If Lawrence Taylor is the Michael Jordan of NFL linebackers, Carson was his Scottie Pippen. Howley fixed that one minor blip in his resume when he helped lead the Cowboys to a Super Bowl victory in 1970. Almost 50 years after he retired, Bell's nine defensive touchdowns are still tied for the most in NFL history for a linebacker alongside fellow Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks. The 1976 Defensive Player of the Year helped the Steelers win four Super Bowls (IX, X, XIII, XIV). Born: Sept. 20, 1943 (San Antonio, Texas), Died: Dec. 13, 2017 (age 74, Marietta, Georgia), High school: Thomas Jefferson High School (San Antonio, Texas), Career highlights: NFL Rookie of the Year (1966), five-time Pro Bowl (1966-68, 1970, 1972), two-time All-Pro (1967, 1968), NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. Owen Pappoe, Auburn. Over his career Nitschke would rack up 25 career interceptions while being named First Team All-Pro in 11 different seasons. That is the highest among all linebackers. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. He only played six games in his final season before retiring because of a nagging toe injury. April 30, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. EDT. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Ranking the best Middle Linebackers in the history of the NFL such as Ray Lewis, Mike Singletary, and many more, By Fan Rankings | October 23, 2021 - 07:34 PM. Check out some of the best photos from the 2023 NFL Draft! 1-time Pro Bowler During his AFL career, Buoniconti earned six AFL All-Star honors and five First Team All-AFL. There is a reason why he was a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2018. Lanier collected three All-Pro mentions and eight spots in a Pro Bowl,. Buoniconti would go on to register 32 interceptions over his career between the AFL and NFL. Forester was a nondescript linebacker for his first six seasons with the Packers, until Lombardi was hired in 1959 and the SMU product's career took off. NFL Championship Game MVP (1962) In addition, Lewis was a two time Defensive Player of the Year, seven time First Team All-Pro and a 13 time Pro Bowler. One of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history, Swilling finished his career with 107.5 sacks but no playoff wins. 1970 Defensive Player of the Year "I'm Samurai Mike, I stop 'em cold," was the start of his "Super Bowl Shuffle" verse. While quarterbacks have their hands on every play on offense to lead their teams to victory, it's much tougher for players to control the game by sheer force of will. Tragically, Seau took his own life in 2012, at 43 years old. Ranking the top linebackers to ever suit up in the National Football League is far from easy. Bill Bergey went from being a star at Arkansas State to a star with the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFL until owner Paul Brown leveraged him for a pair of first-round draft picks and a second-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles. Bill Forester is one of the greatest examples of Vince Lombardi's genius as a coach. In addition, Seau was named First Team All-Pro in six different seasons including three straight from 1992 to 1994. 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). That didn't matter. Bobby Wagner has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL for almost a decade at this point, winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. He was selected to the 1990s All-Decade team. He finished his career with 458 tackles, 65.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, nine . Harry Carson is perhaps the most respected defensive player and teammate in the history of the NFL. The last 60-minute man in NFL history, Chuck Bednarik dominated on both sides of the ball for the Philadelphia Eagles. This list explores these reasons by looking at the three greatest middle linebackers of all time. His style of play is strikingly similar to Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, who preceded him by a generation in the Windy City. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Running Backs of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Wide Receivers of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Tight Ends of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Outside Linebackers of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Strong Safeties of All Time Rankings. Karlos Dansby was tall for an NFL inside linebacker at 6-foot-4, and he made plays all over the field. 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. Free and Easy-to-Use Mock Draft Simulator. 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. 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. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History 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. Junior Seau was one of the best players of his generation and one of the best middle linebackers to play the game. 2005 Comeback Player of the Year This article explores the franchise's top 10 linebackers of all time. Huff became the first rookie middle linebacker to start an NFL championship game, leading the Giants to the title in 1956 and led them to four more NFL championship games, losing each time. Nobis was the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL draft and the first player picked by the expansion Atlanta Falcons. After being selected with the third overall pick, Butkus would go on to make eight Pro Bowl teams during his nine year career. When most football fans think of the Steelers' defense, they think about. 