Zach Thomas. Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career.
Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960 - Dairyland Express He was also a big hitter and very intimidating on the field of play. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? 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 . No. Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. 48, Terrell Suggs* (Ravens) (2003-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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). He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. He was selected late in the 12th Round, and nobody expected much out of him. 100th NFL Anniversary team. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. 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. The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. Franchise Encyclopedia. No. . 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. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman.
PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 linebackers ahead of the 2020 NFL season No. Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989.
60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs.
Michigan Football Position Greats He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. Baltimore, with 2,038 rushing yards through its first 10 games of the season, is the seventh team since 1970 and first since the 1978 New England Patriots (2,029 rushing yards) with at least 2,000 .
The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s - AinsworthSports.com 1953-65, Detroit Lions. 32, John Offerdahl (Dolphins) (1986-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He is the only linebacker to ever take the honor. Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. St. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Chicago 1981-92. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. He was a very solid 3-4 ILB playing on one of the best LB Cores of all-time, the Dome Patrol. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. 19, Harry Carson (Giants) (1976-1988) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Houston Oilers, 1975-1984. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. Anthony Simmons (1995-'97) is the only two-time First-Team All-American in Clemson . Love him or hate him, Lewis has earned the title of greatest middle linebacker of all time. 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. The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. No. Pat Swilling. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Earl Campbell called Williams the toughest linebacker he ever played against. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. 9. The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Thats an outstanding number. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. Marshall wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker though, he also racked up 1,020 tackles during his 11 year NFL career, along with 24 forced fumbles. He is most known for the neck plate he wore behind his head, but dont let that distract you from his great play on the field. He has played the role of pass rusher and coverage linebacker in his career, and has excelled at both. Mike Singletary had the whole package. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs.
Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: No. 5-1 - Saturday Down South NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1970s - DEFENSE - pfhof Nine All-Pros. 10. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. . With time to spare in the NFL offseason, Ill take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 15-11. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. [3] He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. No. LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . The nine-time Pro Bowl player, two-time All-Pro, and Hall of Fame is one of the all-time sacks leaders with 126.5, and he also forced 41 fumbles during his 11-year career. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era.
Ranking the 10 best linebackers in Raiders history Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding.
The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history 2. Brooks was the leader of that defense, but his surrounding cast was just too good to rank him higher. He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. He just goes out every week and hustles. If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Wright, Seattle Seahawks. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. No.
Here's 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize 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. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Rickey Jackson could do it all. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Mike Kolen 1970-77.
AP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:03 a.m. EST | National | wdrb.com Are you ready for some football history? Thats an amazing number as well. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Born April 20 . If you havnt guessed it by now, Lawrence LT Taylor is my top linebacker of the modern era. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. 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. 8. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. Leslie ONeal was a sack machine in his career. No. 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. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award.
1970 1979 America Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. How NFL Players Have Evolved. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Super Bowl winner. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. His high sack number was 15 in 2001, a year that he didnt even get voted into the Pro Bowl. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. No. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. And he's still going.
Who are the Packers' greatest defenders of all time? - Green Bay Packers This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Jack Lambert played middle linebacker. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. He also ranks third all . He did everything. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. No. 9. The 2008 season was his best sack season with 17.5. 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. 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. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. The only thing that could match his signature stare was the stellar play of Samurai Mike on the field. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. No. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . No. 24, Leslie ONeal (Chargers/Rams/Chiefs) (1986-1999) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. by Ben Watanabe. More Team Info. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie season and his final pro season, totaling nine selections. 27. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL.
Top ten linebackers in Steelers history: Version two - Steelers Sanctuary Armstead didnt particularly stand out at anywhere, but he wasnt a weak link anywhere either. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. HELLO, PANDORA. Seau was the definition of consistency. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. He is not only the greatest linebacker in NFL history, hes one of the games greatest players period. Still, he was a very solid MLB for many years. He was just a great all-around player who could do it all. 34, Julian Peterson* (49ers/Seahawks/Lions) (2000-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. 12 sacks and three picks. No. 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. and Jack Ham played as . Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. Top 10, however, is not only a sure thing but easy as it was very tough for me to keep Levy out of the top 5 over the guy that made it. The player that gives Butkus the most competition in that category would be Mike Singletary. Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. 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. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. First-Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl w/Raiders (1991) NFL interceptions leader w/Raiders (1991) Ronnie Lott is best known for being arguably the best safety in football history. Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Bills LBs include Sam Rogers, Keith Ellison, Shane Conlan, and John Holecek. 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. Atlante vs Raya2 Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time, Date, Team News, lineup news, Odds, Stats, Betting Tips Trends, Where To Watch Live Score Mexican Liga de Expansin MX 2023 Telecast Today Match Details March 3, Club Tijuana vs Atlas Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Wydad AC vs Vita Club Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, U Cluj vs Farul Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time,, Top 10 Best Football Agents In The World | 2023 Updates, Top 10 Most Successful Retired Soccer Players 2023, FC Magdeburg vs 1. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. 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. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. 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 led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. 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. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. 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. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Matt Blair was a very intimidating linebacker, and helped the Vikings get to two Super Bowls in his career.