Super Bowl XXXV MVP Robertson's size, speed and athleticism often made the difference in games for the Rams. Johnson, at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, was a high school star in Central Texas at Waco High before becoming an All-American at the University of Texas and an NFL All-Pro. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Super Bowl X champion George died in a car accident in 1982, at 53 years old. Middle linebackers are the quarterbacks of the defense, the nerve center of a stop-unit. 2 Time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII) American Football League All Time Team 9.) Those bad teams likely cost him any shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former Miami Hurricanes star was known for his ability to read defenses and his off the field preparation including studying game film to learn about his opponents. Those are both more than Mecklenburg's career totals, and Gradishar played two fewer seasons. An eighth-round pick by the Eagles in 1986 out of UTEP, he was actually cut during his first training camp before being resigned during the season. A post shared by BostonPride91 (@bostonpride91). How would you rank the greatest Middle Linebackers in history? 7-time first-team All-Pro Analysis by Sam Fortier. The race for the best linebacker in NFL history can be narrowed down to five people: the aforementioned Butkus, Lewis, and Singletary, along with Jack Lambert and Willie Lanier. "Dr. Doom" terrorized opposing offenses for 10 NFL seasons and was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Singletary recorded 1,488 career tackles to go along with seven interceptions and 19 sacks over his career. Arguably USCs most notable No. During that time Kendricks has broken up 40 passes as a linebacker which is tops in the NFL. When most football fans think of the Steelers' defense, they think about. High school: St. Xavier High School (Cincinnati, Ohio), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2013), seven-time Pro Bowl (2013-19), seven-time All-Pro (2013-19), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Born: May 3, 1941 (Mount Holly, New Jersey), High school: Moorestown High School (Moorestown, New Jersey), Teams: Green Bay Packers (1963-72), Washington Redskins (1973-74), Career highlights: Three-time NFL champion (1965-67), two-time Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967), three-time Pro Bowl (1966, 1967, 1969), three-time All-Pro (1967-69), NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2013). They have the ability to rush the passer while also stepping back into coverage and shutting down passing lanes for opposing quarterbacks. 16 on the all-time list Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1981-1993 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times Recorded 132.5 career sacks, which ranks No. Free and Easy-to-Use Mock Draft Simulator. 1988 Defensive Player of the Year Born: Jan. 19, 1932 (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), High school: Brentwood High School (Brentwood, Pennsylvania), Career highlights: Two-time NFL champion (1953, 1957), 10-time All-Pro (1954-63), 10-time Pro Bowl (1954-63), NFL Defensive Most Valuable Player (1960, 1963), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1973). Born: Dec. 27, 1959 (Birmingham, Alabama), High school: Barringer High School (Newark, New Jersey), NFL career: 11 seasons (1982-88, 1990-93), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985), four-time All-Pro (1985-88), five-time Pro Bowl (1984-88), NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008). "I'm Samurai Mike, I stop 'em cold," was the start of his "Super Bowl Shuffle" verse. Ranking the 10 best linebackers in Raiders history Podcast Teams AFC East Bills Dolphins Jets Patriots AFC North Bengals Browns Ravens Steelers AFC South Colts Jaguars Texans Titans AFC West. New Orleans Saints, 1986-1994; Carolina Panthers, 1995-1997 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Recorded 1,142 career tackles, New Orleans Saints, 1986-1992; Detroit Lions, 1993-1994; Oakland Raiders, 1995-1998 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Recorded 107.5 career sacks, New York Giants, 1984-1992; Washington Redskins, 1993; Cleveland Browns, 1994-1995 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to one Pro Bowl, First Team All-Pro once Recorded 39.5 career sacks and 826 career tackles, Detroit Lions, 1988-1995; Buffalo Bills, 1996-1997 Voted to four Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Recorded 1,181 career tackles, Miami Dolphins, 1996-2007; Dallas Cowboys, 2008 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Recorded 1,100 career tackles, Los Angeles Rams, 1954-1962 Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Boston Patriots, 1962-1968; Miami Dolphins, 1969-1976 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Bengals, 1969-1973; Philadelphia Eagles, 1974-1980 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice, Chicago Bears, 1955-1966 One-time NFL champion Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro three times, St. Louis Rams, 1998-2001; Buffalo Bills, 2002-2006; Washington Redskins, 2007-2013 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to four Pro Bowls Recorded 1,380 career tackles, Washington Redskins, 1965-1978 Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1976-1988 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to nine Pro Bowls Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1956-1963; Washington Redskins 1964-1969 One-time NFL champion Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Steelers 2002-2012, 2014-2017; Cincinnati Bengals 2013; New England Patriots 2017 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Recorded 84.5 career sacks, 793 tackles, Denver Broncos, 1974-1983 