*Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Ham had outstanding . NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. 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. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link: Top 10 Athletes past the age of 40: Where does Tom Brady rank? During his career Williams amassed 62.5 sacks, which is the second most in Bengals history. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. Tippett was a big reason to why so many teams value pass rushing OLBs in todays game. Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. 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 . [3] Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Depending on the day, you might view Ham as the best player on the Steel Curtain defense or the 4th best, and it's . The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL's first 2,000-yard season by O.J. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. He was also a big hitter and very intimidating on the field of play. Anthony Simmons (1995-'97) is the only two-time First-Team All-American in Clemson . 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 had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. No. No. 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. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . 10. No. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. 1970 NFC Champion. Mike Kolen 1970-77. Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. John Offerdahl may have had the shortest NFL career on this list, but he made the most of it. . Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. Robert Brazile. During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. Mike Singletary. Kolen was drafted by the Dolphins in the 12 th round . In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. After a very bad injury in 2008, Shawne Merriman hasnt been the same. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. 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. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. Mar 3, 2023 Updated 4 min ago. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. 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). Bryan Cox was an all-around package at linebacker. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Brazile might not get the credit because of the team he played for, but he was an outstanding player. No. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Buffalo Bills starting LBs and backup LBs are Lorenzo Alexander, Deon Lacey, Matt Milano, and Tanner Vallejo. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. No. Lance Briggs may be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher, but dont forget how great of a player Briggs has been for the Bears. It will be interesting to see how he can recover. 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. 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. 1953-65, Detroit Lions. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. In that career he played both 4-3 OLB and 3-4 ILB. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. No. 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. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Wright, Seattle Seahawks. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. He already has 57.5 sacks in his short career, along with 16 forced fumbles. 10. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. Anything you asked him to do, he would do. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Baker recorded 19 . 47, Fredd Young (Seahawks/Colts) (1984-1990) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. . 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). Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. Jack Ham, Linebacker. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. It was tied for the best of the day with linebacker Owen Pappoe, of Auburn, and was the second-fastest time from an . Lambert won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. Edmunds will have to clean up the missed tackles and improve in coverage to rise toward where most slot him currently a top-10 linebacker on this list next season. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. There is a reason the award given to the best linebacker in high school, college and the NFL each year is named after Butkus. Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. 100th NFL Anniversary team. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. He should still improve this season with Ndamukong Suh in front of him to help free him up. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. 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. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all time. 15, Zach Thomas (Dolphins/Cowboys) (1996-2008) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The thing about Derrick Thomas that is the most remarkable was how nice of a person he was off the field. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. No. Seau was the definition of consistency. No. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. May 24, 2022. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Ranking Explanation . Eleven Pro Bowls. Ranking Explanation . Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. 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. 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. No. Thats amazing 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. 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. and 2000s. So while there were outstanding linebackers in previous years, like Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke, they will not be on this list. Defensive MVP in 2002. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. 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. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Next: A dangerous combination. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. 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. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). 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. 1970s A 1-13 record in 1969 gave the Steelers the first overall choice in the 1970 draft, with which Noll addressed the offense by selecting quarterback Terry Bradshaw, another Hall of Famer, after the Steelers won the first selection by winning a coin toss with the Chicago Bears. K.J. The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. Please play responsibly. 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. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. Patrick Willis has made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team every single year hes been in the NFL. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. No. Jul 07, 2014 at 11:02 PM. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. In this Article . Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. He may be one of the most hated players, but man can he play football. During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. 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 . Of course, prior to 1970, there was only one captain chosen; since 1970, we've had as many as four chosen in a single season. Mike Singletary had the whole package. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. Neal Olkewicz. 2013 MAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Western Michigans John Offerdahl. Thats right, seven. Franchise Encyclopedia. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. 8. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. I personally think football before 1970 and after 1970 can be seen as two completely different games, in terms of its evolution. A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. A truly great linebacker must be able to read the offense, set the defensive scheme, play the run with cat-like instincts and defend the pass with the utmost precision. He did everything. LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . 21. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. 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. No. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. 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+. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. Lewis, playing alongside Bryan Cox, led a very good Jets team to the closest theyve been to a Super Bowl since they won Super Bowl III. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. . When you think of Singletary, the first thing that comes to mind is intense focus. Zach Thomas is exactly what you want in a player and a linebacker. Singletary was one of the key leaders of the famous 85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defense in the history of the NFL. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. If you havnt guessed it by now, Lawrence LT Taylor is my top linebacker of the modern era. Keith Bulluck WAS the Titans defense, and has been every year hes been there. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . Butkus nasty disposition and ability to blow up anyone standing in his path, made him one of the most feared players in the history of the game. No. 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. 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 . Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018. . 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. Super Bowl XX champion. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. 34, Julian Peterson* (49ers/Seahawks/Lions) (2000-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. 36, Jeremiah Trotter (Eagles/Redskins/Bucs) (1999-2007 & 2009) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Controversial Nights: Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez, Top 11 Big Ten Basketball Teams, since 1960, Top 12 Guards in Big Ten Basketball history, NBA Pacers vs Spurs: Odds, Tips and predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Purdue vs Wisconsin: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Xavier vs Providence: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/01/23, Top 20 Big Ten Basketball players of all time, Framer Fran McCaffery takes his sideshow and crybaby antics to play Indiana, NCAA Basketball Arkansas vs Tennessee: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. Romanowski might be overrated because of his name, but theres no doubt he was one of the most memorable and feared linebackers of the modern era. Here is my ranking of the top 10 Giants linebackers, along with some honorable mentions. He was 73. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. 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. 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. Thats right, seven. Call 1-800-522-4700. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks. When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. 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). 9. Most known for his antics like spitting in other players faces, Romanowskis play sometimes gets overshadowed. Still, its an amazing number. He had eight seasons with 10+ sacks. Zach Thomas would be the perfect linebacker, no matter what style of defense you play. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . No. Lloyd had 54.5 sacks and 11 INTs in his career, but the most remarkable number was his 35 forced fumbles. The Steelers began their 1976 season 1-4 and lost their quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.For the nine games remaining in the season, the Steelers . The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Despite the bad taste he left when leaving the team, James Harrison belongs on the upper half of the top ten linebackers in Steelers history. Leslie ONeal was a sack machine in his career. 27. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. . The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. Ham had arguably the most successful NFL career out of any of the names on this list as he was a star for the Pittsburgh Steelers. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge some of the top performers from that earlier era. Peterson is another versatile linebacker who has played both inside and outside linebacker. If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. 2. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. [3] The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. Defensive MVP in 2002. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. T&Cs apply. He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Joey Porter. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. He just goes out every week and hustles. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 7, Rickey Jackson (Saints/49ers) (1981-1995) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Some of you will say hes too low. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. 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. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Boulware gets overlooked a lot playing because of playing with Ray Lewis, but he was a key component in that dominating Ravens defense of the early 2000s.