There is a lot to unpack with Albert Haynesworth, but for a two-year period, he was in the conversation as the best defensive player in football.

Haynesworth's ascendence to the upper rung of Defensive Tackles seemingly came out of nowhere despite being a First Round Pick (2002).  Haynesworth only started five Games as a rookie, and while he became a starter as a sophomore, he was not considered one of the top players at his position, nor would he be until 2007, though the year before he became infamous when he stomped on the face of Dallas’ Center, Andre Gurode.  

Haynesworth’s game shot up in 2007, where he put up then career-highs in Sacks (8.5) and had 12 Tackles for Loss.  His skill caught up with his ferocity, and he had an even better 2008, where he had 8.5 Sacks, 51 Combined Tackles, and 15 Tackles for Loss.  Haynesworth was a First Team All-Pro both of those seasons, was the runner-up in 2007 for the Defensive Player of the Year, and was fourth in 2008.  It was Haynesworth’s last year as a Titan, and as it would turn out, his last good year in football.

Haynesworth signed with the Washington Redskins as a Free Agent, and he was out of the game three years later.  He might have been a controversial figure at one time, but his peak period in Tennessee has few equals.