Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. Michigan Football Position Greats Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Seau was the definition of consistency. Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. That truly shows what kind of person he was off the field. The 150 greatest players in college football's 150-year history - ESPN.com Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. 34, Julian Peterson* (49ers/Seahawks/Lions) (2000-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 2022 - SportsUnfold. A late 12th round pick Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. 1970s A 1-13 record in 1969 gave the Steelers the first overall choice in the 1970 draft, with which Noll addressed the offense by selecting quarterback Terry Bradshaw, another Hall of Famer, after the Steelers won the first selection by winning a coin toss with the Chicago Bears. 23. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. That suggestion from the newly appointed House . Tribute to Elvis He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Bryan Cox was an all-around package at linebacker. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Williams recorded 16 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries (a franchise record). 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 took them to the AFC Championship game in 1998, where they fell victim to John Elways Super Bowl winning Broncos. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. 10. Collect, curate and comment on your files. When you think of Singletary, the first thing that comes to mind is intense focus. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. Neal Olkewicz. Super Bowl winner. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: No. 5-1 - Saturday Down South Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. 2011 Butkus Award winner for nation s best linebacker at Boston College. (Pro Football Weekly 1975 Defensive Player of the Year, 1970s All-Decade Team, 1994 75th anniversary team), and also the team success (4 Super Bowls). Bet with your head, not over it. The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL's first 2,000-yard season by O.J. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Floyd Reese, the general manager who assembled the roster for the Tennessee Titans' lone Super Bowl appearance, died Saturday. He was the type of player that you would want your kids to look up to. These are the newest members of GHSF Daily's Georgia Power 100. 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? Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. 27. Nine All-Pros. Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . No. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. Eleven Pro Bowls. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. He was blue collar player who was a great leader on defense and could do everything well on a football field. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Eleven Pro Bowls. Chuck Drazenovich. Despite the bad taste he left when leaving the team, James Harrison belongs on the upper half of the top ten linebackers in Steelers history. Georgia defensive tackle Jalen Carter has returned to the NFL . Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. The Best of Tommy Brady at Michigan . You decide: Ohio State football's all-decade linebackers Born April 20 . In 2007, he racked up a remarkable 17 sacks in only 12 games. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. Notre Dame, Mike Brey and the awkward goodbye - The Athletic Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. He ran a 4.6 40 yard dash, which is outstanding for a linebacker, especially at that time period. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. Regardless, he definitely deserves the respect for what he accomplished on the field. Porter is mostly known as a sack master. 10. 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. He was a tackle machine and a very big hitter. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . 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. Call 1-800-522-4700. Penn State football all-time defense | Who are the greatest defensive The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. Reese, GM of Titans' Super Bowl team, dies at 73 Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all time. 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. Find out what the legends have to say about sports this week. thegruelingtruth.com is available in the following countries: The bonus offer of was already opened in an additional window. #NFL100 - Top 6 Outside Linebackers 36, Jeremiah Trotter (Eagles/Redskins/Bucs) (1999-2007 & 2009) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The Best Linebackers of All-Time - Sports Central Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. 60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk Hes going into his first healthy season again in three years. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Buffalo Bills starting LBs and backup LBs are Lorenzo Alexander, Deon Lacey, Matt Milano, and Tanner Vallejo. He has played the role of pass rusher and coverage linebacker in his career, and has excelled at both. No. Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. That is just unheard of. Jack Lambert was the teammate of Jack Ham who took the inside linebacker duties. Pat Swilling was an outstanding pass rusher in his career, totaling up 107 sacks in his career and 101.5 sacks in a 10 year period throwing out his rookie year and last season of his career. No. No. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. Both . 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). No. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Pat Swilling. During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. [3] Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. But perhaps more than the star players, the decade was dominated by dynasty teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and . An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Ranking Explanation . He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. No. 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 dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. He should still improve this season with Ndamukong Suh in front of him to help free him up. [1][2] The squad consists of first- and second-team offensive, defensive, and special teams units, as well as a first- and second-team head coaches. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. After being labeled a bust by many after his first four seasons with the Jets, Farrior broke out with the Steelers and became one of the most consistent players in the league. He was selected late in the 12th Round, and nobody expected much out of him. 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. The exhibit features the Fleet's classic collection set in five themed galleries representing the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Jan 25, 1981; New Orleans, LA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders players Mickey Marvin (65), Willie Jones (90), Rod Martin (53), Ted Hendricks (83) and Raymond Chester (88) on the field against the Philadelphia Eagles during Super Bowl XV at the Superdome. Lamberts signature toothless snarl struck fear into the hearts of the opposition and lends credence to his legendary status as one of the toughest players all-time. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Merriman still has the potential to be a great player again. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. He tried to get in your head before you even took a step on the field of play. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. Doc's TML: Lock out the MLB owners, players. No TV, radio, fans A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s. 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. He was Lawrence Taylor before Taylor was. In his three years at Clemson (1995-'97) Simmons recorded 486 tackles, only 29 off the school record Bubba Brown recorded in four years from 1976-'79. If Bulluck played on a better team, I believe his stats would be much better and his accomplishments would be a lot more. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time - NFL.com He was said to have the fastest 10-yard burst of any player on the team, and that included receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, and running back Franco Harris. 10. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. Use Isiah Robertsons name in a talk of most underrated players of all time, and youll impress your fellow football fans. 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. But it was his style of play that made his career so short. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. Thats right, seven. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. He was 73. After a very bad injury in 2008, Shawne Merriman hasnt been the same. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. 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. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. 25. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. 25, Karl Mecklenburg (Broncos) (1983-1994) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro Karl "The Albino Rhino" Mecklenburg was the definition of a blue collar player. The Pittsburgh Steelers are second with all-time players in four decades. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. No. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History Jul 07, 2014 at 11:02 PM. Ham had outstanding speed. Mike Singletary had the whole package. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . The line was the backbone of the Steelers dynasty, which won four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) in six years.. 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. The Greatest Penn State Linebackers of All Time Republican Rep. James Comer suggested during a right-wing podcast earlier this week that President Joe Biden's deceased son Beau Biden should have been investigated in connection with a long-settled case on "campaign donations" from a backer who was eventually indicted. 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. Comic-Con Museum named best pop culture museum by USA Today. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. Briggs should only continue to move up this list, as he takes over as the star linebacker spot in Chicago. The entire enterprise of Notre Dame basketball, gone strange. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) At New Mexico State, the once-treasured men's basketball program has been suspended for the season due to a fatal shooting and a gruesome allegation of locker-room . Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. No. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Urlacher was the leader of those great Bears defenses of the 2000s, including when they got to the Super Bowl only to lose to Peyton Manning and the Colts. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960 - Dairyland Express Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. . He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. 1970 1979 America Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Houston Oilers, 1975-1984. No. The Greatest Linebackers of All Time - SportsUnfold 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. Earl Campbell called Williams the toughest linebacker he ever played against. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal crash. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. T&Cs apply. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History - AthlonSports.com Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. No. 10 Best Linebackers in Steelers History (+Honorable Mentions) He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. Detroit Lions History: Top 5 Linebackers - SideLion Report Jackson was most notable for being a pass rusher, but he really did it all. He may have actually been crazy. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. Next: A dangerous combination. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Kirkland was an all-around better linebacker, he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. 12 sacks and three picks. Cornelius Bennett was just a great all-around player. Who were the linebackers for the Steel Curtain defense? - Quora The thing about Derrick Thomas that is the most remarkable was how nice of a person he was off the field. Known as quite possibly the most sound tackler in school history, Ham was an extremely fundamental linebacker who was the captain of the 1970 Penn State defense. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. Here is my ranking of the top 10 Giants linebackers, along with some honorable mentions. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzd9Xd0who, No. He could do it all. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. How NFL Players Have Evolved. Gambling Problem? He was a very solid 3-4 ILB playing on one of the best LB Cores of all-time, the Dome Patrol. Beason may be the most controversial player on this list. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. The . He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history - NFL Spin Zone Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. Thats an outstanding number. 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, The Top 10 Seattle Mariners of all Time, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans, If you enjoy hearing from the legends of pro sports, then be sure to tune into The Grueling Truth sports shows, Where the legends speak.