60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk 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. Renowned for his elite combination of size and speed, Tippett was scary coming off the edge and racked up 100 career sacks, which is still the Patriots' franchise record. Super Bowl XX champion Willie Lanier, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-77) James Harrison Pittsburgh 2002, '04-12, '14-17; Cincinnati 2013; New England 2017 4-time All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler Super Bowl. How would you rank the greatest Middle Linebackers in history? From the likes of Mike Singletary to Nick Bouniconti to Chuck Bednarik to Ray Lewis, the middle linebacker position is loaded with talent making the top choice a difficult selection. He's been nothing but consistent since those days of Seahawks dominance in the league. David cashed in with a Super Bowl victory following the 2020 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). Forester died in 2007 after a long illness. Super Bowl IX champion Generations of linebackers have played in the NFL and defined the game. 10 of the Best Linebackers of All-Time | NFL Linebackers - WagerLab Injuries cut Luke Kuechly's career short, like they did with quite a few great linebackers. This list explores these reasons by looking at the three greatest middle linebackers of all time. 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. Super Bowl XXXIX champion, The foreman of the Steel Curtain defense, Butkus punished ball carriers and crushed spirits. Harry Carson, New York Giants (1976-88) Super Bowl XXIX champion22. His 1,018 career tackles are No. Super Bowl XXXV champion Mills, who died of cancer in 2005, is one of the most beloved players in the history of both the Saints and the Panthers. The 13-time Pro-Bowler holds the record for most career solo tackles (1,568) and the record for most tackles in a season (156). 2-time first-team All-Pro Joyner was unbelievably productive in different aspects of the game, with over 1,000 career tackles and 52 career sacks, and he was a standout on the great Philly defenses of the late 1980s and early 1990s alongside Reggie White under head coach Buddy Ryan. Lanier was one of two Hall of Famers in the Kansas City linebacker corps during his era, alongside Bobby Bell, but it was Lanier who led the defense from his middle linebacker spot. Buoniconti, who was also a practicing attorney, died in 2019 at 78 years old. James Farrior, New York Jets (1997-2001), Pittsburgh Steelers (02-11) With the combination of speed and power, he is one of the greatest linebackers to ever play in NFL history. He led the NFL in tackles three times (1997, 1999, 2001) during his 17 years in Baltimore. They often are the quarterbacks of the defense, and many of them possess physical talents few have ever seen on a football field. - http://www.nfl.com/photoessays/0ap3000000816217. Born: Dec. 23, 1948 (Johnstown, Pennsylvania), High school: Bishop McCourt High School (Johnstown, Pennsylvania), Career highlights: Four-time Super Bowl champion (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979), eight-time Pro Bowl (1973-80), eight-time All-Pro (1973-80), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1975), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988). The big-play machine from Waco, Texas, was one of the greatest linebackers in Longhorns program history. How deep was Nitschke in pop culture during his career? Other than having one of the coolest names in NFL history, Takeo Spikes was also one of the most durable linebackers of all time. It didn't slow Mills' production, and he made three Pro Bowls and five Pro Bowls despite spending his first five seasons elsewhere. Butkus punished ball carriers and crushed spirits. Here's a crazy thing about James Farrior. An important part of the Buffalo defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. The middle linebacker position is the equivalent of the quarterback position on defense. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Super Bowl X champion Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012)2000 Defensive Player of the Year But what sets the great ones apart from the rest of the pack? 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. Hardy Nickerson, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-92), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (93-99), Jacksonville Jaguars (2000-01), Green Bay Packers (02) Born: Nov. 26, 1953 (Florence, South Carolina), High school: Wilson High School (Florence, South Carolina), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1986), nine-time Pro Bowl (1978, 1979, 1981-87), six-time All-Pro (1978, 1981, 1982, 1984-86), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006). High school: Woodlawn High School (Birmingham, Alabama), Teams: Arizona Cardinals (2004-09, 2013, 2017), Miami Dolphins (2010-12), Cleveland Browns (2014-15), Cincinnati Bengals (2016). Tiania Baul "Junior" Seau was a football unicorn a linebacker who played 20 seasons in the NFL and dominated almost every step of the way. Off the field, Lewis' career was almost over before it started. But assistant coach Vince Lombardi tracked him down at the airport and convinced him to come back, and defensive coordinator Tom Landry made the decision to move him to middle linebacker. Once drafted, Buoniconti became one of the teams best defensive players despite his lack of size. Tales of Butkus' exploits would make you think he played several decades in the NFL, but his career was just nine seasons. Te'o didn't come out of nowhere as a senior. 