1970 Robert E. Lee Generals (13-0) Jim Chafin's team allowed just seven points a game and held 10 of its 13 opponents to 10 points or less. Briggs should only continue to move up this list, as he takes over as the star linebacker spot in Chicago. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. That suggestion from the newly appointed House . He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. Call 1-800-522-4700. He is not only the greatest linebacker in NFL history, hes one of the games greatest players period. Rickey Jackson doesnt always get the credit he deserves, but hes a top 10 linebacker of the modern era. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Ill take into account Pro Bowls, All-Pros (1st and 2nd team), stats, team success, players success, intimidation factor, and reputation, along with many other factors to make this list. Wilson doesnt have the career numbers because his career was so short, but theres no doubt when he was playing he was the most feared player on the field. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. No NFL team has enjoyed the consistent level of success the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. No. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Kolen was drafted by the Dolphins in the 12 th round . 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. No. He is ninth in team history with 14 forced fumbles; he recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. He was always around the ball. Hes going into his first healthy season again in three years. credit : - yahoo. Brooks was the leader of that defense, but his surrounding cast was just too good to rank him higher. Pat Swilling was an outstanding pass rusher in his career, totaling up 107 sacks in his career and 101.5 sacks in a 10 year period throwing out his rookie year and last season of his career. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). 5. Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 2nd round . Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. 27. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. 7. May 24, 2022. That truly shows what kind of person he was off the field. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. But it was his style of play that made his career so short. Lamberts signature toothless snarl struck fear into the hearts of the opposition and lends credence to his legendary status as one of the toughest players all-time. Ham had outstanding speed. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie season and his final pro season, totaling nine selections. Hes been amazing. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Well have to see how he does, but he could either climb up or fall off this list based on his performance in 2010. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Eleven Pro Bowls. Mike Singletary. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzd9Xd0who, No. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. 8, Demarcus Ware* (Cowboys) (2005-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. In that game, the Steelers defense held the Cowboys to just 15 first downs and Emmitt Smith and the Cowboys powerful running attack to just 56 yards, despite losing 27-17 in large part due to two key interceptions thrown by Steelers quarterback Neil ODonnell. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all time, recording 160 sacks in his career. It may be a bit early to put Jon Beason on this list, but I think his play warrants the selection. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. He produced 32 sacks over the 3 seasons. Lewis wasnt as vocal as Cox, but his play was a little better, and lasted for a longer period of time. The Steelers had lost their emotional leader, outside linebacker Greg Lloyd, at the start of the season to a knee injury, but Kirkland took over the mantle of leadership. A true enforcer in every sense of the word, Lewis intensity was unmatched by any player of his era. A truly great linebacker must be able to read the offense, set the defensive scheme, play the run with cat-like instincts and defend the pass with the utmost precision. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Kirkland was an all-around better linebacker, he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated. He had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. Mike Singletary had the whole package. 1970s All-decade team. 21. Pittsburgh 2002, '04-12, '14-17; Cincinnati 2013; New England 2017. But Mills did much more than that. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. He did everything. Named to NFL's All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. Anything you asked him to do, he would do. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Among linebackers, that would include two-way stars George Svendsen (1935-41), Bud Svendsen (1937, 1939) and Charley Brock (1939-47), along with Bill Forester (1953-63), Tom Bettis (1955-61) and Roger Zatkoff (1953-56). In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Keith Brooking has been one of the most consistent linebackers of all-time. Known as quite possibly the most sound tackler in school history, Ham was an extremely fundamental linebacker who was the captain of the 1970 Penn State defense. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. 5.) SRS: 6.97 (5th of 26), SOS: 1.40. That is just unheard of. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. No. A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. He made five straight Pro Bowls, but the reason he doesnt rank higher on this list is because he was never a feared player like his teammate Michael Strahan was, and his stats just arent good enough. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. by Ben Watanabe. Gambling Problem? Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. No. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Jack Ham had the whole package as a linebacker. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). No. Patrick Willis has made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team every single year hes been in the NFL. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. He could do it all. Their greats span the decades of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . The . Wilber Marshall had the whole package. In his three years at Clemson (1995-'97) Simmons recorded 486 tackles, only 29 off the school record Bubba Brown recorded in four years from 1976-'79. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. No. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. Romanowski might be overrated because of his name, but theres no doubt he was one of the most memorable and feared linebackers of the modern era. You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. From canvas high-tops to social media dominance, the NBA has come a long way. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. 