The transition from college football to the NFL . No. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s He has already had three 100 tackle seasons in his first three years, and also has already forced 10 turnovers (four INTs, six forced fumbles). Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . More from Green Bay Packers. 1970 Minnesota Vikings Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. Jackson was the vocal leader of the orange crush defense. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. No. Keith Brooking has been one of the most consistent linebackers of all-time. 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. Jack Lambert played middle linebacker. He could do it all. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). 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. No. During his career Williams amassed 62.5 sacks, which is the second most in Bengals history. Zachary Petrizzo. Ranking Explanation . 1970 NFC Champion. Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. The Best Las Vegas Raiders Linebackers of All Time - Ranker Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. No. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history - NFL Spin Zone Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. He had eight seasons with 10+ sacks. Baltimore Ravens ground game rules in NFL Week 11 and more Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. No. 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 was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. No. Find 1970 1979 America stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. 5.) No. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. Thats an outstanding number. He had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. No. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History - AthlonSports.com Defensive MVP in 2002. 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. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. 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. Over the course of his two-year Ohio State career, Lee accumulated 147 tackles. . He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. T&Cs apply. 7, Rickey Jackson (Saints/49ers) (1981-1995) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. That is just unheard of. Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 2nd round . That truly shows what kind of person he was off the field. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. 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 . 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Seau was the definition of consistency. 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. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. No. These were the players who were great players, but not quite good enough to be placed inside the top 50. It will be interesting to see how he can recover. 26, Cornelius Bennett (Bills/Falcons/Colts) (1987-2000) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 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. That suggestion from the newly appointed House . 25. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. No. K.J. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. But in those three years, hes racked up 328 tackles and seven INTs, all while starting every game of his career. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. No. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. 12 sacks and three picks. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. He played for a bad team with not much of a surrounding cast, but still excelled. No. In his three years at Clemson (1995-'97) Simmons recorded 486 tackles, only 29 off the school record Bubba Brown recorded in four years from 1976-'79. Andre Tippett. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. Still, its an amazing number. Defensive MVP in 2002. . After a very bad injury in 2008, Shawne Merriman hasnt been the same. Hes going into his first healthy season again in three years. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. No. 9. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. The . Super Bowl winner. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. 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. This season marked the end for Tittle and fellow Canton-bound star Frank Gifford. credit : - yahoo. He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. No. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. That is just unheard of. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. 8, Demarcus Ware* (Cowboys) (2005-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. For a four-year span with Seattle, Young was arguably the best Seahawks linebacker of all-time. 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. 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . Undersized height wise, but an overabundance of heart made him more than a handful to deal with. Joey Porter may be the most vocal linebacker on this list. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. 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. Offensive Coordinator: Jim Myers. 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. Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. News Briefs: The latest updates in the Uptown and Downtown The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. Anything you asked him to do, he would do. Top 10 LB's in OU history - 247sports.com 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. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. 7. and Jack Ham played as . 28b, Sam Mills (Saints/Panthers) (1986-1997) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. More Team Info. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. He just goes out every week and hustles. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. 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. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia The Steelers had lost their emotional leader, outside linebacker Greg Lloyd, at the start of the season to a knee injury, but Kirkland took over the mantle of leadership. 19, Harry Carson (Giants) (1976-1988) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. List of All Buffalo Bills Linebackers, Ranked Best to Worst 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. 100th NFL Anniversary team. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Bergey became one of the NFL's best linebackers in Philly, where he made five consecutive All-Pro teams and was the foundation for the "Gang Green" defense that made the playoffs in each of his last three seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 1980. . Chip Banks was another linebacker that was solid at everything, but not great at anything. If Bulluck played on a better team, I believe his stats would be much better and his accomplishments would be a lot more. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. 34, Julian Peterson* (49ers/Seahawks/Lions) (2000-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: No. 5-1 - Saturday Down South From canvas high-tops to social media dominance, the NBA has come a long way. 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. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? #NFL100 - Top 6 Outside Linebackers Doc's TML: Lock out the MLB owners, players. No TV, radio, fans Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. 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. 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Power Ranking the 5 Greatest Linebackers in Minnesota Vikings History 1970s All-decade team. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. 21. The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time - Sportscasting Wilber Marshall had the whole package. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all time. Mills was more of the tackler of the bunch, racking up 1,142 tackles in his career. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. John Offerdahl may have had the shortest NFL career on this list, but he made the most of it. He may be one of the most hated players, but man can he play football. Harry Carson was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Lawrence Taylor. Paul Naumoff played for 12 seasons from 1967-1978. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. No. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Franchise Encyclopedia. Peter Boulware was the pass rusher alongside Ray Lewis. He tried to get in your head before you even took a step on the field of play. 9. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. He was a tackle machine and a very big hitter. 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 . Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. 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 also had 1,173 tackles in his career. The two-time All-American helped the Cornhuskers win back-to-back national titles in 1970 and '71 . 7. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. He was just a great all-around player who could do it all. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 15-11. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 47, Fredd Young (Seahawks/Colts) (1984-1990) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. LSU women's basketball makes it rain in rout of Georgia in SEC 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Mike Singletary. He was a tackling machine for the majority of his career. Although still early in his career, Demarcus Ware deserves to be this high on the list. Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. 2022 - SportsUnfold. Thats right, seven. 3 hours ago. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Top ten linebackers in Steelers history: Version two - Steelers Sanctuary St. Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. Notre Dame, Mike Brey and the awkward goodbye - The Athletic 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He could do it all. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. It was tied for the best of the day with linebacker Owen Pappoe, of Auburn, and was the second-fastest time from an . 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. 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. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Named to NFL's All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Ham had outstanding speed. Mike Kolen 1970-77. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Mills, along with Swilling, was another member of that Dome Patrol defense. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . He was one of the most feared players in the game. I’m only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. Cornelius Bennett was just a great all-around player. Let me start out by saying that yes, I know that he was only a linebacker for half his career and DE the other half. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. Still, its an amazing number. PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 linebackers ahead of the 2020 NFL season They had traded stalwart linebacker Sam Huff in the offseason. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. No. Singletary was one of the key leaders of the famous 85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defense in the history of the NFL.