5-time NFL Championship Game winner 1969 Defensive Player of the Year Born into abject poverty in rural Tennessee, he was working full-time in the cotton fields by the time he was 10 years old and had to flee his home with his sisters at 17 to get away from his violent, alcoholic father. New York native and former Syracuse star Keith Bulluck helped define the early years of the Tennessee Titans as part of the team that came within one yard of winning a Super Bowl. 7-time first-team All-Pro Super Bowl VII champion 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). 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. Robinson's name has been somewhat lost to history because he played next to the great Ray Nitschke, on Nitschke's left side. Gradishar also was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. 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 only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. 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. Join the contest by ranking below. 6-time Pro Bowler21. Urlachers legacy was secure after leading Chicago to the NFC title in 200611. 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. If you're ever asked what the perfect size, speed and level of skill you would create for an NFL linebacker, Derrick Johnson should come to mind. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012) 2000 Defensive Player of. Over the last few years, the Bears have featured names like Lance Briggs and Khalil Mack. Super Bowl XXIX champion22. Bill Forester is one of the greatest examples of Vince Lombardi's genius as a coach. April 19, 2023 5 PM PT. Karlos Dansby was tall for an NFL inside linebacker at 6-foot-4, and he made plays all over the field. It was a good fit. Its hard to argue with No. Les Richter was an amazing football player and had size and speed that could have landed him on NFL rosters in any era. He registered a league-leading 20.5 sacks en route to winning Defensive Player of the Year, NFL MVP, and Super Bowl XXI. When it comes to which linebacker should be at the top of the Top 10 Middle Linebackers All-Time, Mike Singletary is well worth consideration for the slot. He only played on teams with winning records three times in his career and only made two playoff appearances. A post shared by Juan Diaz (@juandiaz0620). 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. Here are my top 10 linebackers: 1. And Farrior, nicknamed "The Ultimate Farrior" by fans, was a huge part of that. 6-time first-team All-Pro Jackson retired in the top three in NFL history for sacks (128) and fumble recoveries (28). 4 with 1,501, despite making just one Pro Bowl in his career. We know this. The two Bears greats played together for Fortunato's final two seasons, which meant Butkus broke all of Fortunato's records just years after he set them. That year was the first of two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards for Singletary, who won again in 1988. 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. 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. If Willis can keep it going and avoid. 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. That is the highest among all linebackers. His ability to diagnose plays and shut them down wasn't matched by many. And he is the only middle linebacker to win multiple Super Bowls and multiple Defensive Player . Harry Carson is perhaps the most respected defensive player and teammate in the history of the NFL. Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr. was the top pick for Commanders General Manager Martin Mayhew, left, and . Few defensive players in New Orleans Saints history are as beloved as Jonathan Vilma, who led the team to its only Super Bowl win following the 2009 season. Born: April 6, 1973 (San Diego, California), High school: Chula Vista High School (Chula Vista, California), Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1996-2001, 2007-08), San Diego Chargers (2002-06), Career highlights: Two-time NFL All-Pro (2002, 2004), Pro Bowl (2002). Seau recorded 1,849 career tackles over his career to go along with 56.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and 18 interceptions. In 11 seasons, Bell earned postseason honors eight times and helped lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win in 1969. Over his career, Bednarick helped guide the Eagles to two NFL Championships while being named to eight Pro Bowl teams and selected eight times as a First Team All-Pro. In addition, Seau was named First Team All-Pro in six different seasons including three straight from 1992 to 1994. Best Linebackers in the NFL | List of Top NFL Linebackers - Ranker 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. Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions (1953-65) Born: April 18, 1973 (Pensacola, Florida), High school: Booker T. Washington High School (Pensacola, Florida), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2002), nine-time All-Pro (1997-2005), 11-time Pro Bowl (1997-2006, 2008), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2002), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2014). Top 10 Linebackers in Arizona Cardinals History The middle linebacker position is the equivalent of the quarterback position on defense. Over his career, Lanier made a name for himself for his aggressive tackling abilities earning him the nickname Contact. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. High School: Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas, Texas), Career highlights: Four-time Pro Bowl (1959-62), five-time All-Pro (1959-63), two-time NFL champion (1961, 1962). Karl Mecklenburg, Denver Broncos (1983-94) "I'm Samurai Mike, I stop 'em cold," was the start of his "Super Bowl Shuffle" verse. George was known for his ability to play the defensive line as well as dropping back disrupting the passing lanes of opposing quarterbacks. He only played six games in his final season before retiring because of a nagging toe injury. Veteran A.J. High school: Vale High School (Vale, Oregon), Career highlights: Four-time All-Pro (1967, 1971-73), seven-time Pro Bowl (1966, 1968-73), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2000). The Best New Orleans Saints Linebackers of All Time - Ranker High school: Crestwood High School (Mantua, Ohio), Career highlights: Four-time Super Bowl champion (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979), nine-time Pro Bowl (1975-83), eight-time All-Pro (1975, 1976, 1978-83), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1976), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1974), NFL 100th Anniversary Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990). An all-time great Packer/NFL player. Chicago Bears: 15 greatest linebackers of all time - Da Windy City These are the greatest linebackers in NFL 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. Top 10 NFL Middle Linebackers of All Time Rankings Richter was the valedictorian of his class at Cal, then went and served two years in the Army and fought in the Korean War before starting his NFL career. The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time - Sportscasting 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). But it's worth pointing out that he was much more than a football player. Lanier collected three All-Pro mentions and eight spots in a Pro Bowl,. Super Bowl XXXIX champion, The foreman of the Steel Curtain defense, Butkus punished ball carriers and crushed spirits. Houston Texans loaded with linebackers from Alabama - al.com He also finished his career with 25 interceptions and 24 sacks. 