like Troy Polamalu, who is towards the end of his career, and Richard Sherman, who is thought by many to be the most promising young DB in the league, are reason to believe California’s list will continue to expand.
NFL Record: Eric Allen is one of only 3 players to finish a season with 4 interceptions returned for TDs, a feat he accomplished in 1993. He had 6 interceptions that season, so you won’t find that particular season on the below list.
Obscure Stat: Don Doll is the only player in NFL history to have 10 or more interceptions in 3 separate seasons.
Obscure Stat: Unofficially Tim McDonald had 155 tackles in 1989, the most ever claimed for a player finishing a season with 7 or more interceptions.
California 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1950
| Det Lion
| DB
| Don Doll
| 12
| 163
| 1
| 13.6
| 38
| --
|
1950
| LA Ram
| DB
| Woodley Lewis
| 12
| 275
| 0
| 22.9
| 36
| --
|
1964
| NY Jet
| LS
| Dainard Paulson
| 12
| 157
| 1
| 13.1
| 42
| --
|
1949
| Det Lion
| DB
| Don Doll
| 11
| 301
| 1
| 27.4
| 95
| --
|
1955
| LA Ram
| RS
| Will Sherman
| 11
| 101
| 0
| 9.2
| 36
| --
|
1953
| Was Red
| LS
| Don Doll
| 10
| 102
| 0
| 10.2
| 28
| --
|
1968
| Oak Rai
| RS
| Dave Grayson
| 10
| 195
| 1
| 19.5
| 54
| --
|
2005
| Cin Ben
| CB
| Deltha O'Neal
| 10
| 103
| 0
| 10.3
| 37
| 56
|
1978
| GB Pack
| CB
| Willie Buchanon
| 9
| 93
| 1
| 10.3
| 77
| --
|
1955
| LA Ram
| LS
| Don Burroughs
| 9
| 103
| 0
| 11.4
| 34
| --
|
1960
| Phi Eag
| LS
| Don Burroughs
| 9
| 124
| 0
| 13.8
| 46
| --
|
2009
| Buf Bill
| FS
| Jairus Byrd
| 9
| 118
| 0
| 13.1
| 37
| 30
|
1986
| GB Pack
| CB
| Mark Lee
| 9
| 33
| 0
| 3.7
| 11
| --
|
1944
| NY Giant
| DB
| Howie Livingston
| 9
| 172
| 1
| 19.1
| 40
| --
|
1960
| Oak Rai
| CB
| Eddie Macon
| 9
| 105
| 1
| 11.7
| 42
| --
|
1961
| Hou Oil
| LS
| Jim Norton
| 9
| 150
| 0
| 16.7
| 36
| --
|
2001
| Den Bro
| CB
| Deltha O'Neal
| 9
| 115
| 0
| 12.8
| 42
| 62
|
2003
| SF 49ers
| SS
| Tony Parrish
| 9
| 202
| 0
| 22.4
| 49
| 61
|
2003
| Min Vik
| FS
| Brian Russell
| 9
| 185
| 0
| 20.6
| 50
| 78
|
1981
| Dal Cow
| CB
| Dennis Thurman
| 9
| 187
| 0
| 20.8
| 96
| --
|
1994
| Cle Brwn
| FS
| Eric Turner
| 9
| 199
| 1
| 22.1
| 93
| 82
|
1951
| SF 49ers
| DB
| Lowell Wagner
| 9
| 115
| 0
| 12.7
| 40
| --
|
1989
| Phi Eag
| CB
| Eric Allen
| 8
| 38
| 0
| 4.8
| 18
| 48
|
1964
| NY Jet
| RS
| Bill Baird
| 8
| 130
| 1
| 16.3
| 54
| --
|
1961
| Dal Cow
| CB
| Don Bishop
| 8
| 172
| 0
| 21.5
| 57
| --
|
1946
| SF 49ers
| DB
| Ken Casanega
| 8
| 146
| 0
| 18.3
| --
