The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL's first 2,000-yard season by O.J. No. Top 10 LB's in OU history - 247sports.com Jack Ham had the whole package as a linebacker. Las Vegas Raiders: 15 best defensive backs of all-time - Just Blog Baby Houston Oilers, 1975-1984. Beason has only been in the league for three years now. [a][4]. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. 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 would always be found around the ball, and around the play. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. Undersized height wise, but an overabundance of heart made him more than a handful to deal with. You decide: Ohio State football's all-decade linebackers Andre Tippett. Sam Huff. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. Its too bad Fredd Youngs career had to end prematurely due to injuries. 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. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 linebackers ahead of the 2020 NFL season Tippett finished his career with 100 sacks. Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. 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. 17, Brian Urlacher* (Bears) (2000-Present) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Four-time 1st Team All-Pro. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. Cox was also a vocal leader of the teams he played for, directing his defenses to success. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. The only thing that could match his signature stare was the stellar play of Samurai Mike on the field. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He played for a bad team with not much of a surrounding cast, but still excelled. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Zach Thomas is exactly what you want in a player and a linebacker. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. No. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, Ill take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. 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Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . LT was the most intimidating player ever to put on an NFL uniform. 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. The NFL started in 1920 and commemorated its 100th season in 2019 with a season-long celebration of "NFL 100." The game has come a long way in 100 years. 10. SRS: 6.97 (5th of 26), SOS: 1.40. He also is the only linebacker to ever win a Super Bowl MVP and be named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in the same season (2000). And he's still going. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . AP. Ranking Explanation . Among linebackers, that would include two-way stars George Svendsen (1935-41), Bud Svendsen (1937, 1939) and Charley Brock (1939-47), along with Bill Forester (1953-63), Tom Bettis (1955-61) and Roger Zatkoff (1953-56). He was always around the ball. 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 2022 - SportsUnfold. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. These were the players who were great players, but not quite good enough to be placed inside the top 50. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Robert Brazile. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times. John Offerdahl may have had the shortest NFL career on this list, but he made the most of it. The transition from college football to the NFL . No. No. This brings us to the first night of March and a not-quite-full Purcell . The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 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. 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. A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s. 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 took them to the AFC Championship game in 1998, where they fell victim to John Elways Super Bowl winning Broncos. Kirkland was an all-around better linebacker, he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. Top 10 Draft Picks in Broncos History | No. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. 2022 NFL Linebacker Rankings and Tiers | NFL News, Rankings and - PFF Featuring 2018-2019 Raiders and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Raiders LBs include Ted Hendricks, Khalil Mack, Rod Martin, Sam Wiliams, and Greg Biekert. Matt Blair was a very intimidating linebacker, and helped the Vikings get to two Super Bowls in his career. His best days were with the Bears and Redskins, but he had an impact everywhere he went. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. The Raiders defeated the Eagles 27-10. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. No. He was also the first player to have a TE or RB used for chip blocking on, and overall changed the way offensive lineman block. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. 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. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . AP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:03 a.m. EST | National | wdrb.com 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. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. Here's 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize The Chicago Bears have the most all-time great linebackers. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. List of All Buffalo Bills Linebackers, Ranked Best to Worst Ranking Explanation . Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . 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. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Lost Super Bowl 13-16 vs. Baltimore Colts. Regardless, he definitely deserves the respect for what he accomplished on the field. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. He could do it all. First-Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl w/Raiders (1991) NFL interceptions leader w/Raiders (1991) Ronnie Lott is best known for being arguably the best safety in football history. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. Countdown 119: Top 10 Linebackers in NFL History - Sports H2H 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. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Jalen Carter, top NFL prospect, posts bond in fatal crash. Mike Singletary. No. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. In that career he played both 4-3 OLB and 3-4 ILB. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. May 24, 2022. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. by Ben Watanabe. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge some of the top performers from that earlier era. and Jack Ham played as . 15, Zach Thomas (Dolphins/Cowboys) (1996-2008) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. He tried to get in your head before you even took a step on the field of play. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. 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 . Baltimore Ravens ground game rules in NFL Week 11 and more Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. Are you ready for some football history? Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. 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. 48, Terrell Suggs* (Ravens) (2003-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. 5. 6, Jack Ham (Steelers) (1971-1982) *Eight-time Pro Bowler *Six-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. No. The Greatest Linebackers of All Time - SportsUnfold His high sack number was 15 in 2001, a year that he didnt even get voted into the Pro Bowl. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. 22, Chris Spielman (Lions/Bills) (1988-1997) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. 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. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. The Steelers began their 1976 season 1-4 and lost their quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.For the nine games remaining in the season, the Steelers . 1970s All-decade team. Gambling Problem? 21, Patrick Willis* (49ers) (2006-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Jul 07, 2014 at 11:02 PM. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all time, recording 160 sacks in his career. Williams recorded 16 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries (a franchise record). This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). Steelers by the decade: 1970s - Pittsburgh Steelers He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie season and his final pro season, totaling nine selections. Harry Carson was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Lawrence Taylor. He knew how to make big plays. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History - AthlonSports.com Please play responsibly. Jack Lambert was the teammate of Jack Ham who took the inside linebacker duties. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. 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. How NFL Players Have Evolved | Stadium Talk Jackson was the vocal leader of the orange crush defense. He could do it all. Top 50 Minnesota Vikings Players of All-Time - Sports Articles Named to NFL's All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. 27. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. He could play zone and man. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Lofa Tatupu* (Seahawks) : Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. Power Ranking the 5 Greatest Linebackers in Minnesota Vikings 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. By 1995, he was recognized as one of the top inside linebackers in the league and had a stellar performance in Super Bowl XXX against the Dallas Cowboys at the end of the season. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. HELLO, PANDORA. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. No. National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team - Wikipedia Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 15-11. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time - NFL.com 21. 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. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. The Best Linebackers of All-Time - Sports Central He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. Rickey Jackson doesnt always get the credit he deserves, but hes a top 10 linebacker of the modern era. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. But Mills did much more than that. 29, Joey Porter* (Steelers/Dolphins/Cardinals) (1999-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mike Singletary had the whole package. 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. That is just unheard of. 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 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. Trotter was a complete, all-around linebacker. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Reese, GM of Titans' Super Bowl team, dies at 73 Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . If you havnt guessed it by now, Lawrence LT Taylor is my top linebacker of the modern era. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. The Best Las Vegas Raiders Linebackers of All Time - Ranker He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. More Team Info. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. 2. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 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. #NFL100 - Top 6 Outside Linebackers News Briefs: The latest updates in the Uptown and Downtown Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. No. 20 greatest linebackers in NFL history - Franchise Sports Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career.