Iowa produces best secondary in NFL history?

Of all the colleges producing NFL defensive backs, it's almost surprising to think that Iowa's foursome tops the list.

Iowa and USC are tied with two Hall of Famers each in the secondary. USC's pair include Ronnie Lott and Willie Wood. But Iowa matches with safety Paul Krause, the NFL's all-time record holder in interceptions with 81, and Emlen Tunnell, who is second all-time with 79 interceptions.

Considering Lott's impact stretched beyond his back-hacking prowess (a

mere 63 picks), you have to look more closely at Iowa's other defensive backs filling out this secondary. Former Iowa running back Bob Jeter formed one of the NFL's best cornerback tandems with Herb Adderley at Green Bay. Jeter played for four NFL champions in eight Green Bay seasons and went to two Pro Bowls. He intercepted 26 passes.

Filling out the lineup is Indianapolis Colts safety Bob Sanders, a two-time Pro Bowler. Sanders was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2007.

Although he's oft-injured, Sanders propelled the Colts to the Super Bowl XLI crown after missing 12 games that season. Without Sanders, the Colts perhaps fail to win their wild card game against Kansas City that year.

A closer look at Krause reveals eight Pro Bowls over a 16-year career. Tunnell was named the NFL's all-time safety on its 50th anniversary team in 1969. In 1952, Tunnell recorded more yards on interceptions and kick returns than the NFL's leading rusher. He also was the first African-American to play for the New York Giants.