| --
|
1989
| Cin Ben
| SS
| David Fulcher
| 8
| 87
| 0
| 10.9
| 22
| --
|
1969
| Oak Rai
| RS
| Dave Grayson
| 8
| 132
| 1
| 16.5
| 76
| --
|
1988
| Chi Bear
| CB
| Vestee Jackson
| 8
| 94
| 0
| 11.8
| 46
| --
|
1997
| KC Chief
| DB
| Mark McMillian
| 8
| 274
| 3
| 34.3
| 87
| 42
|
1962
| Hou Oil
| LS
| Jim Norton
| 8
| 75
| 0
| 9.4
| 36
| --
|
1976
| LA Ram
| CB
| Rod Perry
| 8
| 79
| 0
| 9.9
| 43
| --
|
1978
| LA Ram
| CB
| Rod Perry
| 8
| 117
| 3
| 14.6
| 44
| --
|
2012
| Sea Shwk
| CB
| Richard Sherman
| 8
| 57
| 1
| 7.1
| 29
| 53
|
2013
| Sea Shwk
| CB
| Richard Sherman
| 8
| 125
| 1
| 15.6
| 58
| 38
|
1958
| LA Ram
| LS
| Don Burroughs
| 7
| 72
| 0
| 10.3
| 46
| --
|
1961
| Phi Eag
| LS
| Don Burroughs
| 7
| 90
| 0
| 12.9
| 42
| --
|
1962
| Phi Eag
| RS
| Don Burroughs
| 7
| 96
| 0
| 13.7
| 28
| --
|
1988
| SD Chrg
| CB
| Gill Byrd
| 7
| 82
| 0
| 11.7
| 42
| --
|
1989
| SD Chrg
| CB
| Gill Byrd
| 7
| 38
| 0
| 5.4
| 22
| --
|
1990
| SD Chrg
| CB
| Gill Byrd
| 7
| 63
| 0
| 9.0
| 24
| --
|
1954
| Pit Steel
| LS
| Paul Cameron
| 7
| 118
| 0
| 16.9
| 33
| --
|
1977
| Buf Bill
| CB
| Mario Clark
| 7
| 151
| 0
| 21.6
| 43
| --
|
1948
| Pit Steel
| DB
| Tony Compagno
| 7
| 179
| 1
| 25.6
| 82
| --
|
1984
| Was Red
| CB
| Vernon Dean
| 7
| 114
| 2
| 16.3
| 36
| --
|
1964
| KC Chief
| CB
| Dave Grayson
| 7
| 187
| 0
| 26.7
| 56
| --
|
1953
| LA Ram
| DB
| Woodley Lewis
| 7
| 87
| 1
| 12.4
| 45
| --
|
1989
| Pho Card
| SS
| Tim McDonald
| 7
| 170
| 1
| 24.3
| 53
| 155
|
1965
| Hou Oil
| LS
| Jim Norton
| 7
| 52
| 0
| 7.4
| 18
| --
|
1961
| Cle Brwn
| CB
| Bernie Parrish
| 7
| 40
| 0
| 5.7
| 16
| --
|
2002
| SF 49ers
| SS
| Tony Parrish
| 7
| 204
| 0
| 29.1
| 60
| 62
|
1965
| NY Jet
| LS
| Dainard Paulson
| 7
| 72
| 0
| 10.3
| 22
| --
|
2001
| SF 49ers
| CB
| Ahmed Plummer
| 7
| 45
| 0
| 6.4
| 24
| 58
|
2008
| Pit Steel
| SS
| Troy Polamalu
| 7
| 59
| 0
| 8.4
| 23
| 54
|
2010
| Pit Steel
| SS
| Troy Polamalu
| 7
| 101
| 1
| 14.4
| 45
| 49
|
1981
| NY Jet
| FS
| Darrol Ray
| 7
| 227
| 2
| 32.4
| 64
| --
|
1986
| Chi Bear
| CB
| Mike Richardson
| 7
| 69
| 0
| 9.9
| 32
| --
|
1993
| Hou Oil
| FS
| Marcus Robertson
| 7
| 137
| 0
| 19.6
| 69
| 82
|
1975
| Stl Card
| CB
| Norm Thompson
| 7
| 141
| 1
| 20.1
| 61
| --
|
2011
| SD Chrg
| FS
| Eric Weddle
| 7
| 89
| 0
| 12.7
| 26
| 70
|
16. Georgia
Per Capita Score: 150
7 Int Performances: 15
Hall of Famer Mel Blount represents the crème of the crop for DBs produced by the state of Georgia. His 57 career interceptions are a formidable accomplishment.