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1981-1985; Miami Dolphins, 1985-1991 Voted to two Pro Bowls, Dallas Cowboys, 1963-1976 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once, San Francisco 49ers, 2007-2014 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Recorded 732 tackles in eight career NFL seasons, New England Patriots, 1982-1993 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 1948-1955 Voted to four Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Dallas Cowboys, 2005-2013; Denver Broncos, 2014-2016 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Recorded 138.5 career sacks, which ranks No. Born: Dec. 29, 1936 (Elmwood Park, Illinois), Died: March 8, 1998 (age 61, Venice, Florida), High school: Proviso East High School (Mayfield, Illinois), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967), three-time NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965), Pro Bowl (1964), seven-time All-Pro (1962-67, 1969), NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1978). The 2023 NFL Draft has arrived! Jack Lambert played 11 seasons all for the Steelers and won four Super Bowls as the starting linebacker and heart of the "Steel Curtain" defense with fellow Hall of Famers Mean Joe Greene, Mel Blount, Jack Ham and Donnie Shell. In a 16-season career, he recorded an incredible 1,586 tackles. Super Bowl IX champion Gradishar also was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. Who are the best linebackers in New Orleans Saints history? Lance Briggs did one thing that's highly unusual for an NFL linebacker in the modern era he played his entire career for the same team. Here is every player who has ever held the position of San Francisco 49ers starting linebacker. Play in a Super Bowl. Pat Swilling was part of perhaps the finest assembly of linebackers in NFL history the New Orleans Saints' famous "Dome Patrol" of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Bernard is physically similar to Williams at 6-foot-1, 228 pounds and played outside linebacker in 4-3 looks and was off-the-ball when he subbed in for Matt Milano at times last season. This article explores the franchise's top 10 linebackers of all time. 2007 Defensive Rookie of the Year His 0-6 record in the postseason is an NFL record for most playoff games without a win. Nick Buoniconti was just 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds but destroyed opponents with sheer will and ferocity, helping lead the Dolphins to two Super Bowl wins and the only undefeated season in NFL history in 1972. He doesn't have overwhelming traits, but he has filled in capably as a . 2-time first-team All-Pro The former Green Bay Packers middle linebacker was a key member of the team and the leader on the defensive side of the football that helped the Packers win five NFL Championships and Super Bowl I and II Championships. Inducted into the Hall of Fame as recently as 2016, Greene's career was arguably underrated. He only played six games in his final season before retiring because of a nagging toe injury. Fortunato, who was named one of the Bears 100 Greatest Players, did accomplish one thing that Butkus never would. Not bad for a seventh-round draft pick that the Lions weren't even sure would be able to make their roster. He was a second team All-American in 2011 when he racked up career highs with 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks to go with 128 tackles. Hall of Fame, Class of 1973 But what sets the great ones apart from the rest of the pack? 9-time Pro Bowler Briggs made seven consecutive Pro Bowls while playing for the Chicago Bears alongside another great linebacker, Brian Urlacher. Isiah Robertson was one of the stars on the Los Angeles Rams' defenses that won six consecutive NFC West titles. He led the league in combined tackles in 2016 and 2019, and in solo tackles in 2017. A post shared by Juan Diaz (@juandiaz0620). By the time Tommy Nobis left the University of Texas, he was as famous as any player in the NFL, having already appeared on the cover of Life, Sports Illustrated and Time magazines for his accomplishments. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990's. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. In a testament to the influence that karate had in the U.S. in the 1980s and what a freak of nature Tippett is he's also a sixth-degree black belt. Fans of the Dallas Cowboys feel the same way about him after he helped lead them to their first Super Bowl win in 1971, the same year he set a team record with 21 tackles. Bednarik, who the Philadelphia Eagles selected with the first overall pick in the 1949 NFL Draft, helped build the Eagles into a defensive power house. Born: April 16, 1982 (Coral Gables, Florida), High school: Coral Gables Senior High School (Coral Gables, Florida), Teams: New York Jets (2004-07), New Orleans Saints (2008-13), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2009), three-time Pro Bowl (2005, 2009, 2010), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2004). However, it is often looked past how important the middle linebacker position is to the defensive side of the ball with many teams using this position to help command the defense. High school: Vocational High School (Chicago), Career highlights: Eight-time Pro Bowl (1965-72), eight-time All-Pro (1965-72), two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969, 1970), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1983). The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker, Bill George is the one single man that is known for creating the middle linebacker position. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Te'o didn't come out of nowhere as a senior. Ham, with the size of a free safety, was as quick as any running back or wide receiver in the 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and recorded a gaudy 32 interceptions and 53 takeaways in his career while helping the Steelers win four Super Bowl. Generations of linebackers have played in the NFL and defined the game. Keeping all aspects of the job in mind, we rank the top 25 greatest middle linebackers in NFL history. Taylor's dominance changed the way football is played on every level, from how offensive lines block to the way teams teach how to rush the quarterback. Karl Mecklenburg was a throwaway pick by the Broncos in the 12th round of the 1983 NFL draft and ended up being one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history and definitely the greatest pure inside linebacker. Briggs ended up making approximately $52.2 million in career earnings. The 13-time. Here are five of the top undrafted free-agent signings since the draft ended: Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Minnesota Vikings Linebacker was a key position of need for the Vikings but they didn't use any . High school: Matoaca High School (Chesterfield, Virginia), Teams:New York Jets (1997-2001), Pittsburgh Steelers (2002-11), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (2005, 2008), two-time Pro Bowl (2004, 2008), two-time NFL All-Pro (2004, 2008). Manage Settings With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Tight Ends All-Time. That's what linebackers do. owley missed the rest of 1959 and all of 1960 before attempting a comeback in 1961 with the Cowboys, where he became a six-time Pro Bowler and the only player to win Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honors while playing on the losing team. Super Bowl XL champion The best high school, college and NFL linebackers are annually presented with the Butkus Award, named in honor of arguably the greatest linebacker possibly the best defensive player to ever put on a helmet. Behind Lawrence Taylor, Andre Tippett was the most dominant NFL linebacker in the 1980s. Chuck Bednarik Chuck Bednarik wasn't just one of the best Eagles linebackers he was THE BEST linebacker and one of the best players of all time. Bulluck played mainly on special teams his first two seasons with the Titans before a breakout season in 2002. It didn't slow Mills' production, and he made three Pro Bowls and five Pro Bowls despite spending his first five seasons elsewhere. Chris Hanburger's path to NFL stardom as an outside linebacker was as unusual as any ever taken. ", Died: June 12, 2010 (age 79, Riverside, California), High school: Fresno High School (Fresno, California), Career highlights: Eight-time Pro Bowl (1954-61), seven-time All-Pro (1955-60), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2011). His play at the position earned him five selections as a First Team All-Pro and helped him win the 1969 and 1970 Defensive Player of the Year awards. Here is my ranking of the top 10 Giants linebackers, along with some honorable mentions. Sanders could have the highest ceiling of all the middle linebacker . 7-time Pro Bowler19. It is fair to say that Taylor is perhaps the greatest defensive player ever. Tippett had his most dominant season in 1985, when he led the Patriots to their first AFC title and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is both a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the 100th Anniversary Team. Knowing what we know now about concussions, which forced Kuechly's retirement, should players who accomplish what he did and have their careers shortened be in the Hall of Fame? 3-time first-team All-Pro Super Bowl VI champion17. A study of his brain revealed he had a severe case of CTE, which can cause rage, amnesia and severe depression. In addition to having the greatest linebacker of All-Time in Ray Lewis, 20 years of Ravens football has seen some incredible linebackers. The 10-time All-Pro earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards in six seasons (1981-1982, 1986). An important part of the Buffalo defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. Willis, who the 49ers selected during the 2007 NFL draft was as good as any middle linebacker to play the position and one that was gifted with all the athletic abilities to stop the run, cover running backs and tight ends in passing situations and one that could get to the quarterback. It's on Sean McDermott & Co. to coach up whoever mans the middle. On paper, Gradishar's resume was much better than Mecklenburg's career accolades. Jack . He helped lead Florida State to its first national title in 1993 and a decade later put together his greatest NFL seasons, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and leading the Buccaneers to their only Super Bowl win in 2002. Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles (1949-62)Hall of Fame, Class of 1967 Join the contest by ranking below. Brian Urlacher Brian Urlacher played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears (1965-73)Hall of Fame, Class of 1979 In 1986, he had one of the most dominant NFL seasons ever. Copyright 2023 FanRankings. Cornelius Bennett forced a trade from the Colts to the Bills after being drafted in 1987 and was one of the best linebackers in the NFL for the next decade-plus. This stroke of genius created not only the middle linebacker position, but the 4-3 defense. Not bad for a former third-round draft pick out of Arizona. Talley was on all four of Buffalos AFC title teams that lost in the Super Bowl and finished his career with 1,252 tackles, 38.5 sacks and 29 takeaways. Before Bill George came along, the way the linebacker position was taught kept football in the stone ages every snap, they hit the center or guard right away. He was one of the most feared players in the sport in his prime. High school: Colony High School (Ontario, California), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2013), six-time