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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 23: Washington Redskins helmets on the sideline during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA – NOVEMBER 23: Washington Redskins helmets on the sideline during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on November 23, 2014 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Washington Redskins

The Washington Redskins of the 1980s were an offense-first team and that’s where most of the star power was concentrated. Yet every time they needed a big play to reach the Super Bowl, it was the defense that was stepping up to deliver. None were bigger than what came in 1982 courtesy of unheralded defensive tackle Darryl Grant.

By that point in time, the former 9th round pick was a part-time reserve on the defensive line. He’d had 2.5 sacks that season and was primarily known for his run-stopping skill. Nobody thought of him as much more than a decent rotational guy. Going into the NFC championship against Dallas, nothing had changed that perception.

Then it happened.

A tipped ball on a play fake pass dropped right into the hands of Grant who returned it 10 yards for a touchdown. It put the Redskins up 31-17 in the game, all but assuring the victory over their hated rival. Washington would go on to win the Super Bowl, the first of three over the next decade. Grant would continue to aid in that mission, also helping to win the crown in 1987 as well.

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