Georgia 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1975
| Pit Steel
| CB
| Mel Blount
| 11
| 121
| 0
| 11.0
| 47
| --
|
1981
| Sea Shwk
| FS
| John Harris
| 10
| 155
| 2
| 15.5
| 42
| --
|
1968
| NY Giant
| CB
| Willie Williams
| 10
| 103
| 0
| 10.3
| 24
| --
|
1950
| Chi Card
| DB
| Jerry Davis
| 9
| 40
| 0
| 4.4
| 15
| --
|
1993
| Buf Bill
| CB
| Nate Odomes
| 9
| 65
| 0
| 7.2
| 25
| 47
|
1969
| Min Vik
| CB
| Bobby Bryant
| 8
| 97
| 0
| 12.1
| 56
| --
|
2006
| SF 49ers
| CB
| Walt Harris
| 8
| 84
| 1
| 10.5
| 42
| 49
|
2006
| Jax Jag
| CB
| Rashean Mathis
| 8
| 146
| 0
| 18.3
| 55
| 56
|
1973
| Min Vik
| CB
| Bobby Bryant
| 7
| 105
| 1
| 15.0
| 46
| --
|
1978
| Min Vik
| CB
| Bobby Bryant
| 7
| 69
| 0
| 9.9
| 23
| --
|
1992
| KC Chief
| CB
| Dale Carter
| 7
| 65
| 1
| 9.3
| 36
| --
|
1985
| TB Buc
| CB
| Jeremiah Castille
| 7
| 49
| 0
| 7.0
| 20
| --
|
1965
| Buf Bill
| LS
| Hagood Clarke
| 7
| 60
| 0
| 8.6
| 40
| --
|
1985
| Cin Ben
| FS
| James Griffin
| 7
| 116
| 1
| 16.6
| 33
| --
|
1985
| Sea Shwk
| FS
| John Harris
| 7
| 20
| 0
| 2.9
| 17
| --
|
17. Florida
Per Capita Score: 143
7 Int Performances: 28
Hall of Famer Deion Sanders’ 1,412 career yards on interception returns is 3rd on the all-time list.
Other greats from the state of Florida include Antonio Cromartie, Asante Samuel, Ronnie Lippett, Sam Madison, and Patrick Peterson.
Obscure Stat: Nick Collins’ 42.1 yard average per interception return in 2008 is the highest of any NFL player finishing a season with 7 or more interceptions.
Dubious Distinction: Asante Samuel’s 22 tackles in 2010 are the fewest tackles by any player finishing a season with 7 interceptions or more.
Florida 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2007
| SD Chrg
| CB
| Antonio Cromartie
| 10
| 144
| 1
| 14.4
| 70
| 39
|
2001
| Cle Brwn
| DB
| Anthony Henry
| 10
| 177
| 1
| 17.7
| 97
| 44
|
2006
| NE Pat
| CB
| Asante Samuel
| 10
| 120
| 0
| 12.0
| 33
| 59
|
1981
| Det Lion
| FS
| Jimmy Allen
| 9
| 123
| 0
| 13.7
| 34
| --
|
1997
| Stl Ram
| CB
| Ryan McNeil
| 9
| 127
| 1
| 14.1
| 75
| 62
|
1979
| Was Red
| CB
| Lemar Parrish
| 9
| 65
| 0
| 7.2
| 23
| --
|
1976
| Cin Ben
| CB
| Ken Riley
| 9
| 141
| 1
| 15.6
| 53
| --
|
2009
| Phi Eag
| CB
| Asante Samuel
| 9
| 117
| 0
| 13.0
| 37
| 39
|
1986
| NE Pat
| CB
| Ronnie Lippett
| 8
| 76
| 0
| 9.5
| 43
| --
|
1998
| Mia Dol
| CB
| Sam Madison
| 8
| 114
| 0
| 14.3
| 35
| 31
|
2001
| SD Chrg
| CB
| Ryan McNeil
| 8
| 55
| 0
| 6.9
| 33
| 64
|
1983
| Cin Ben
| CB
| Ken Riley
