Ranking the top 10 NFL players from the state of New Jersey

4. Andre Tippett, LB (1982-93)

Everyone remembers Chicago’s Monsters of the Midway and their Super Bowl XX title.

Tippett was the best defender on the other sideline, a first-team All-Pro who led the American Football Conference with 16.5 sacks. Dubbed as the AFC’s version of Lawrence Taylor, Tippett remains New England’s all-time sack leader, with 100, and fumble recoveries by a defender (19).

From 1984-88, he reached five consecutive Pro Bowls. The Patriots went 80-104 with just three postseason appearances in Tippett’s tenure. Had the team been more successful, it’s likely he’d be much more of a household name.

Tippett, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, was born in Birmingham, Ala., but attended Newark’s Barringer High School.

Andre Tippett, for my money, the greatest linebacker not named LT. pic.twitter.com/Lf45e9HqsE https://t.co/yys9LEoFeJ

— Honest☘️Larry (@HonestLarry1) November 11, 2023