Seau was the definition of consistency. 10. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge some of the top performers from that earlier era. The 150 greatest players in college football's 150-year history - ESPN.com Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. No. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. Steve Kiner (1966-69): Tennessee fans didn't have to wait long after Emanuel left to find the next superstar linebacker. . 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. Lloyd had 54.5 sacks and 11 INTs in his career, but the most remarkable number was his 35 forced fumbles. Tribute to Elvis From canvas high-tops to social media dominance, the NBA has come a long way. Jason Gildon (Steelers/Jaguars): - Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. Bryan Cox was an all-around package at linebacker. The 70s were a rough decade for the Browns, but the 1980s were getting off to a great start with the franchise returning to the playoffs, despite the tragedy of " Red Right 88 " in 1981. Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. No. Briggs should only continue to move up this list, as he takes over as the star linebacker spot in Chicago. 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. Mo Lewis was another very consistent and solid player. No. 10. . He made five straight Pro Bowls, but the reason he doesnt rank higher on this list is because he was never a feared player like his teammate Michael Strahan was, and his stats just arent good enough. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. The Pittsburgh Steelers are second with all-time players in four decades. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks. The transition from college football to the NFL . His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. 27. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. He was just a great all-around player who could do it all. Here is my ranking of the top 10 Giants linebackers, along with some honorable mentions. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. Ill take into account Pro Bowls, All-Pros (1st and 2nd team), stats, team success, players success, intimidation factor, and reputation, along with many other factors to make this list. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Bill Romanowski (49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Raiders) : Two-time Pro Bowler. Two years later, the Giants sunk to 1-12-1. NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. 10 Best Linebackers in Steelers History (+Honorable Mentions) He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. No. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History (Updated) Brazile might not get the credit because of the team he played for, but he was an outstanding player. Are you ready for some football history? 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. No. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. Butkus nasty disposition and ability to blow up anyone standing in his path, made him one of the most feared players in the history of the game. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Ranking Explanation . He ran a 4.6 40 yard dash, which is outstanding for a linebacker, especially at that time period. Although still early in his career, Demarcus Ware deserves to be this high on the list. No. Super Bowl XX champion. He was also a big hitter and very intimidating on the field of play. No. He is ninth in team history with 14 forced fumbles; he recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions. 7, Rickey Jackson (Saints/49ers) (1981-1995) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. 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The middle linebacker also recorded 52 tackles for loss, which is fourth all-time in Clemson history. No. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Nine All-Pros. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Top 10 Washington Football Team LBs of All Time - Sports Articles He already has 57.5 sacks in his short career, along with 16 forced fumbles. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. Nine All-Pros. The NFL's Top 50 Linebackers of the Modern Era - Bleacher Report He is not only the greatest linebacker in NFL history, hes one of the games greatest players period. His 1989 rookie season was one of the best the NFL has ever seen. . Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. Franchise Encyclopedia. No. He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. 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. 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. During the five year stretch from 1991-1995 where he made five consecutive Pro Bowls, Lloyd was one of, if not the, most dominating linebackers in the NFL. Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! Brian Urlacher is one of the greatest linebackers of this decade. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. Banks was a player that any coach would want on their team. 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. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. He played for a bad team with not much of a surrounding cast, but still excelled. Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Bills LBs include Sam Rogers, Keith Ellison, Shane Conlan, and John Holecek. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. 26, Cornelius Bennett (Bills/Falcons/Colts) (1987-2000) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. 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Lance Briggs may be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher, but dont forget how great of a player Briggs has been for the Bears. No. He knew how to make big plays. Andre Tippett may have been outshined by Lawrence Taylor playing basically the same position at the same time frame, but theres no mistaking what Tippett did on the field. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. No. Houston Oilers, 1975-1984. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. 5. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. [3] No. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. He was one of the most feared players in the game. 37, Wilber Marshall (Bears/Redskins/Oilers/Cardinals/Jets) (1984-1995) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team is a list of National Football League (NFL) players selected by voters of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . No. (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). Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. Dick Butkus: one of the fiercest and best linebackers the NFL has ever seen, Butkus was a Pro Bowler every year except his final season while also garnering five All-Pro selections for the Bears. Eleven Pro Bowls. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s - AinsworthSports.com He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: No. 5-1 - Saturday Down South In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". 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. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia 10. No. . HELLO, PANDORA. Zach Thomas would be the perfect linebacker, no matter what style of defense you play. Baltimore Ravens ground game rules in NFL Week 11 and more Ranking the 10 best linebackers in Raiders history 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. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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 . Mike Singletary had the whole package. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. 6 - Carl McAdams. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Brown was a very versatile linebacker. The . Call 1-800-522-4700. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. Ham had outstanding speed. Thats amazing consistency. Thats right, seven. 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. T&Cs apply. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. The Greatest Penn State Linebackers of All Time May 24, 2022. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. . He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. Tippett was a big reason to why so many teams value pass rushing OLBs in todays game. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . 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. Paul Naumoff. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzd9Xd0who, No. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. Here's a list of the Packers' top 10 all-time defensive players since 1950, when unlimited substitution was restored to the NFL, paving the way for two-platoon football. Thats an outstanding number. No. During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. He was Lawrence Taylor before Taylor was. 8. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. Suggs is a pass rushing monster with the Ravens. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. Less of a nod goes to pass rushers, linebackers and safeties. 3 hours ago. Chuck Drazenovich. In 2006, he had an amazing season and won defensive MVP, which is a very high honor that most players on this list never achieved. He could do it all. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Ranking Explanation . He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. St. Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. Robert Brazile. Use Isiah Robertsons name in a talk of most underrated players of all time, and youll impress your fellow football fans. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. Sam Huff. He should still improve this season with Ndamukong Suh in front of him to help free him up. The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. 10. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Next: A dangerous combination. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Holdovers from the National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team were Bob Lilly, Dick Butkus, Merlin Olsen, Larry Wilson, and Jim Bakken, which made them the first players to make multiple All-Decade teams in NFL history. Williams recorded 16 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries (a franchise record). Steelers all-time 53-man roster: '70s legends, 'Killer Bs' headline He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. Answer: Two of the three were constants for all four Super Bowls and ended up in the Hall of Fame. 8, Demarcus Ware* (Cowboys) (2005-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 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. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. Ray Lewis is the highest-ranked active player on this list, and the top middle linebacker on it. He did everything. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. Offensive Coordinator: Jim Myers. He produced 32 sacks over the 3 seasons. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History - AthlonSports.com A truly great linebacker must be able to read the offense, set the defensive scheme, play the run with cat-like instincts and defend the pass with the utmost precision. [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. Keith Bulluck WAS the Titans defense, and has been every year hes been there. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? No. Top 10 Linebackers in Miami Dolphins history - Phin Phanatic Lawrence Taylor. Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. In that game, the Steelers defense held the Cowboys to just 15 first downs and Emmitt Smith and the Cowboys powerful running attack to just 56 yards, despite losing 27-17 in large part due to two key interceptions thrown by Steelers quarterback Neil ODonnell. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. Reese, GM of Titans' Super Bowl team, dies at 73 Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. He also took over Lloyds role in pass coverage as the only linebacker in the Steelers nickel defense. No. Eddie Johnson. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. Floyd Reese, the general manager who assembled the roster for the Tennessee Titans' lone Super Bowl appearance, died Saturday. Armstead didnt particularly stand out at anywhere, but he wasnt a weak link anywhere either. Patrick Willis has made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team every single year hes been in the NFL. 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. No. No. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Some of you will say hes too low. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. Regardless, he definitely deserves the respect for what he accomplished on the field. credit : - yahoo. 2, Ray Lewis* (Ravens) (1996-Present) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro.
best linebackers of the 1970s
best linebackers of the 1970s
