Who is the Most Underrated Pass Rusher in NFL History?

I was sitting there and looking at the all-time pass rushers and when looking at the list many of the players are often recognized for getting after the quarterback, but there is one player you rarely hear about. Identifying the most underrated pass rusher in NFL history can be subjective, as “underrated” often depends on factors like media coverage, team success, and public recognition. So when I was looking at the list, there is only one guy that truly sticks out as an underrated pass rusher, and that is:

Coy Bacon

Career Overview:

• Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1967), Los Angeles Rams (1968-1972), San Diego Chargers (1973-1975), Cincinnati Bengals (1976-1977), Washington Redskins (1978-1981)
• Notable Achievements:
  • Bacon’s sack totals, although unofficial for much of his career (sacks were not an official NFL statistic until 1982), are often cited as being extraordinary.
  • Estimates suggest he had over 130 sacks in his career, which would place him among the all-time leaders if officially recognized.
  • He was a three-time Pro Bowler (1972, 1976, 1977).

Why He’s Underrated:

1. Era of Play:
   • Bacon played during a time when sacks were not an official statistic. This lack of official recognition has contributed to him not being as well-known as other pass rushers.
2. Media Coverage:
   • During Bacon’s career, the NFL did not receive the same level of media attention and statistical analysis as it does today. Players from his era often did not receive the same level of individual recognition.
3. Team Performance:
   • Bacon played for several teams that were not always contenders, which can affect how much attention a player receives. Teams that perform well tend to have their players more prominently featured in the media.
4. Recognition:
   • Despite his impressive sack totals and impact on the game, Bacon has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, which is often seen as a measure of a player’s career success and recognition.

Coy Bacon would finish as the 15th all time with 130.5 sacks, which is 2 sacks under Lawrence Taylor, and more than Rickey Jackson, Derrick Thomas, Dwight Freeney, Charles Haley and Andre Tippett who are all in the Hall of Fame. Coy Bacon the former Jackson State standout should be in the Hall of Fame!

Conclusion

Coy Bacon stands out as a particularly compelling choice for the most underrated pass rusher in NFL history due to the combination of his impressive, yet unofficial, sack totals, the lack of media coverage during his era, and the absence of Hall of Fame recognition. His story highlights how historical context and changes in the way the game is covered and analyzed can impact a player’s legacy.