6-time first-team All-Pro Jack Ham was one of the smartest players to ever take a snap in the NFL, on offense or defense, and had a reputation for never being out of position, never being fooled by offensive trickery and making huge plays. Joe Fortunato's greatest teammate, fellow linebacker Dick Butkus, also became perhaps the greatest impediment to Fortunato's long-term legacy. Baltimore Ravens: Top 10 Linebackers Of All Time - Ebony Bird But he'll always be best known for his role on the Bears' Super Bowl-winning team of 1985 that featured arguably the best defense in NFL history. Sam Huff, New York Giants (1956-63), Washington Redskins (64-69) He's a rangy, sideline-to-sideline tackler, and though he lacks size and . Super Bowl XX champion Many of the games greatest players have been the man in the middle who called the shots in the huddle before turning into tackling machines and splash-playmakers from sideline-to-sideline once the ball was snapped. . 12-time Pro Bowler 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. He started all 26 games at middle linebacker the last two seasons. 1-time Pro Bowler He led the league in combined tackles in 2016 and 2019, and in solo tackles in 2017. Born: Jan. 25, 1985 (Bruceton, Tennessee), High school: Central High School (Bruceton, Tennessee), Career highlights: Seven-time Pro Bowl (2007-13), six-time All-Pro (2007-12), NFL 2010s All-Decade team, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2007). Being the son of a former heavyweight boxing champion might be a burden for some, but Ken Norton Jr. embraced it. 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. High school: Champion High School (Champion Township, Ohio), Career highlights: Seven-time Pro Bowl (1975, 1977-79, 1981-83), six-time All-Pro (1977-81, 1983), seven-time All-AFC (1976-79, 1981-83), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1978). 1-time first-team All-Pro On the football field Chuck Bednarik was one of the toughest players to play the game and possibly the best tackler to set forth on a football field. Over his career Willis racked up 865 tackles to go with 20.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and eight interceptions. Once drafted, Buoniconti became one of the teams best defensive players despite his lack of size. Hardy Nickerson, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-92), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (93-99), Jacksonville Jaguars (2000-01), Green Bay Packers (02) London Fletcher, St. Louis Rams (1998-2001), Buffalo Bills (02-06), Washington Redskins (07-12) Les Richter, Los Angeles Rams (1954-62) 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. And, yeah, he really did. 8-time Pro Bowler14. His 53 takeaways are still the most in NFL history by a non-defensive back. "I'm Samurai Mike, I stop 'em cold," was the start of his "Super Bowl Shuffle" verse. Jackson only missed two games in his 13 seasons with the Saints in 1989 because of a car accident. Lambert, who the Pittsburgh Steelers selected with the 46. pick during the 1974 NFL draft, showcased his abilities during his rookie season in route to helping solidify the Steelers defense and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year award. The Top Ten Greatest NFL Middle Linebackers of all Time 10.) 1 overall pick in the 1949 NFL draft, Bednarik led the Eagles to a championship in 1949 and in 1960, where he made the game-saving tackle as time ran out. 5-time Pro Bowler24. 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). Born: July 12, 1970 (Pasadena, California), High school: John Muir High School (Pasadena, California), Teams:Pittsburgh Steelers (1993-96, 2006), Seattle Seahawks (1997-2004), New England Patriots (2005, 2007), Career highlights: Three-time Pro Bowl (1996, 1998, 1999), two-time NFL All-Pro (1996, 1998), Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team. Buoniconti would go on to register 32 interceptions over his career between the AFL and NFL. Porter's 40% forced incompletion rate in 2022 led all Power Five cornerbacks. In the NFL, he was a model of consistency for 14 seasons and earned postseason honors in 10 of 11 seasons and started 135 consecutive games at one point. Briggs ended up making approximately $52.2 million in career earnings. That's what linebackers do. NFL's best players ever at every defensive position - ESPN 5-time Pro Bowler15. To his teammates, his eyes stood for leadership. 3-time first-team All-Pro Only a handful of players can say they truly defined their positions in NFL history. That didn't matter. His 1,018 career tackles are No. Lawrence Taylor isn't just the greatest linebacker of all time. It's fitting that Khalil Mack now plays for the Chicago Bears. 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. 8-time first-team All-Pro 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. Hall of Fame, Class of 1986 Lambert hauled in 28 INTs and scooped up 17 fumble recoveries. Who are the best linebackers in New Orleans Saints history? With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Tight Ends All-Time. Super Bowl XXXIV champion25. It's hard to claim that anyone other than the great Lawrence Taylor is the best linebacker ever. Randy Gradishar, Denver Broncos (1974-83) 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. Born: Feb. 22, 1991 (Fort Pierce, Florida), High school: Westwood High School (Fort Pierce, Florida), Teams: Oakland Raiders (2014-17), Chicago Bears (2018-present), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2016), three-time All-Pro (2015, 2016, 2018), five-time Pro Bowl (2014-19), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Super Bowl XL champion Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History - Sports Illustrated 10 Best Chicago Bears Linebackers of All Time - Sports Illustrated 5-time first-team All-Pro George is credited by many as being the first-ever true middle linebacker, creating a legacy that future Bears like Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher would cement in history.7. An important part of the Buffalo defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. In his short time in the league, Willis made seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams and banked over $50 million in career earnings. Joyner capped his career off by winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in his final season. 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. 