ESPN has revealed is in the process of revealing its top 100 players since 2000.
Former Miami Hurricanes make the list:
Lewis redefined the middle linebacker position as a three-down defender who made plays from sideline to sideline. His ability to make teammates around him better established a storied tradition of defense in Baltimore. From 2000 to '12, the Ravens' defense ranked among the top three in the NFL in seven of the 10 seasons in which Lewis played at least six games. "Before we get to his play, Ray is the greatest leader in team sports history," said Shannon Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end who won a Super Bowl with Lewis in 2000. "No one is even close." -- Jamison Hensley
Reed was the ultimate defensive game changer of his generation. In 2004, he set an NFL record by returning an interception 106 yards for a touchdown against the Browns. Four years later, he broke his own record with a 107-yarder against the Eagles. Reed is the only player in NFL history to score touchdowns off a punt return, blocked punt, interception and fumble recovery.
"You see the safety's out in the middle of the field and have a wide-open throw on the right. The next thing you know he's intercepting it," former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "Where did he come from? It's impossible. That's what made it such a challenge. He made the impossible possible." -- Jamison Hensley
Former Miami Hurricanes make the list:
61. Ray Lewis, football
Key accomplishments: Hall of Famer (2018), 12-time Pro Bowler, eight-time first-team All-Pro, only player with 40 sacks and 30 interceptions since sacks became official in 1982.Lewis redefined the middle linebacker position as a three-down defender who made plays from sideline to sideline. His ability to make teammates around him better established a storied tradition of defense in Baltimore. From 2000 to '12, the Ravens' defense ranked among the top three in the NFL in seven of the 10 seasons in which Lewis played at least six games. "Before we get to his play, Ray is the greatest leader in team sports history," said Shannon Sharpe, a Hall of Fame tight end who won a Super Bowl with Lewis in 2000. "No one is even close." -- Jamison Hensley
99. Ed Reed, football
Key accomplishments: Hall of Famer (2019), nine-time Pro Bowler, five-time first-team All-Pro, HOF All-2000s team, 2004 Defensive Player of the Year.Reed was the ultimate defensive game changer of his generation. In 2004, he set an NFL record by returning an interception 106 yards for a touchdown against the Browns. Four years later, he broke his own record with a 107-yarder against the Eagles. Reed is the only player in NFL history to score touchdowns off a punt return, blocked punt, interception and fumble recovery.
"You see the safety's out in the middle of the field and have a wide-open throw on the right. The next thing you know he's intercepting it," former Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said. "Where did he come from? It's impossible. That's what made it such a challenge. He made the impossible possible." -- Jamison Hensley
