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. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. No. No. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-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. Banks was a player that any coach would want on their team. 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. 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). Ham had outstanding . 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. The player that gives Butkus the most competition in that category would be Mike Singletary. Mike Singletary had the whole package. No. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 15-11. It may be a bit early to put Jon Beason on this list, but I think his play warrants the selection. Super Bowl winner. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). Zach Thomas. Mills was more of the tackler of the bunch, racking up 1,142 tackles in his career. James Harrison. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The exhibit features the Fleet's classic collection set in five themed galleries representing the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. 10. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #47 gets a hold of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields #1 during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. More Team Info. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. As a pass rusher, Greene would be top 5 at least, his ability to be an every-down linebacker hurts him overall, he was not great against the run. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. He may have actually been crazy. Jul 07, 2014 at 11:02 PM. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. 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. 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. 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. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. Blair was also one of the greatest special teams players of all-time! . Peterson is another versatile linebacker who has played both inside and outside linebacker. Lawrence Taylor. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. 2. Rickey Jackson could do it all. No. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Seau was the definition of consistency. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. No. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. Cox was also a vocal leader of the teams he played for, directing his defenses to success. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks. 1970 Robert E. Lee Generals (13-0) Jim Chafin's team allowed just seven points a game and held 10 of its 13 opponents to 10 points or less. Still, its an amazing number. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. 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. . . 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. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. No. Chicago 1981-92. 2022 - SportsUnfold. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. Gambling Problem? Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. 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. Thats amazing consistency. No. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. 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, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. Ranking Explanation . Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Steve Kiner (1966-69): Tennessee fans didn't have to wait long after Emanuel left to find the next superstar linebacker. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all-around linebacker. For a four-year span with Seattle, Young was arguably the best Seahawks linebacker of all-time. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. 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 finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. 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. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Franchise Encyclopedia. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. The Pittsburgh Steelers are second with all-time players in four decades. 12. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. 100th NFL Anniversary team. No. But Mills did much more than that. 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. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. Nine All-Pros. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. 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. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. 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. 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. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL's first 2,000-yard season by O.J. Ham had outstanding speed. He could do it all. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. No. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Sam Huff. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. 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. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. Anything you asked him to do, he would do. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. Chuck Drazenovich. Who knows how many he wouldve had if he played in the entire 16? Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. Taylor changed the way football is played today. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. 35, Lance Briggs* (Bears) (2003-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 21. Thats amazing consistency. 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Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. He was one of the most feared players in the game. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. 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. In his final two seasons with the Bengals, Williams was appointed to an open seat on the Cincinnati City Council in 1988 and was elected for a second term in 1989 on the Charter Party ticket. 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. 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He also finished his career with 17 INTs. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. He also played a big role in one of the most dominant performances by a defense in Super Bowl history. No. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Some of you will say hes too low. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. 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. Defensive MVP in 2002. Patrick Willis has made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team every single year hes been in the NFL. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. No. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. . 23. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. 9, Derrick Brooks (Bucs) (1995-2008) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. AP. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. He was always around the ball. Next: A dangerous combination. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. 28b, Sam Mills (Saints/Panthers) (1986-1997) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. 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. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. 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). 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 did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. 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. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. No. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. I personally think football before 1970 and after 1970 can be seen as two completely different games, in terms of its evolution. Julian Peterson has had a very well-rounded NFL career to this point, and its still going on. No. Ham had outstanding speed. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. 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.