Pro Bowl (2014-19), six-time All-Pro (2014-19), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. His production would not slow as he helped from the Steelers Steel Curtain defense and helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl Championships. He played 13 seasons for his hometown San Diego Chargers and became perhaps the greatest sports icon in the history of San Diego alongside Padres Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. No, Sensei Tippett! At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, his combination of speed and athleticism would make the Hall of Famer even more valuable in today's league than he was in his era. Nickerson had his best years with the Steelers and with the Buccaneers right before those teams started to make deep, consistent playoff runs, but he was a feared player and at his best playing in a 4-3 scheme defense. Jackson only missed two games in his 13 seasons with the Saints in 1989 because of a car accident. Introduction Urlcaher was the leader of the Bears defense from 2000 to 2012 while winning the 2000 Defensive Rookie of the Year award and the 2005 Defensive Player of the Year award. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 10. Take a look at how all 47 of his selections stack up. High school: Washington County High School (Sandersville, Georgia), Teams: Cincinnati Bengals (1998-2002), Buffalo Bills (2003-06), Philadelphia Eagles (2007), San Francisco 49ers (2008-10), San Diego Chargers (2011-12), Career highlights: Two-time Pro Bowl (2003, 2004), NFL All-Pro (2004). He posted nine straight seasons with at least 100 tackles and played in all 16 regular-season games for the last 12 seasons of his career. High school: Worthing High School (Houston), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1985), 10-time Pro Bowl (1983-82), nine-time All-Pro (1983-91), two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1988), three-time NFC Player of the Year (1984, 1985, 1988), NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1998). The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 1969 Defensive Player of the Year It worked, and Connor never put his hand in the dirt again during a Hall of Fame career. Richter, who died of a brain aneurysm in 2010, had a lengthy career in motorsports after his football career was over and is a member of both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Motorsports Hall of Fame. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Ranking the best Middle Linebackers in the history of the NFL such as Ray Lewis, Mike Singletary, and many more, By Fan Rankings | October 23, 2021 - 07:34 PM. Urclacher recorded at least 100 tackles nine times over his career including a career high 153 during the 2002 NFL season. George was known for his ability to play the defensive line as well as dropping back disrupting the passing lanes of opposing quarterbacks. He's also the greatest defensive player of all time. Quite simply, if you saw No. Bear Bryant called him one of the best players he ever coached at Alabama, where Jordan won a national title in 1961. Hall of Fame, Class of 1982 Huff became the first rookie middle linebacker to start an NFL championship game, leading the Giants to the title in 1956 and led them to four more NFL championship games, losing each time. Greatest Linebackers in NFL History By Tony Adame, updated on October 21, 2022 AP Photo Generations of linebackers have played in the NFL and defined the game. Dont forget Rays dance.2. Buoniconti would go on to register 32 interceptions over his career between the AFL and NFL. Born: March 28, 1930 (Mingo Junction, Ohio), Died: Nov. 6, 2017 (age 87, Natchez, Mississippi), High school: Mingo High School (Mingo, Ohio), Career highlights: NFL champion (1963), six-time All-Pro (1958, 1963-66), five-time Pro Bowl (1958, 1962-65), NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, PFR 1960s All-Decade Team. They paled in comparison but were great players in their own right most notably Wilber Marshall. Vince Lombardis leader on defense, Nitschke (No. High school: Lovington High School (Lovington, New Mexico), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), five-time All-Pro (2001, 2002. But in his eight seasons, Kuechly accomplished almost everything an NFL linebacker could, including being perhaps the best coverage linebacker in the history of the game. Porter's 40% forced incompletion rate in 2022 led all Power Five cornerbacks. Lambert's size and speed and ability to control a game from the middle linebacker position made him one of the greatest players of all time. He returned to play the rest of the season with a specially made helmet because his jaw was wired shut. The latest in an historic line of Hall of Fame caliber Bears middle linebackers, Urlacher has produced 41.5 sacks, 22 INTs returned for 324 yards and two TDs, 11 forced fumbles and 15 fumble recoveries returned for 177 yards and one TD during his career. Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers (2007-12) They changed the way football is played on every level. He spent the first five seasons of his career with the New York Jets, and it was long enough ago that the Jets were actually pretty good. A notorious freelancer, Seau notched 56.5 sacks, 18 INTs returned for 238 yards, 11 forced fumbles, 18 fumble recoveries and one TD while winning two AFC titles with the 1994 Chargers and 2007 Patriots.8. High school: Stephens County High School (Toccoa, Georgia), Teams: New Orleans Saints (1986-92), Detroit Lions (1993-94), Oakland Raiders (1995-96, 1998), Career highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl (1989-93), four-time All-Pro (1989-92), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1991). 2000 Defensive Rookie of the Year
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