1-time Pro Bowler 60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. 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? Forester was a nondescript linebacker for his first six seasons with the Packers, until Lombardi was hired in 1959 and the SMU product's career took off. Born: Nov. 18, 1964 (Spring Valley, New York), High school: Spring Valley High School (Spring Valley, New York), Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1986-93), Arizona Cardinals (1994-96), Green Bay Packers (1997), Denver Broncos (1998), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1998), three-time Pro Bowl (1991, 1993, 1994), three-time All-Pro (1991-93). 3-time Pro Bowler His 10 All-Pro selections are tied for the NFL career record alongside Lawrence Taylor. 1-time first-team All-Pro Butkus punished ball carriers and crushed spirits. 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. He beat a double-murder charge before the 2000 season following the stabbing deaths of two men in a fight after a Super Bowl party in Atlanta. He won an NFL championship for Chicago in 1963. Spikes is one of just seven linebackers in NFL history to register over 200 career starts, and he never had less than 70 tackles in 15 NFL seasons. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time Mills, just 5-foot-9, played in the Canadian Football League and then was one of the USFL's greatest players before making the leap to the NFL. FP - TopX: Greatest Middle Linebacker of All Time Gradishar also was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. A little-known fact about Talley: He's the cousin of Baseball Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins owner Derek Jeter. Brooking was incredibly consistent throughout his career. Bill Forester is one of the greatest examples of Vince Lombardi's genius as a coach. 3-time first-team All-Pro Born: Sept. 20, 1943 (San Antonio, Texas), Died: Dec. 13, 2017 (age 74, Marietta, Georgia), High school: Thomas Jefferson High School (San Antonio, Texas), Career highlights: NFL Rookie of the Year (1966), five-time Pro Bowl (1966-68, 1970, 1972), two-time All-Pro (1967, 1968), NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. It is hard to look past Jack Lambert as one of the Top 10 Middle Linebackers All-Time based on his career resume and his play on the football field. Robertson died in a car accident in 2018, at 69 years old. Five of the NFL's best undrafted free agent signings Vilma, who also won a national championship at the University of Miami in 2001, also is well-known for taking the NFL to court following a yearlong suspension in "Bountygate. 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. Modern football fans might be seeing the name Hardy Nickerson for the first time, but the old heads know him as one of the more dominant linebackers of his era who had the misfortune of playing most of his career with mediocre teams. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is both a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the 100th Anniversary Team. Over his career Nitschke would rack up 25 career interceptions while being named First Team All-Pro in 11 different seasons. Born: Feb. 4, 1959 (Williamsburg, Virginia), High school: Lafayette High School (Williamsburg, Virginia), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl Champion (1986, 1990), NFL Most Valuable Player (1986), 10-time Pro Bowl (1981-90), 10-time All-Pro (1981-90), three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1999). Top 10 NFL linebackers of all time | The TwinSpires Edge Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears (2000-12)2005 Defensive Player of the Year 2003 Defensive Player of the Year If Lawrence Taylor is the Michael Jordan of NFL linebackers, Carson was his Scottie Pippen. While some of the linebackers on this list probably wouldn't even get a second look in today's NFL because of their size, Wilcox (who's the father of Cal head coach Justin Wilcox) is actually the opposite. There is a reason why he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2018. In 1986, he had one of the most dominant NFL seasons ever. Kendricks has graded at 91.7 over the last two years according to PFF. One other cool thing about Robinson was what he said about Green Bay Packers coach Dan Devine when he left the team after the 1972 season to play for Washington: "Lombardi was the best coach I ever had. Bills middle linebacker race hinges upon where third-round pick Dorian It was a good fit. Not bad for a former third-round draft pick out of Arizona. 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. From the likes of Mike Singletary to Nick Bouniconti to Chuck Bednarik to Ray Lewis, the middle linebacker position is loaded with talent making the top choice a difficult selection. Who Is the Greatest Middle Linebacker in NFL History? Brooks, like so many players on this list, played his entire career with just one team. 66) and Bart Starr (No. Related:NFL Teams With Most Hall of Famers. Renowned for his elite combination of size and speed, Tippett was scary coming off the edge and racked up 100 career sacks, which is still the Patriots' franchise record. He finished his career with 458 tackles, 65.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, nine . NFL Draft best available players for Buffalo Bills: Drew Sanders It's actually confounding why more of a Hall of Fame case hasn't been made for Thomas. Dick Butkus No. During his career, Singletary won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, was named to 10 Pro Bowl teams and was selected as a First Team All-Pro in seven different seasons. Urclacher recorded at least 100 tackles nine times over his career including a career high 153 during the 2002 NFL season. His production on the field helped earn Seau one Defensive Player of the Year award while being selected to the Pro Bowl team in 12 straight seasons. High school: Kathleen High School (Lakeland, Florida), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (2000, 2012), Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (2000), 13-time Pro Bowl (1997-2001, 2003, 2004, 2006-11), 10-time All-Pro (1997-2001, 2003, 2004, 2008-10), two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2000, 2003), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2018). 2009 NFL Butkus Award winner Willie Lanier, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-77) 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. 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. Arizona had until May 2 to make a final . Joyner was unbelievably productive in different aspects of the game, with over 1,000 career tackles and 52 career sacks, and he was a standout on the great Philly defenses of the late 1980s and early 1990s alongside Reggie White under head coach Buddy Ryan. Donnie Edwards was an undersized linebacker who made plays all over the field during a 13-year career in the NFL, first for the Kansas City Chiefs, then for his hometown San Diego Chargers. 15 on the all-time list Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Eagles, 1949-1962 Two-time NFL champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 1981-1992 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Green Bay Packers, 1963-1972; Washington Redskins 1973-1974 Three-time NFL champion Voted to three Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, San Diego Chargers, 1990-2002; Miami Dolphins, 2003-2005; New England Patriots, 2006-2009 Voted to 12 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times Recorded 56.5 career sacks and 1,522 career tackles Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Los Angeles Rams, 1985-1992; Pittsburgh Steelers, 1993-1995; Carolina Panthers, 1996, 1998-1999; San Francisco 49ers, 1997 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Recorded 160 career sacks, which ranks No. Top 10 Linebackers in Arizona Cardinals History Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles (1949-62)Hall of Fame, Class of 1967 10. Wagner, who first turned heads by running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the Utah State pro day, helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win in 2013, won another NFC title two years later and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2010s. Not bad for a seventh-round draft pick that the Lions weren't even sure would be able to make their roster. Over the last few years, the Bears have featured names like Lance Briggs and Khalil Mack. April 30, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. EDT. But it was his leadership in four Super Bowl wins that moves Lambert ahead of Dick Butkus as sacrilegious as that may seem.3. Featuring 2018-2019 SF 49ers and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best 49ers LBs include Mike Walter, Dave Wilcox, Keena Turner, Willie Harper, and Julian Peterson. His production continued in the NFL where he was a two time Pro Bowler and two time Super Bowl Champion with the Miami Dolphins while earning the Dolphins team MVP award in three different seasons.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-box-4','ezslot_5',125,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-box-4-0'); The Chicago Bears middle linebacker is just one of many great middle linebackers that have played in the NFL and for the team. You may have never heard of Joe Schmidt, but he was the single most dominant NFL linebacker through the 1950s and the early part of the 1960s. Join the contest by ranking below. For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. All Rights Reserved. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History Dont forget Rays dance.2. He played for the Baltimore Ravens for 17 seasons and recorded 2,061 tackles and 41.5 sacks in his. NFL: Ranking the 10 Best Middle Linebackers - Bleacher Report In all, he was a two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year and played in five Super Bowls, losing every time to set an NFL record. Les Richter was an amazing football player and had size and speed that could have landed him on NFL rosters in any era. 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. Nick Buoniconti Nick Buoniconti played for the Boston Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. These all-time greats have electrified crowds with their energy and leadership and delivered on the field as some of the NFL's best defensive players ever. 5-time first-team All-Pro Who are the 3 Greatest Middle Linebackers of All Time? - Sportskeeda The big-play machine from Waco, Texas, was one of the greatest linebackers in Longhorns program history. 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 former Miami Hurricane is a member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team and a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team. Please logout and login again. 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). Lee Roy Jordan, Dallas Cowboys (1963-76) 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. 55, Seau went on to become a legend in San Diego. Karl Mecklenburg, Denver Broncos (1983-94) Richter didn't miss a game in nine seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and made seven All-Pro teams. He led the University of Minnesota to a national title in 1960, then won two AFL championships and a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. 52 whose off-the-charts football IQ, spiritual leadership and on-field accomplishments are unmatched. He was a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New York Giants, who he played for during each of his 13 NFL seasons. Despite a 101-year history, the Cardinals haven't produced a Hall of Famer at linebackerbut they've still had plenty of . But assistant coach Vince Lombardi tracked him down at the airport and convinced him to come back, and defensive coordinator Tom Landry made the decision to move him to middle linebacker. Bennett was convicted of rape in 1997 and sentenced to 60 days in jail, but still allowed to play in the NFL for four more seasons. 13 on the all-time list Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Tragically, Seau took his own life in 2012, at 43 years old. His production would not slow as he helped from the Steelers Steel Curtain defense and helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl Championships. Ken Norton Jr., Dallas Cowboys (1988-93), San Francisco 49ers (1994-2000) Born: Sept. 29, 1966 (Jacksonville, Illinois), High school: Westchester High School (Los Angeles), Teams: Dallas Cowboys (1988-93) San Francisco 49ers (1994-2000), Career highlights: Three-time Super Bowl champion (1992-94), three-time Pro Bowl (1993, 1995, 1997), two-time All-Pro (1993, 1995). Ranking 49ers' undrafted rookies, who are led by do-everything Jack His style of play is strikingly similar to Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, who preceded him by a generation in the Windy City.

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