8-time Pro Bowler14. 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. 29) Bryce Paup. It worked, and Connor never put his hand in the dirt again during a Hall of Fame career. For starters, Lewis has the most combined tackles in NFL history (2,059). The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Few players in NFL history have captured the public's imagination like Green Bay Packers linebacker Ray Nitschke, who won three NFL championships and two Super Bowl trophies. 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. His talent has already made him a rich, rich man. Willis played just eight seasons in the NFL, but that's kind of misleading. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode, After being considered by most teams too small, the Boston Patriots selected Nick Buoniconti with the teams 13. round selection. Brazile is often credited for being the first outside linebacker to define how the game was played in a 3-4 defense while rushing the passer, although sacks weren't an official NFL statistic until his last three seasons. Here is every player who has ever held the position of New Orleans Saints starting linebacker. The Top 10 NFL Linebackers of All Time - Bleacher Report He finished his career with over 2,000 tackles (2,039), which is second on the NFL's all-time list, and set the NFL record for linebackers with 215 consecutive starts. 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. Few stories rival that of former NFL star Patrick Willis. 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. Introduction 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. Born: Sept. 1, 1960 (Seattle, Washington), High school: Edina West High School (Edina, Minnesota), Career highlights: Six-time Pro Bowl (1985-87, 1989, 1991, 1993), four-time All-Pro (1985-87, 1989). Born: Feb. 9, 1945 (South Dayton, New York), High school: South Dayton High School (South Dayton, New York), Teams:Cincinnati Bengals (1969-73), Philadelphia Eagles (1974-80), Career highlights:Five-time Pro Bowl (1969, 1974, 1976-78), five-time All-Pro (1974-78). I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Jack . In a 16-season career, he recorded an incredible 1,586 tackles. The 1990 Pro Football Hall of Famer was so elite throughout his career that he was a member of four of the most prestigious all-time teams in NFL history. Nitscke's style of play was pure dominance in the middle of the field He was known for his ability to dole out hard hits, but his athleticism was always underestimated, and he ended his career with 25 interceptions. However, we're here to give this the good old college try, so let's dive in! He played with an amazing amount of fire and determination without bringing much attention to himself. Keeping all aspects of the job in mind, we rank the top 25 greatest middle linebackers in NFL history. 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. Kendricks has also recorded 100 plus tackles in each of the past five seasons. 5 Patrick Willis Patrick L. Willis is a former American football inside linebacker who played his entire eight-year career with the San Francisco 49ers of the National Football League. In 1986, he had one of the most dominant NFL seasons ever. 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). In his short time in the league, Willis made seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams and banked over $50 million in career earnings. Singletary recorded 1,488 career tackles to go along with seven interceptions and 19 sacks over his career. . The six-year, $141 million extension he signed with the Bears in 2018 was the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history. NFL Championship Game MVP (1962) Much like Chicago Bears linebacker Joe Fortunato, Randy Gradishar doesn't have the legacy he should be because of the player he directly preceded. For new posts and be up to date to win $50 to Fanatics or Amazon. 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. 1-time Pro Bowler Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History - Sports Illustrated On offense, he played center, and on defense, he was a linebacker, where he earned a reputation as one of the most devastating tacklers of all time. London Fletcher, St. Louis Rams (1998-2001), Buffalo Bills (02-06), Washington Redskins (07-12) Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. That would end up being an anomaly in Dansby's career. 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. In Forester's final five seasons, he made all four of his Pro Bowls, all five of his All-Pro teams and helped lead Green Bay to its first two NFL titles under Lombardi. All Rights Reserved. They often are the quarterbacks of the defense, and many of them possess physical talents few have ever seen on a football field. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb. Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-84)Hall of Fame, Class of 1990 Super Bowl IX champion In 11 dominant NFL seasons, Dave Wilcox only missed one game due to injury and confounded opposing offenses with his ability to elude blocks at the most basic level. 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. How tough was the "City Champ"? 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. He started all 26 games at middle linebacker the last two seasons. Super Bowl VIII champion 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. Nobis was the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL draft and the first player picked by the expansion Atlanta Falcons. 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. High school: White Deer High School (Pampa, Texas), Teams: Miami Dolphins (1996-2007), Dallas Cowboys (2008), Career highlights: Seven-time All-Pro (1998-99, 2001-03, 2005, 2006), seven-time Pro Bowl (1999-2003, 2005, 2006), AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year (1996), NFL 2000s All-Decade Team. 