36, Jeremiah Trotter (Eagles/Redskins/Bucs) (1999-2007 & 2009) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 6, Jack Ham (Steelers) (1971-1982) *Eight-time Pro Bowler *Six-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. St. In his final two seasons with the Bengals, Williams was appointed to an open seat on the Cincinnati City Council in 1988 and was elected for a second term in 1989 on the Charter Party ticket. No. No. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Already in his career, Ware has forced 23 fumbles. Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. Sam Huff. Ranking Explanation . [3] Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". He also ranks third all . Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. But in those three years, hes racked up 328 tackles and seven INTs, all while starting every game of his career. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. No. From his time at USC, Lott . Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. (Pro Football Weekly 1975 Defensive Player of the Year, 1970s All-Decade Team, 1994 75th anniversary team), and also the team success (4 Super Bowls). 10. Seau was the definition of consistency. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. How NFL Players Have Evolved. 29, Joey Porter* (Steelers/Dolphins/Cardinals) (1999-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. Williams has received numerous honors, including selection to the NFL All-Rookie Team (1976), the Byron Whizzer White Award for Humanitarian Service (1985), the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (1986), and Sports Illustrateds Co-Sportsman of the Year (1987). In that career he played both 4-3 OLB and 3-4 ILB. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) At New Mexico State, the once-treasured men's basketball program has been suspended for the season due to a fatal shooting and a gruesome allegation of locker-room . The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage. During his career Williams amassed 62.5 sacks, which is the second most in Bengals history. Some of you will say hes too low. In 2008, Suggs even had two INTs, both of which he returned for touchdowns. [1][2] The squad consists of first- and second-team offensive, defensive, and special teams units, as well as a first- and second-team head coaches. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. The versatile middle linebacker played a significant role in helping the Steelers win four Super Bowls in a span of six years in the 1970s. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. 10. Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #47 gets a hold of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields #1 during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Jan 25, 1981; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders players Mickey Marvin (65), Willie Jones (90), Rod Martin (53), Ted Hendricks (83) and Raymond Chester (88) on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XV at the Superdome. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lost Super Bowl 13-16 vs. Baltimore Colts. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. . could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. Neal Olkewicz. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. He could play zone and man. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. Lofa Tatupu* (Seahawks) : Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. 12. 100th NFL Anniversary team. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. No. Don Moorehead, Dennis Franklin, Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Tom Brady, Forest Evashevski, Benny Friedman and John Navarre were all elected Captains by their teammates. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. More from Green Bay Packers. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal crash. 11, Kevin Greene (Rams/Steelers/Panthers/49ers), (1985-1999) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. He was said to have the fastest 10 yard burst of any player on the team, and that included receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, and runningback Franco Harris. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. 10. Thats an amazing number as well. He also is the only linebacker to ever win a Super Bowl MVP and be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (2000). He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Buffalo Bills starting LBs and backup LBs are Lorenzo Alexander, Deon Lacey, Matt Milano, and Tanner Vallejo. LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . By 1995, he was recognized as one of the top inside linebackers in the league and had a stellar performance in Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the season. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. He came one tackle short from having five consecutive 100 tackle seasons in 2004, which is saying a lot, since he was the guy taking up blockers most of the time as well. In 2006, he had an amazing season and won defensive MVP, which is a very high honor that most players on this list never achieved. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. When Indiana travels to San Antonio, it will MLB Rule Changes | Can F1 Compete With NASCAR | Froggy Talkin Sports #MLB #indianahoosiers #nascar, Indiana Basketball Postgame W/Steve Risley: Indiana vs Iowa Recap and more, Must be 21+. Zach Thomas is exactly what you want in a player and a linebacker. 1, Lawrence Taylor (Giants) (1981-1993) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Eight-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. 10. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. Two years later, the Giants sunk to 1-12-1. Mike Kolen 1970-77. And he's still going. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. He was a good pass rusher, having at least 5.5 sacks in 10 straight years, but he was also good against the run and in coverage. Franchise Encyclopedia. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Dick Butkus: one of the fiercest and best linebackers the NFL has ever seen, Butkus was a Pro Bowler every year except his final season while also garnering five All-Pro selections for the Bears. Ray Lewis is the highest-ranked active player on this list, and the top middle linebacker on it. He was selected late in the 12th Round, and nobody expected much out of him. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. Wright has been one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL since entering the league as a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State . Bryan Cox was an all-around package at linebacker. Offensive Coordinator: Jim Myers. Jackson was most notable for being a pass rusher, but he really did it all. Cornelius Bennett was just a great all-around player. Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Bills LBs include Sam Rogers, Keith Ellison, Shane Conlan, and John Holecek. Less of a nod goes to pass rushers, linebackers and safeties. Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all round linebacker. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position.