45:47. Mills, just 5-foot-9, played in the Canadian Football League and then was one of the USFL's greatest players before making the leap to the NFL. Super Bowl XLVII champion Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers (2007-12) But it's worth pointing out that he was much more than a football player. He's not someone who is up for Hall of Fame consideration but his contribution to the game kept defenses afloat on playoff teams for an extended period of time. Ranking 49ers' undrafted rookies, who are led by do-everything Jack Isiah Robertson was one of the stars on the Los Angeles Rams' defenses that won six consecutive NFC West titles. Join the contest by ranking below. 12-time Pro Bowler Analysis by Sam Fortier. He was 74 years old. Born: April 18, 1962 (Titusville, Florida), High school: Astronaut High School (Titusville, Florida), Teams: Chicago Bears (1984-87), Washington Football Team (1988-92), Houston Oilers (1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994), New York Jets (1995), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1986, 1991), three-time Pro Bowl (1986, 1987, 1992), three-time All-Pro (1986, 1991, 1992), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992). A post shared by BostonPride91 (@bostonpride91). 2000 Defensive Rookie of the Year Taylor's dominance changed the way football is played on every level, from how offensive lines block to the way teams teach how to rush the quarterback. A post shared by Juan Diaz (@juandiaz0620). High school: Farmington High School (Farmington, West Virginia), Teams: New York Giants (1956-63), Washington Football Team (1964-67, 1969), Career highlights: NFL champion (1956), six-time All-Pro (1957-61, 1963), five-time Pro Bowl (1958-61, 1964), NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1982). Les Richter, Los Angeles Rams (1954-62) Staff writer. Who Is the Greatest Middle Linebacker in NFL History? 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. 16 on the all-time list Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1981-1993 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times Recorded 132.5 career sacks, which ranks No. 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. Others: Darien Butler, Amari Burney, Kana'i Mauga , Drake Thomas. Vilma, who also won a national championship at the University of Miami in 2001, also is well-known for taking the NFL to court following a yearlong suspension in "Bountygate. That includes Super Bowl wins in 2000 and 2012, with the latter coming in Lewis' final game. At 6-foot-3 and 241 pounds, his combination of speed and athleticism would make the Hall of Famer even more valuable in today's league than he was in his era. Darryl Talley was a physical and athletic marvel during his playing career, and his consistency was truly something to behold. Your login session has expired. Backups: Luke Masterson, Curtis Bolton. 8 on the all-time list, Atlanta Falcons, 1966-1976 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time, Houston Oilers, 1975-1984 Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975) NFL 1970s All-Decade Team member Finished career with 48 sacks, 1,281 tackles, and 13 interceptions, Kansas City Chiefs, 1967-1977 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro three times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Carolina Panthers 2012-present Voted to Pro Bowl five times, four-time First Team All-Pro NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2013) NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012) 818 career tackles, 10.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, Buffalo Bills, 1987-1995; Atlanta Falcons, 1996-1998; Indianapolis Colts, 1999-2000 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Recorded 71.5 career sacks Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, San Francisco 49ers, 1964-1974 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974-1984 Four-time Super Bowl champion Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 2000-2012 Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Recorded 41.5 career sacks and 1,040 career tackles, New Orleans Saints, 1981-1993; San Francisco 49ers 1994-1995 One-time NFL champion Voted to six Pro Bowls Recorded 128 career sacks, which ranks No. 5-time Pro Bowler 2-time NFL Championship Game winner13. Report: Cardinals decline to pick up Isaiah Simmons' 5th-year option Tippett had his most dominant season in 1985, when he led the Patriots to their first AFC title and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. However, we're here to give this the good old college try, so let's dive in! 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.
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