Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 10. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. 10. No. Nine All-Pros. 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. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. More Team Info. Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. Ralph Baker - Years with Jets: 11 (1964-74) Baker played in 142 games with the Jets in his 11 seasons, which is tied with Marvin Jones for the 4 th most by a linebacker. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. Lofa Tatupu* (Seahawks) : Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge some of the top performers from that earlier era. and Jack Ham played as . To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . No. 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. ONeal should get more recognition as one of the best pass rushers to play the game. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. 32, John Offerdahl (Dolphins) (1986-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. The National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team is a list of National Football League (NFL) players selected by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. 24, Leslie ONeal (Chargers/Rams/Chiefs) (1986-1999) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. 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. 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. Hes on pace to not only break, but shatter the NFL record of 41. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. 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. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. 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. . The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 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. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. He was blue collar player who was a great leader on defense and could do everything well on a football field. He may have actually been crazy. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. There is a reason the award given to the best linebacker in high school, college and the NFL each year is named after Butkus. Ranking Explanation . The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage. Select from premium 1970 1979 America of the highest quality. He was 73. 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. and 2000s. 10. Mills was more of the tackler of the bunch, racking up 1,142 tackles in his career. He played for a bad team with not much of a surrounding cast, but still excelled. Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. Tribute to Elvis Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. 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? No. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. 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. Defensive MVP in 2002. Well have to see how he does, but he could either climb up or fall off this list based on his performance in 2010. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, Ill take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? 2022 - SportsUnfold. 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). Baker recorded 19 . Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. He was also the first player to have a TE or RB used for chip blocking on him, and overall changed the way offensive lineman block. HELLO, PANDORA. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. No. Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. Thats right, seven. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. Steve Kiner (1966-69): Tennessee fans didn't have to wait long after Emanuel left to find the next superstar linebacker. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Jack Ham had the whole package as a linebacker. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. 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. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. 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. Joe Schmidt. 6, Jack Ham (Steelers) (1971-1982) *Eight-time Pro Bowler *Six-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 3 hours ago. [3] Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. 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. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. John Offerdahl may have had the shortest NFL career on this list, but he made the most of it. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Bill Romanowski (49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Raiders) : Two-time Pro Bowler. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Thats amazing consistency. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Regardless, he definitely deserves the respect for what he accomplished on the field. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. 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 . And he's still going. 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The player that gives Butkus the most competition in that category would be Mike Singletary. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. 28b, Sam Mills (Saints/Panthers) (1986-1997) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. (Photo: David Boss, Getty) Historians will tell you that McAdams is one of the best linebackers to ever play at The University of Oklahoma. But Mills did much more than that. He just goes out every week and hustles. 9, Derrick Brooks (Bucs) (1995-2008) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. No. 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. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. No. 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. Super Bowl winner. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. Call 1-800-522-4700. Peter Boulware was the pass rusher alongside Ray Lewis. He was just a great all-around player who could do it all. Defensive MVP in 2002. No. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. 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 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. 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. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. I think hell climb up this list further in the near future. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. 1953-65, Detroit Lions. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Joey Porter. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 23. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 15-11. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. 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. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Lost Super Bowl 13-16 vs. Baltimore Colts. 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+. No. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. 2013 MAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Western Michigans John Offerdahl. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. Coverage was definitely Bullucks claim to fame, but he was also good at other things. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. 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. He could do it all. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . . 6 - Carl McAdams. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. . Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL since 1970! His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. A true enforcer in every sense of the word, Lewis intensity was unmatched by any player of his era. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . May 24, 2022. Chuck Drazenovich. Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. Matt Blair was a very intimidating linebacker, and helped the Vikings get to two Super Bowls in his career. No. Bulluck was an outstanding tackler, and was great at run support too. Thats amazing consistency. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. He was a tackle machine and a very big hitter. 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. That is the reason you will not find Butkus, Huff, Nitschke etc in these rankings. 1970s All-decade team. 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). 5.) 10. Patrick Willis has made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team every single year hes been in the NFL. Eleven Pro Bowls. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. Find 1970 1979 America stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal crash. No. [3] 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. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. 9. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. 7, Rickey Jackson (Saints/49ers) (1981-1995) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. 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 this Article . As part of the Steelers Blitzburgh defense in the 90s, Greg Lloyd was a speedy, undersized pass rusher.Sometimes, he would use his size to his advantage to disguise where he was coming from. No. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. 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. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. He could do it all. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. . He was a good pass rusher, having at least 5.5 sacks in 10 straight years, but he was also good against the run and in coverage. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. Top 9 Most Underrated Running Backs in NFL History, QB Derek Carr to visit Jets on Saturday after leaving Raiders, Top 9 Worst Draft Picks in Bengals History, Super Bowl XIX: Montana and Walsh establish dominance, The 5 Greatest Quarterbacks Who Never Won a Championship, Top 11 Single Game Performances in NCAA Football History, Top 10 College football's greatest true freshman seasons of all time, Top 10 Two Year Runs in College Football History, where do the Georgia Bulldogs rank, NCAA FB Championship TCU vs Georgia: Odds, Tips and Predictions 01/09/23, Georgia vs. TCU National Championship: Preview & Prediction, Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh facing possible suspension from the NCAA, The night Cassius Clay shook up the world, Boxing Paul vs Fury: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/26/23, Matias vs. Ponce: Cant Miss Scrap Brings Heat To Chilly Minneapolis. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. No. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. 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 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. could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. Super Bowl winner. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. From his time at USC, Lott . 12 sacks and three picks. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. 23, Isiah Robertson (Rams/Bills) (1971-1982) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. I’m only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. Seau was the definition of consistency. Jack Lambert played middle linebacker. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. 7. No. Zach Thomas would be the perfect linebacker, no matter what style of defense you play. Next: A dangerous combination. Andre Tippett. No. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. Jack Lambert was the teammate of Jack Ham who took the inside linebacker duties. Rickey Jackson doesnt always get the credit he deserves, but hes a top 10 linebacker of the modern era.
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