George Teague Madden Career 1994-2002 - Peak 98 OVR

George Teague won a national title at Alabama and announced himself in the 1993 Sugar Bowl, returning an interception for a touchdown and stripping a Miami receiver from behind as he showboated toward the end zone, a foreshadowing of the moment that would define his pro career. A first-round pick of the Packers in 1993, he became a solid NFL safety, but he is remembered for about three seconds in Dallas.

On a September afternoon in 2000, the 49ers' Terrell Owens caught a touchdown and ran to midfield to celebrate on the Cowboys' star, twice. The second time, Teague sprinted over and leveled him, shoving Owens off the logo in defense of the franchise's honor. He was ejected, and he became an instant Cowboys folk hero, the man who protected the star.

Madden rated him a good starter with real range, peaking at a 98 in Madden NFL 95 for the 1994 season on a 98 speed rating, though his later cards settled into the 80s. He intercepted 15 passes across a career with the Packers, Cowboys and Dolphins, a genuinely useful defensive back. But no interception he ever made is replayed as often as the hit at midfield. Madden's grades mark the player; the star, and the shove, mark the legend.