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. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Top 10 Linebackers in Miami Dolphins history - Phin Phanatic No. No. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. He could play zone and man. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. Top ten linebackers in Steelers history: Version two - Steelers Sanctuary Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. 60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL Since 1970 - The Grueling Truth He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. 20 greatest linebackers in NFL history - Franchise Sports He just goes out every week and hustles. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. 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. But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. He had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Select from premium 1970 1979 America of the highest quality. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. . He was the type of player that you would want your kids to look up to. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia 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 . Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Paul Naumoff. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. Still, he was a very solid MLB for many years. Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960 - Dairyland Express Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all round linebacker. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. During the five year stretch from 1991-1995 where he made five consecutive Pro Bowls, Lloyd was one of, if not the, most dominating linebackers in the NFL. He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. Top 10 LB's in OU history - 247sports.com Tribute to Elvis He knew how to make big plays. Power Ranking the 5 Greatest Linebackers in Minnesota Vikings History It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. 47, Fredd Young (Seahawks/Colts) (1984-1990) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Top 10 Washington Football Team LBs of All Time - Sports Articles K.J. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. 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). Jackson was the vocal leader of the orange crush defense. Who knows how many he wouldve had if he played in the entire 16? 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. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 1970 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. 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. 2, Ray Lewis* (Ravens) (1996-Present) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. He had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Still, its an amazing number. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. But Mills did much more than that. Taylor changed the way football is played today. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. Franchise Encyclopedia. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Joe Schmidt. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. Answer: Two of the three were constants for all four Super Bowls and ended up in the Hall of Fame. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. FCK Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Hamilton vs Arbroath Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Paderborn vs FC St. Pauli Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live, Andorra vs Las Palmas Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, AGF vs Horsens Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time,, Southend Utd vs Barnet Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Kawasaki vs Shonan Bellmare Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live. 25. Hes on pace to not only break, but shatter the NFL record of 41. Neal Olkewicz. If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! He should still improve this season with Ndamukong Suh in front of him to help free him up. 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 . Next: A dangerous combination. I think hell climb up this list further in the near future. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. A true enforcer in every sense of the word, Lewis intensity was unmatched by any player of his era. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. Still, its an amazing number. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, I’ll take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. 10. 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. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *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. L.T. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. 10. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history - NFL Spin Zone Zach Thomas. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Bet with your head, not over it. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. 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. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. 1970 NFC Champion. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. 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 . In 2008, Suggs even had two INTs, both of which he returned for touchdowns. He tried to get in your head before you even took a step on the field of play. Super Bowl winner. Who are the Packers' greatest defenders of all time? - Green Bay Packers Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. Lambert won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. No. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Baker recorded 19 . 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. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. That is the reason you will not find Butkus, Huff, Nitschke etc in these rankings. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. Are you ready for some football history? 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