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. 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. Super Bowl VI champion17. NEW! High school: Waco High School (Waco, Texas), Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (2005-17), Oakland Raiders (2018), Career highlights: Two-time NFL All-Pro (2011, 2015), four-time Pro Bowl (2011-13, 2015). If you want to know where the modern concept of an outside linebacker came from, start with George Connor. 10 of the Best Linebackers of All-Time | NFL Linebackers - WagerLab Devine was the worst. His 10 All-Pro selections are tied for the NFL career record alongside Lawrence Taylor. The 2023 NFL Draft has arrived! 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. How would you rank the greatest Middle Linebackers in history? Former VP of Player Personnel Gil Brandt's Top 10 Defensive Tackles of All Time! The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. 2 overall pick in 1981 out of North Carolina led the Giants to two Super Bowl wins, was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1986 the last defensive player to win that award. Bills middle linebacker race hinges upon where third-round pick Dorian It is fair to say that Taylor is perhaps the greatest defensive player ever. The Pittsburgh Steelers follow the script: The Steelers take Joey Porter Jr. to open up Day 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft. 5-time Pro Bowler24. During that time Kendricks has broken up 40 passes as a linebacker which is tops in the NFL. Those bad teams likely cost him any shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Over his career, Lambert recorded 1,479 career tackles with 28 interceptions and 23.5 career sacks. But for all his individual success, he never made the playoffs.4. Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins (1996-2007), Dallas Cowboys (08) 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. Willie Lanier played in an era of football best defined by his hitting style which mainly consisted of him trying to put the crown of his helmet through your sternum. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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. Nick Buoniconti Nick Buoniconti played for the Boston Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. During his AFL career, Buoniconti earned six AFL All-Star honors and five First Team All-AFL. Quite simply, if you saw No. Hall of Fame, Class of 2011 Over his career Willis racked up 865 tackles to go with 20.5 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and eight interceptions. Williams was the seventh-best linebacker by Brugler and was not on his Top 100. 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). Arizona had until May 2 to make a final . It's on Sean McDermott & Co. to coach up whoever mans the middle. Be the first one to comment on this story. 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. 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. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is both a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the 100th Anniversary Team. Lewis was the face of the franchise and the energizer of the defensive dominance. After leaving Chicago, Marshall proved he was elite by winning a Super Bowl and NFL Defensive Player of the Year with the Washington Football Team (then known as the Redskins). 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. Lambert averaged 146 tackles through his first 10 seasons, but only played a handful of games in his 11th season because of a toe injury that led to his retirement. Buoniconti would go on to register 32 interceptions over his career between the AFL and NFL. A two-way player who also played center on offense, Bednarik was in the middle of the action on both sides of the ball ask Frank Gifford.9. 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). Born: June 3, 1959 (Neptune City, New Jersey), Died: April 18, 2005 (age 45, Charlotte, North Carolina), High school: Long Branch High School (Long Branch, New Jersey), Teams: New Orleans Saints (1986-94), Carolina Panthers (1995-97), Career highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl (1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996), three-time All-Pro (1991, 1992, 1996). George died in a car accident in 1982, at 53 years old. Playing defensive tackle/end for the first two seasons of his NFL career, Connor became a linebacker when Bears head coach George Halas wanted to try and find a way to neutralize Philadelphia running back Steve Van Buren, so he had Connor stand up outside of the tight end to check Van Buren. 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. Harry Carson, New York Giants (1976-88) If Dolphins fans felt like they were having flashbacks when Zach Thomas came along to play middle linebacker in the mid-1990s, it's because it wasn't the first time they'd seen an undersized, dominant player leading their defense. Starters: Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo. Buoniconti, who was also a practicing attorney, died in 2019 at 78 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. Over his career, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to two Super Bowl championships while being named Super Bowl XXXV MVP. FP - TopX: Greatest Middle Linebacker of All Time Who Is the Greatest Middle Linebacker in NFL History? The last 60-minute man in NFL history, Chuck Bednarik dominated on both sides of the ball for the Philadelphia Eagles. Born: Aug. 25, 1965 (Birmingham, Alabama), High school: Ensley High School (Birmingham, Alabama), Teams: Buffalo Bills (1987-95), Atlanta Falcons (1996-98), Indianapolis Colts (1999-2000), Career highlights: Two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1988, 1991), five-time Pro Bowl (1988, 1990-93), three-time All-Pro (1988, 1991, 1992), AFC Defensive Team of the Decade (2000s). He won an NFL championship for Chicago in 1963. The most famous member of the No Name Defense, Buoniconti is alleged to be the ringleader of the 1972 Dolphins annual champagne toast when the last undefeated team loses each season.10. He's been nothing but consistent since those days of Seahawks dominance in the league. Not bad for a former third-round draft pick out of Arizona. Your login session has expired. ", High school: Miami Northwestern High School (Miami, Florida), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2021), three-time NFL All-Pro (2013, 2016, 2020), Pro Bowl (2015), NFL All-Rookie Team (2012). 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. Hardy Nickerson, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-92), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (93-99), Jacksonville Jaguars (2000-01), Green Bay Packers (02)