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. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. Bill Parcells considered Carson the best all-around linebacker he ever coached, which is very high praise from someone who has coached a ton of linebackers in his day. 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 . The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Zachary Petrizzo. 8. Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all-around linebacker. 10. All Rights Reserved. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. 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. He was Terrell Suggs before Suggs got to Baltimore. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. He took them to the AFC Championship game in 1998, where they fell victim to John Elways Super Bowl winning Broncos. He should be in the Hall of Fame. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . 100th NFL Anniversary team. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. 10. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. His 1989 rookie season was one of the best the NFL has ever seen. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. Jackson was the vocal leader of the orange crush defense. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Mar 3, 2023 Updated 4 min ago. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Well have to see how he does, but he could either climb up or fall off this list based on his performance in 2010. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. 2011 Butkus Award winner for nation s best linebacker at Boston College. ONeal should get more recognition as one of the best pass rushers to play the game. K.J. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. Their greats span the decades of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. 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. The entire enterprise of Notre Dame basketball, gone strange. That suggestion from the newly appointed House . If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. No. . Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018. 21, Patrick Willis* (49ers) (2006-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. Holdovers from the National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team were Bob Lilly, Dick Butkus, Merlin Olsen, Larry Wilson, and Jim Bakken, which made them the first players to make multiple All-Decade teams in NFL history. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Mike Singletary. 35, Lance Briggs* (Bears) (2003-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. . Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . No. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. 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. Dennis Onkotz 1967 - 1969. He also ranks third all . Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. Nine All-Pros. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. Keith Brooking has been one of the most consistent linebackers of all-time. Harry Carson was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Lawrence Taylor. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. 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. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. No. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. He knew how to make big plays. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. Collect, curate and comment on your files. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? No. 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. Robert Brazile. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. [a][4]. 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+. 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). That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Porter is mostly known as a sack master. 21. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Williams recorded 16 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries (a franchise record). Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL since 1970! An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. No. These were the players who were great players, but not quite good enough to be placed inside the top 50. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. No. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. That is just unheard of. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 2nd round . The exhibit features the Fleet's classic collection set in five themed galleries representing the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. 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. 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. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. HELLO, PANDORA. Already in his career, Ware has forced 23 fumbles. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. [3] The player that gives Butkus the most competition in that category would be Mike Singletary. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. [3] Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. 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. No. No. 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. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 24, Leslie ONeal (Chargers/Rams/Chiefs) (1986-1999) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He may have actually been crazy. Andre Tippett. 23, Isiah Robertson (Rams/Bills) (1971-1982) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. 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). When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. From canvas high-tops to social media dominance, the NBA has come a long way. Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. The only reason Brooks isnt higher up on this list is because he had a fantastic surrounding cast which includes, most notably, Warren Sapp taking up blockers on the line. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. 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. Thats amazing consistency. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. No. I’m only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. No. . He is not only the greatest linebacker in NFL history, hes one of the games greatest players period. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. 2. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). He played for a bad team with not much of a surrounding cast, but still excelled. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. No. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. He should still improve this season with Ndamukong Suh in front of him to help free him up. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. He could do it all. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . 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. McAdams was a two-time All-American . His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. 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 took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. He was Lawrence Taylor before Taylor was. Mike Kolen 1970-77. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. 1970s All-decade team. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. Opponents thought Kirkland would not be as adept in pass coverage as the fast Lloyd, but they quickly found out that Kirkland was just as fast and quick. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 10-6. He was the only good player (other than Albert Haynesworth, but even he was only good for 2-3 years) on a generally bad defense and team. Ham had outstanding . He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. 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. 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. Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. So while there were outstanding linebackers in previous years, like Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke, they will not be on this list. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. He may be one of the most hated players, but man can he play football. 27. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. (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). Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. He could play zone and man. No. 2013 MAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Western Michigans John Offerdahl. 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 was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. Select from premium 1970 1979 America of the highest quality. Beason may be the most controversial player on this list. 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. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes.