In a testament to his indomitable presence on the field, San Francisco 49ers’ star Nick Bosa has been voted the best defensive player in the NFL by his peers. Bosa clinched the No. 4 spot in the NFL Top 100 list, making him the highest-ranked defender in the league.
Given his stellar performance in the 2022 season, where he secured the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, the ranking does not come as a surprise.
The NFL Top 100 list, voted on by NFL players annually, placed only three players above Bosa – Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts. In contrast, the next-closest defensive player, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons, was voted No. 9.
Through his four seasons in the NFL, Bosa has proven to be a dominant force, amassing 43 sacks in 51 games. In the last season alone, he garnered a career-best and league-high 18.5 sacks.
The 49ers were well-represented on the top 100 list, with players like offensive tackle Trent Williams (No. 14), linebacker Fred Warner (No. 15), tight end George Kittle (No. 19), and others being voted among the league’s best players.
Such recognition by peers underscores the immense respect and camaraderie among professional athletes while providing fans with insight into the players’ perspective.