There are multiple safeties who can lay claim to the title of greatest of all-time, but one thing is for sure — nothing changes the game defensively like a ball-hawking or hard-hitting force in the defensive backfield.

Having quality safety play has always been vital, but in the modern NFL, as passing attacks have grown exponentially, there has never been a greater need for elite defenders at the last level of the defense.

The league history is littered with good safeties, but this list has the best safeties.

Here are the 10 greatest safeties in NFL history.

Wilson joined the St.Louis Cardinals in 1960, the team he would play all 13 years of his football career with. Over that period, he collected 52 interceptions, had 14 fumble recoveries and seven defensive touchdowns.

Known most notably for one of the best safety blitzes of all-time, Wilson collected 21 sacks in his career. He, along with Charles Woodson, are the only players to have 50 or more interceptions to pair with 20 or more sacks.

Over his career, Wilson accumulated eight Pro Bowl honors and five First-Team All-Pro nods. And notably, in 1966, he snagged interceptions in seven straight games.

It's shocking to look back on it, but Wood was never drafted and had to request a tryout with the Green Bay Packers to even make the team. Wood became a starter before his second season and never relinquished that role for Green Bay, playing his entire 12-year career with the team. Patrolling the field, he snagged 48 career interceptions and also was able to corral 16 fumble recoveries during his 12-year career. He led the league in interceptions in 1962, with nine.