When at the top of his game, there was no more dominating defender than NaVorro Bowman. For a three-year span, from 2011-13, Bowman starred for a San Francisco 49ers defense that was among the best in the game. For many, that was the end of an era in San Francisco. Willis would go on to retire following the 2014 season, and Bowman himself was released by the 49ers on Friday. It also came with San Francisco mired in a 0-5 slump to start the season and with no real hope of short-term contention.

Source: Forbes October 15, 2017 00:56 UTC