David Fulcher, a rare defensive specimen, arrived in the third round (78th overall) of the 1986 NFL Draft out of Arizona State. Known as "a safety in a linebacker's body," he revolutionized the strong safety position under defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau, using his imposing size and hybrid skill set to anchor the secondary throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Fulcher had the build of a middle linebacker but moved with the fluidity of a defensive back. From his strong safety role, he aggressively supported runs in the alley, using his long reach and ball skills to intercept intermediate passes. LeBeau utilized Fulcher's versatility as a key element in his zone blitz tactics, often shifting him to the line of scrimmage to serve as an additional pass rusher or run-stopper.

Fulcher made a notable impact in his 1986 rookie season by starting all 16 games, recording four interceptions, and earning a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. By 1988, he had established himself as one of the league’s top safeties, with five interceptions and a forced fumble, earning his first Pro Bowl selection and Second-Team All-Pro honors. His aggressive style in the secondary played a key role in Cincinnati's AFC West title and their appearance in Super Bowl XXIII, where he forced a pivotal fumble against San Francisco.

His career truly shined in 1989 when he had an outstanding, career-best season. Fulcher made eight interceptions, achieved a career-high Approximate Value of 16, and received First-Team All-Pro honors along with his second Pro Bowl appearance. He kept up his excellent performance in 1990, with four interceptions and three forced fumbles, earning his third straight Pro Bowl and a Second-Team All-Pro spot. During his last two seasons with Cincinnati (1991–1992), he added seven more interceptions, cementing his reputation as one of the franchise's top ball-hawks.

Fulcher left Cincinnati as a free agent in 1993 to join the Los Angeles Raiders, playing three games before injuries ended his career. In seven seasons there, he had 31 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, and 9 forced fumbles.