| 8
| 89
| 2
| 11.1
| 42
| --
|
1997
| Sea Shwk
| FS
| Darryl Williams
| 8
| 172
| 1
| 21.5
| 44
| 68
|
2008
| GB Pack
| FS
| Nick Collins
| 7
| 295
| 3
| 42.1
| 62
| 60
|
1999
| Mia Dol
| CB
| Sam Madison
| 7
| 164
| 1
| 23.4
| 42
| 38
|
1985
| NE Pat
| FS
| Fred Marion
| 7
| 189
| 0
| 27.0
| 83
| --
|
1990
| Was Red
| CB
| Martin Mayhew
| 7
| 20
| 0
| 2.9
| 15
| 104
|
1988
| SF 49ers
| CB
| Tim McKyer
| 7
| 11
| 0
| 1.6
| 7
| 39
|
1983
| Det Lion
| CB
| Bruce McNorton
| 7
| 30
| 0
| 4.3
| 15
| --
|
1971
| Cin Ben
| CB
| Lemar Parrish
| 7
| 105
| 1
| 15.0
| 65
| --
|
1980
| Was Red
| CB
| Lemar Parrish
| 7
| 13
| 0
| 1.9
| 9
| --
|
2012
| Ari Card
| CB
| Patrick Peterson
| 7
| 64
| 0
| 9.1
| 31
| 52
|
2000
| Ten Ttn
| CB
| Samari Rolle
| 7
| 140
| 1
| 20.0
| 81
| 35
|
2010
| Phi Eag
| CB
| Asante Samuel
| 7
| 70
| 0
| 10.0
| 33
| 22
|
1993
| Atl Fal
| CB
| Deion Sanders
| 7
| 91
| 0
| 13.0
| 41
| 34
|
1972
| NY Jets
| CB
| Steve Tannen
| 7
| 125
| 0
| 17.9
| 32
| --
|
1965
| SD Chrg
| RS
| Bud Whitehead
| 7
| 127
| 1
| 18.1
| 35
| --
|
1976
| Min Vik
| CB
| Nate Wright
| 7
| 47
| 0
| 6.7
| 21
| --
|
18. Indiana
Per Capita Score: 137
7 Int Performances: 9
Hall of Fame free Safety Rod Woodson is arguably the greatest defensive back of the modern era. His 71 career interceptions are 3rd all time, and his 1,483 career interception return yard is 2nd all time.
NFL Record: Rod Woodson’s 12 interceptions returned for touchdowns is an NFL record.
Indiana 7 Interception Performances
Year
| Team
| Pos
| Name
| Int
| Yds
| TD
| Avg
| Lng
| Tck
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1955
| Phi Eag
| DB
| Bibbles Bawel
| 9
| 168
| 2
| 18.7
| 42
| --
|
1952
| Phi Eag
| RS
| Bibbles Bawel
| 8
| 121
| 0
| 15.1
| 35
| --
|
1947
| LA Ram
| DB
| Tom Harmon
| 8
| 136
| 1
| 17.0
| 36
| --
|
1950
| Bal Colt
| DB
| Chick Maggioli
| 8
| 165
| 0
| 20.6
| 50
| --
|
1962
| Oak Rai
| CB
| Fred Williamson
| 8
| 151
| 1
| 18.9
| 91
| --
|
1993
| Pit Steel
| CB
| Rod Woodson
| 8
| 138
| 1
| 17.3
| 63
| 95
|
2002
| Oak Rai
| FS
| Rod Woodson
| 8
| 225
| 2
| 28.1
| 98
| 70
|
1961
| NY Giant
| CB
| Erich Barnes
| 7
| 195
| 2
| 27.9
| 102
| --
|
1999
| Bal Rav
| FS
| Rod Woodson
| 7
| 195
| 2
| 27.9
| 66
| 54
|
References
The above statistical data was compiled using NFL.com, Profootballreference.com, and Wikipedia.
If you believe any of the above information to be inaccurate or have any other queries or comments, Larry Rankin invites you to make comments below.
© 2014 Larry Rankin
