12. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Of the five LBs chosen to the 1950s All-Decade Team the others were Bednarik, Fortunato, George, and Huff Schmidt made the most Pro Bowls (nine) and the most all-pro teams (seven first-team, nine altogether). Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. Greene led the way in the pass rushing department. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. He is not only the greatest linebacker in NFL history, hes one of the games greatest players period. To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . No. Rickey Jackson doesnt always get the credit he deserves, but hes a top 10 linebacker of the modern era. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. 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The game has come a long way in 100 years. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. The middle linebacker also recorded 52 tackles for loss, which is fourth all-time in Clemson history. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. 2) Jeff Siemon: A key player as the middle linebacker on the team's top defenses in the mid-1970's, Siemon played in 156 games, starting 123, and was selected to four Pro Bowls during his eleven year career with the Vikings. Next: A dangerous combination. He ran a 4.6 40 yard dash, which is outstanding for a linebacker, especially at that time period. But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. He was effective as a pass rushing OLB, tallying up 14 sacks in one season with the Dolphins, and as an inside run stopping linebacker with the Jets. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Bill Romanowski (49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Raiders) : Two-time Pro Bowler. He was 73. Nine All-Pros. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. NFL Strength Of Schedule Rankings 2022-2023, NFL 2022 season finisher picture, standings: Chargers can secure billet on Monday, Packers stay alive for trump card, Cardinals versus Marauders score, focal points: Tom Brady directs late rebound as Tampa Sound moves beyond Arizona in OT, NFL would need to pay a robust $12MILLION to switch all its counterfeit fields over completely to grass as association faces developing commotion from players to switch all arenas to normal surfaces, NFL takes action against utilization of electronic gadgets during games, Packers versus Lions score: Detroit plays spoiler, closes Green Straights offered for postseason compartment, Top 10 Hottest NFL Wives In 2023 | NFL WAGs, The Best Quarterbacks In The NFL Right Now, The Coolest Players in the NFL Right Now, Ranked, 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 88), 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1967, 83). No. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. He also played a big role in one of the most dominant performances by a defense in Super Bowl history. could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. 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 has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He even made the Pro Bowl in a year that he only started eight games and also a year in which he only started nine games. St. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 5. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. 1. 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. 2013 MAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Western Michigans John Offerdahl. 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 running back Franco Harris. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. 2, Ray Lewis* (Ravens) (1996-Present) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. Peter Boulware was the pass rusher alongside Ray Lewis. 2. No. ONeal should get more recognition as one of the best pass rushers to play the game. Over the course of his career he racked up over 1,000 tackles, 52.5 sacks, and 14 INTs, all of which are very good numbers. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. But perhaps more than the star players, the decade was dominated by dynasty teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and . 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. 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. Lloyd had 54.5 sacks and 11 INTs in his career, but the most remarkable number was his 35 forced fumbles. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. 1, Lawrence Taylor (Giants) (1981-1993) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Eight-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. Still, he was a very solid MLB for many years. He was the type of player that you would want your kids to look up to. The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. No. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. 10. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. Matt Blair was a very intimidating linebacker, and helped the Vikings get to two Super Bowls in his career. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. Lawrence Taylor. Zach Thomas. An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Jackson was most notable for being a pass rusher, but he really did it all. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. 1970 Defensive Player of the Year 5-time first-team All-Pro 8-time Pro Bowler The best high school, college and NFL linebackers are annually presented with the Butkus Award, named in honor of . 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. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. 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, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. I have combined outside and inside linebackers on the list and factored in the players ability to stop the run, drop into coverage and leadership. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. No. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Franchise Encyclopedia. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. A two-time All-American and a three-year starter for the Vols, Kiner . Robert Brazile. He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. 7. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. 22, Chris Spielman (Lions/Bills) (1988-1997) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lewis most notable accomplishment may be starting the Tom Brady era by knocking out Drew Bledsoe on a roll out, giving Tom Brady his first ever NFL action. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Baker recorded 19 . He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. Over his nine-year career, he had 2,049 tackles, although this number is solo and assisted because he played before solo tackles were an official stat. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Wilber Marshall had the whole package. Joey Porter may be the most vocal linebacker on this list. 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). During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . But Mills did much more than that. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. 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. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. No. Ranking Explanation . 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. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Super Bowl winner. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . He also took over Lloyds role in pass coverage as the only linebacker in the Steelers nickel defense. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. He could do it all. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 10-6. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. 25. But it was his style of play that made his career so short. 2011 Butkus Award winner for nation s best linebacker at Boston College. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. Taylor changed the way football is played today. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. His 1989 rookie season was one of the best the NFL has ever seen. Less of a nod goes to pass rushers, linebackers and safeties. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position .
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