No. He tried to get in your head before you even took a step on the field of play. These are the newest members of GHSF Daily's Georgia Power 100. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. 10 Best Linebackers in Steelers History (+Honorable Mentions) Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. No. Top ten linebackers in Steelers history: Version two - Steelers Sanctuary 14, Hardy Nickerson (Steelers/Bucs/Jaguars/Packers) (1987-2002) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 10. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s - AinsworthSports.com 2. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. No. Hes on pace to not only break, but shatter the NFL record of 41. Depending on the day, you might view Ham as the best player on the Steel Curtain defense or the 4th best, and it's . After being labeled a bust by many after his first four seasons with the Jets, Farrior broke out with the Steelers and became one of the most consistent players in the league. 26, Cornelius Bennett (Bills/Falcons/Colts) (1987-2000) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 1970s A 1-13 record in 1969 gave the Steelers the first overall choice in the 1970 draft, with which Noll addressed the offense by selecting quarterback Terry Bradshaw, another Hall of Famer, after the Steelers won the first selection by winning a coin toss with the Chicago Bears. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. T&Cs apply. Ranking Explanation . Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. Perfect Seahawks NFL Draft 2023 plan: Select C.J. Stroud if there at No The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Thats right, seven. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Nine All-Pros. Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. 1953-65, Detroit Lions. Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. Republican Rep. James Comer suggested during a right-wing podcast earlier this week that President Joe Biden's deceased son Beau Biden should have been investigated in connection with a long-settled case on "campaign donations" from a backer who was eventually indicted. 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Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. 8. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. 25. #NFL100 - Top 6 Outside Linebackers Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Houston Oilers, 1975-1984. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL Since 1970 - The Grueling Truth This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all time. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. He was also the first player to have a TE or RB used for chip blocking on, and overall changed the way offensive lineman block. Paul Naumoff. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. 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. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. No. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. 6 - Carl McAdams. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. 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). Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie season and his final pro season, totaling nine selections. Ralph Baker - Years with Jets: 11 (1964-74) Baker played in 142 games with the Jets in his 11 seasons, which is tied with Marvin Jones for the 4 th most by a linebacker. Joey Porter. Who knows how many he wouldve had if he played in the entire 16? He should still improve this season with Ndamukong Suh in front of him to help free him up. No. Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week. thegruelingtruth.com is available in the following countries: The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. 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). Collect, curate and comment on your files. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? He had four interceptions that season, a high number for an inside linebacker, to go along with four sacks and 114 tackles. Eleven Pro Bowls. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. 25, Karl Mecklenburg (Broncos) (1983-1994) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro Karl "The Albino Rhino" Mecklenburg was the definition of a blue collar player. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . He took them to the AFC Championship game in 1998, where they fell victim to John Elways Super Bowl winning Broncos. When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. He was the type of player that you would want your kids to look up to. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Regardless, he definitely deserves the respect for what he accomplished on the field. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. From his time at USC, Lott . Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. Coverage was definitely Bullucks claim to fame, but he was also good at other things. Super Bowl winner. There is a reason the award given to the best linebacker in high school, college and the NFL each year is named after Butkus. 25 Greatest Defensive Linemen in NFL History - AthlonSports.com 32, John Offerdahl (Dolphins) (1986-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. No. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Official list of the NFL's best players in the 1970s, National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team, National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/04/06/tom-brady-is-first-qb-to-make-two-all-decade-teams/, National Football League All-Decade Teams, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_Football_League_1970s_All-Decade_Team&oldid=1132426489, National Football League records and achievements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 20:52. 10. The transition from college football to the NFL . 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). The longtime backup led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), set the Seahawks' single-season passing yards record (4,282) and ranked in the top five in the entire league in both passing . Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). The entire enterprise of Notre Dame basketball, gone strange. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. No. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. Lance Briggs may be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher, but dont forget how great of a player Briggs has been for the Bears. The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage. If you havnt guessed it by now, Lawrence LT Taylor is my top linebacker of the modern era. Andre Tippett may have been outshined by Lawrence Taylor playing basically the same position at the same time frame, but theres no mistaking what Tippett did on the field. That is just unheard of. Zach Thomas. Thats an amazing number as well. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. Neal Olkewicz. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Two years later, the Giants sunk to 1-12-1. He may be one of the most hated players, but man can he play football. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . Tippett finished his career with 100 sacks. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. 1970 Minnesota Vikings Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees The 70s were a rough decade for the Browns, but the 1980s were getting off to a great start with the franchise returning to the playoffs, despite the tragedy of " Red Right 88 " in 1981. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. 10. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Mo Lewis was another very consistent and solid player. 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. 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. Robert Brazile. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Zachary Petrizzo. Mike Singletary. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Their greats span the decades of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. He could play zone and man. 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. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. The Best Las Vegas Raiders Linebackers of All Time - Ranker As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s He left everything he had on the field of play, and even though he was a tenacious player on the field, he was one of the most genuine and nice guys off the field. He was blue collar player who was a great leader on defense and could do everything well on a football field. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. Here's a list of the Packers' top 10 all-time defensive players since 1950, when unlimited substitution was restored to the NFL, paving the way for two-platoon football. 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. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. Still, he was a very solid MLB for many years. No. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Joe Schmidt. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Merriman still has the potential to be a great player again. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. 1970 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all time, recording 160 sacks in his career. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history Featuring 2018-2019 Raiders and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Raiders LBs include Ted Hendricks, Khalil Mack, Rod Martin, Sam Wiliams, and Greg Biekert. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. Beason has only been in the league for three years now. 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. Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. 12 sacks and three picks. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. He was also the first player to have a TE or RB used for chip blocking on him, and overall changed the way offensive lineman block. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. Love him or hate him, Lewis has earned the title of greatest middle linebacker of all time. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. [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. How NFL Players Have Evolved. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. No. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1970s - DEFENSE - pfhof Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. . Who is the best high school football team in Alabama history (poll) Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:03 a.m. EST | National | wdrb.com No. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. 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. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. He was always around the ball. With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . After a very bad injury in 2008, Shawne Merriman hasnt been the same. Don Moorehead, Dennis Franklin, Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Tom Brady, Forest Evashevski, Benny Friedman and John Navarre were all elected Captains by their teammates. Thats an outstanding number. He could do it all. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. Most known for his antics like spitting in other players faces, Romanowskis play sometimes gets overshadowed. Baker recorded 19 . He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . No. No. They had traded stalwart linebacker Sam Huff in the offseason. But Mills did much more than that. That is just unheard of. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. 21, Patrick Willis* (49ers) (2006-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. No. 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). Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. The player that gives Butkus the most competition in that category would be Mike Singletary. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. Cox was also a vocal leader of the teams he played for, directing his defenses to success. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. The Greatest Linebackers of All Time - SportsUnfold Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. The NFL started in 1920 and commemorated its 100th season in 2019 with a season-long celebration of "NFL 100." The game has come a long way in 100 years. A late 12th round pick Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. Butkus nasty disposition and ability to blow up anyone standing in his path, made him one of the most feared players in the history of the game. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. No. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Brooks was the leader of that defense, but his surrounding cast was just too good to rank him higher. 22, Chris Spielman (Lions/Bills) (1988-1997) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 17 Reasons why Jordan is greater than Lebron, 16 Reasons why Lebron is greater than Jordan, The 18 greates Coaches in College Football History, The Top 21 Offensive Linemen in NFL History, The Top 10 Seattle Mariners of all Time, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans, If you enjoy hearing from the legends of pro sports, then be sure to tune into The Grueling Truth sports shows, Where the legends speak. Franchise Encyclopedia. Eddie Johnson. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. The . 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+. Anthony Simmons (1995-'97) is the only two-time First-Team All-American in Clemson . His high sack number was 15 in 2001, a year that he didnt even get voted into the Pro Bowl. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. 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 . Nine All-Pros. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. [3] 48, Terrell Suggs* (Ravens) (2003-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Edmunds will have to clean up the missed tackles and improve in coverage to rise toward where most slot him currently a top-10 linebacker on this list next season. 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 . Eleven Pro Bowls. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. 37, Wilber Marshall (Bears/Redskins/Oilers/Cardinals/Jets) (1984-1995) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 28b, Sam Mills (Saints/Panthers) (1986-1997) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The Chicago Bears have the most all-time great linebackers. For a four-year span with Seattle, Young was arguably the best Seahawks linebacker of all-time. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. List of All Buffalo Bills Linebackers, Ranked Best to Worst Bet with your head, not over it. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team - Wikipedia No. Urlacher was the leader of those great Bears defenses of the 2000s, including when they got to the Super Bowl only to lose to Peyton Manning and the Colts. 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker.