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. 60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk Williams recorded 16 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries (a franchise record). In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. Tippett was a big reason to why so many teams value pass rushing OLBs in todays game. 9. Sam Huff. No. Of the five LBs chosen to the 1950s All-Decade Team the others were Bednarik, Fortunato, George, and Huff Schmidt made the most Pro Bowls (nine) and the most all-pro teams (seven first-team, nine altogether). He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time - NFL.com Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 2nd round . 2022 NFL Linebacker Rankings and Tiers | NFL News, Rankings and - PFF Matt Blair was a very intimidating linebacker, and helped the Vikings get to two Super Bowls in his career. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. The longtime backup led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), set the Seahawks' single-season passing yards record (4,282) and ranked in the top five in the entire league in both passing . He was effective as a pass rushing OLB, tallying up 14 sacks in one season with the Dolphins, and as an inside run stopping linebacker with the Jets. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 10-6. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. A two-time All-American and a three-year starter for the Vols, Kiner . Mike Singletary had the whole package. No. 20 greatest linebackers in NFL history - Franchise Sports May 24, 2022. Paul Naumoff. The line was the backbone of the Steelers dynasty, which won four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) in six years.. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . 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 runningback Franco Harris. More from Green Bay Packers. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. No NFL team has enjoyed the consistent level of success the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. 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. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Jack Lambert played middle linebacker. . Penn State football all-time defense | Who are the greatest defensive O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Use Isiah Robertsons name in a talk of most underrated players of all time, and youll impress your fellow football fans. 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Top 10 Washington Football Team LBs of All Time - Sports Articles Eleven Pro Bowls. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. He just goes out every week and hustles. 9. 43, Keith Brooking* (Falcons/Cowboys) (1998-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Minnesota Vikings reporter suggests All-Pro defender a likely 2023 cap He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. and Jack Ham played as . He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. 10. The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. Reese, GM of Titans' Super Bowl team, dies at 73 Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. Countdown 119: Top 10 Linebackers in NFL History - Sports H2H Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960 - Dairyland Express Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Top 5 Tennessee linebackers of all-time - Saturday Down South Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. Opponents thought Kirkland would not be as adept in pass coverage as the fast Lloyd, but they quickly found out that Kirkland was just as fast and quick. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. 1970 1979 America Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. How NFL Players Have Evolved | Stadium Talk Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history Beason has only been in the league for three years now. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. 3 hours ago. He was blue collar player who was a great leader on defense and could do everything well on a football field. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. Check out the 1970 Minnesota Vikings Roster, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports and more on Pro-Football-Reference.com. HELLO, PANDORA. Marshall wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker though, he also racked up 1,020 tackles during his 11 year NFL career, along with 24 forced fumbles. It was tied for the best of the day with linebacker Owen Pappoe, of Auburn, and was the second-fastest time from an . Keith Brooking has been one of the most consistent linebackers of all-time. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. No. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. Marshall wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker though, he also racked up 1,020 tackles during his 11 year NFL career, along with 24 forced fumbles. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. He had eight seasons with 10+ sacks. No. 26, Cornelius Bennett (Bills/Falcons/Colts) (1987-2000) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. 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? He also ranks third all . Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. No. NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. Porter is mostly known as a sack master. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. He is most known for the neck plate he wore behind his head, but dont let that distract you from his great play on the field. 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. No. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. A shot of Jameson for Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey. Over the course of his career he racked up over 1,000 tackles, 52.5 sacks, and 14 INTs, all of which are very good numbers. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. James Harrison. That is just unheard of. Please play responsibly. 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. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. He was Lawrence Taylor before Taylor was. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 linebackers ahead of the 2020 NFL season He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. . He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Mike Kolen 1970-77. FCK Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Hamilton vs Arbroath Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Paderborn vs FC St. Pauli Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live, Andorra vs Las Palmas Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, AGF vs Horsens Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time,, Southend Utd vs Barnet Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Kawasaki vs Shonan Bellmare Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live. 6 - Carl McAdams. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? The thing about Derrick Thomas that is the most remarkable was how nice of a person he was off the field. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Bergey became one of the NFL's best linebackers in Philly, where he made five consecutive All-Pro teams and was the foundation for the "Gang Green" defense that made the playoffs in each of his last three seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 1980. . Next: A dangerous combination. He has played the role of pass rusher and coverage linebacker in his career, and has excelled at both. Defensive MVP in 2002. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. credit : - yahoo. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. He came one tackle short from having five consecutive 100 tackle seasons in 2004, which is saying a lot, since he was the guy taking up blockers most of the time as well. So while there were outstanding linebackers in previous years, like Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke, they will not be on this list. The 150 greatest players in college football's 150-year history - ESPN.com In 2008, Suggs even had two INTs, both of which he returned for touchdowns. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 12:30 a.m. EST Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. Linebacker finalists announced for NFL 100 All-Time Team 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Hes been amazing. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. Super Bowl winner. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. The nine-time Pro Bowl player, two-time All-Pro, and Hall of Fame is one of the all-time sacks leaders with 126.5, and he also forced 41 fumbles during his 11-year career. Who is the best high school football team in Alabama history (poll) Jeremiah The Axeman Trotter has been a very recognizable name over the past decade. Here's 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. 5.) The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). The Greatest Penn State Linebackers of All Time 25. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . 48, Terrell Suggs* (Ravens) (2003-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Pat Swilling. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). 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. I think hell climb up this list further in the near future. 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. 1, Lawrence Taylor (Giants) (1981-1993) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Eight-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. It may be a bit early to put Jon Beason on this list, but I think his play warrants the selection. Don Moorehead, Dennis Franklin, Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Tom Brady, Forest Evashevski, Benny Friedman and John Navarre were all elected Captains by their teammates. He was the only good player (other than Albert Haynesworth, but even he was only good for 2-3 years) on a generally bad defense and team. The two-time All-American helped the Cornhuskers win back-to-back national titles in 1970 and '71 . He could do it all. 2022 - SportsUnfold. 32, John Offerdahl (Dolphins) (1986-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. He was 73. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. 8. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. [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. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. He knew how to make big plays. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Still, its an amazing number. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. Undersized height wise, but an overabundance of heart made him more than a handful to deal with. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Lloyd had 54.5 sacks and 11 INTs in his career, but the most remarkable number was his 35 forced fumbles. Answer: Two of the three were constants for all four Super Bowls and ended up in the Hall of Fame. His 1989 rookie season was one of the best the NFL has ever seen. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. 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. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. No. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. Coverage was definitely Bullucks claim to fame, but he was also good at other things. . He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. 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. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. 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. He already has 57.5 sacks in his short career, along with 16 forced fumbles. Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history - NFL Spin Zone 10. Bill Parcells considered Carson the best all-around linebacker he ever coached, which is very high praise from someone who has coached a ton of linebackers in his day. The versatile middle linebacker played a significant role in helping the Steelers win four Super Bowls in a span of six years in the 1970s. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Chip Banks was another linebacker that was solid at everything, but not great at anything. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. He should be in the Hall of Fame. Thomas' remarkable personality was also recognized by being awarded the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award in 1993. 1970 Robert E. Lee Generals (13-0) Jim Chafin's team allowed just seven points a game and held 10 of its 13 opponents to 10 points or less. In 2007, he racked up a remarkable 17 sacks in only 12 games. When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. No. He took them to the AFC Championship game in 1998, where they fell victim to John Elways Super Bowl winning Broncos. He was always around the ball. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:03 a.m. EST | National | wdrb.com T&Cs apply. He also took over Lloyds role in pass coverage as the only linebacker in the Steelers nickel defense. If Bulluck played on a better team, I believe his stats would be much better and his accomplishments would be a lot more. 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 . He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. Although still early in his career, Demarcus Ware deserves to be this high on the list. (Photo: David Boss, Getty) Historians will tell you that McAdams is one of the best linebackers to ever play at The University of Oklahoma. Official list of the NFL's best players in the 1970s, National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team, National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/04/06/tom-brady-is-first-qb-to-make-two-all-decade-teams/, National Football League All-Decade Teams, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_Football_League_1970s_All-Decade_Team&oldid=1132426489, National Football League records and achievements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 20:52. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, Ill take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. Defensive MVP in 2002. No. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. He could do it all. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s - AinsworthSports.com With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. No. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith.
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