best linebackers in nfl of all time

But not all hope is lost because the top of the position is as versatile and elite as any position in football it offers a mold for young linebackers to follow into the next generation. He earned a first team All-Pro nod in his first-ever season. Butkus was a two-time All-American for the Illini and is widely recognized as the best college linebacker ever. In Detroit, Yale Lary anchored the greatest NFL secondary of all time. Chuck Bednarik wasnt just one of the best Eagles linebackers he was THE BEST linebacker and one of the best players of all time. He played his entire career for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 until 1962, later being elected to the Hall of Fame. Dubbed the most feared man in the game by Sports Illustrated in 1970, the Bears Hall of Famer was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969, 1970). Examples such as Copied! His 1,018 career tackles are No. The Best Minnesota Vikings Linebackers of All Time. In Miamis history, theyve produced countless legends at linebacker, including 8-first-team All-Americans. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 15-11. 1 linebacker in the NFL. Inducted into the Hall of Fame as recently as 2016, Greenes career was arguably underrated. NFL; Best linebackers of all time, who is in your top 10? T.J. Watt has made it a brother act for AP Defensive Player of the Year. Other than having one of the coolest names in NFL history, Takeo Spikes was also one of the most durable linebackers of all time. Among all linebackers performing at the NFL Combine, Edmunds finished fifth in the 40-yard dash, 12th in the broad jump, and tied for 14th in the bench press. 9.) He's one of the best players period. George racked up 18 career interceptions over his career while helping lead the Bears to the 1963 NFL Championship. That's tied with Bobby Bell and Karlos Dansby for the most among linebackers. Dick Butkus. Theres a solid consensus on which defenses deserve to be among the top of the list, but its less clear cut after that. 25. He has had a really good NFL career. Pittsburghs All-Pro edge rusher who tied the NFL sacks record with 22 1/2, joined older brother J.J. in taking the award at NFL Honors on Thursday night. Dan Fouts (Quarterback) Daniel Francis Fouts is a former NFL quarterback who led the league in passing yards for 4 At 6-5, 311 pounds, opposing teams would be mistaken to take him lightly. The LSU football program has produced some of the best linebackers ever over the years. | Wikimedia Commons Retired: 1962. Von Miller. 2 Time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII) American Football League All Time Team. Ranking the top NFL defenses of all time is a challenging task that opens up a whole host of questions. And he'll be 24 when the upcoming season begins. 4. The list is debatable because there have been so many greats, so don't crucify me if your guy didn't make my top 10 best linebackers of all time list! NFL by Colin Linneweber 25 Best Linebackers Of All-Time 3. Former Panther linebacker Sam Mills, where he was a five-time NFL Pro Bowler. So please, enlighten me in the comments! 4. The 11 Heaviest NFL Players of All Time Break Every ScaleAaron Gibson, 410 Pounds. Weve finally reached the top of this very hefty mountain. Terrell Brown, 403 Pounds. Brown was not only one of the heaviest but one of the tallest NFL players of all time. Nate Newton, 401 Pounds. Bryant McKinnie, 386 Pounds. William The Refrigerator Perry, 382 Pounds. Trent Brown, 380 Pounds. Michael Jasper, 375 Pounds. More items Dennis Onkotz was a two time first team All American on the great Penn State teams of 1968 and 1969. Top 5 Inside Linebackers in the NFL Today 5) Navarro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers. Dick Butkus. Bush was a two-time All-Big Ten awardee, a 2018 All-American, 2018 Big Ten DPOY, and was named the 2018 Big Ten best linebacker. Who is the scariest NFL player?James Harrison, Linebacker (2002 2017)Conrad Dobler, Guard (1972 1981)Dick Butkus, Linebacker (1965 1973)Dick Night Train Lane, Cornerback (1952 1965)Lawrence Taylor, Linebacker (1981 1993) He was Texas first No. Spikes is one of just seven linebackers in NFL history to register over 200 career starts, and he never had less than 70 tackles in 15 NFL seasons. McKinney is a thumper and a leader. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college footballs top linebacker in Best of 2021: Linebackers View select photos from the Panthers linebackers from 2021, including Haason Reddick who finished with a team-high 11.0 sacks. Ray Lewis. He was a high school All American Linebacker and then a Consensus All American at Ohio State in 1986 and 1987. Spielman was a second round draft pick by the Detroit Lions and was a Pro Bowler for 4 seasons. The Top 10 NFL Linebackers of All TimeLawrence Taylor. Until J.J. Ray Lewis. Ray Lewis would squirrel-dance into the stadium and quickly ruin the opposing offense's game plan. Mike Singletary. Jack Lambert. Dick Butkus. Junior Seau. Derrick Thomas. Ted Hendricks. Jack Ham. Derrick Brooks. Greg Buttle, 1973-1975. While NFL games are often won and lost in the trenches, its the linebackers who are typically the biggest stars of the defense. Six first-team All-Pro and nine Pro Bowl appearances were made by Jack Lambert, the 1976 Defensive Player of the Year. Chargers fans know that a few healthy years and their defense could be regarded as an all-time great. While there have been numerous units through the years that are worthy of consideration, only a select few make the cut. Chuck Bednarik was so good they named an award after him. Williams, a first round pick by the Vikings in the 2003 NFL Draft, has the size and speed desired by all defensive tackles. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. They never get mentioned its always the Steeler, Packers, Chiefs, of that era or the Saints in the late 80s, Ravens in the turn of the century or so on. 1 overall draft pick after being selected the 3. Top 25 linebackers in the NFL heading into the 2020 season. Arrington would leave the Skins to sign a massive deal in free agency with the New York Giants in 2006. Matthew Vincent Milano Born on July 28, 1994 in Commack, NY. Yes! And I know for sure there are more than that. Former VP of Player Personnel Gil Brandt's Top 10 Defensive Tackles of All Time! Buttle, for the better part Brown's 11.3% forced incompletion rate in 2020 ranked first among all linebackers. It is the most ever for an LB in 1976. A three-time Pro Bowler and one time All-Pro in 1998, Lewis was arguably the best all-around linebacker to play for the green and white. Taylor was a nine-time consecutive All-Pro and is the most intimidating player of all time. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. Table of contents 1. who is the best nfl middle linebacker of all time? His 92.1 coverage grade since getting drafted in 2016 trails only Kuechly and David among qualifying linebackers, and despite missing much of the 2018 season, Jones' 26 forced incompletions are tied for second-most at the position over that four-year stretch. Top 10 Middle Linebackers. Harry is a member of Big Blues Ring of Honor and entered the Hall of Fame in 2006. 12. The Top Ten Greatest NFL Middle Linebackers of all Time. Nobody made more defensive stops in 2020 than Zach Cunningham, who racked up four more than any other linebacker (70) and generated the best run-stop percentage (12.8%) in the league. Who is the highest-paid LB? Willie Lanier. Chuck Bednarik. NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett 9) Derrick Brooks Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. When Dr. Z named his all-time team in 1999, he named Taylor his top rush linebacker, Ham, his top weakside linebacker, Dave Wilcox his team strongside linebacker, and Hendricks his top all-around linebacker. Looking into LSU's 5 best linebackers of all-time. Top 10 NFL linebackers of all time. The 1989 NFL Draft will go down as one of the best in history. Dick Butkus. Tom Cousineau (1975-78; 9 yrs. With his minty new five-year contract extension, Darius Leonard is now the highest-paid linebacker in the NFL thanks to the massive deal the Indianapolis Colts signed him to. When healthy, is a dominant outside linebacker who can change a game all by himself. Harry is one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. 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. Keeping all aspects of the job in mind, we rank the top 25 greatest middle linebackers in NFL history. A true enforcer in every sense of the word, Lewis' intensity was unmatched by any player of his era. The Bears have fielded four of the best middle linebackers in NFL history: Dick Butkus, Bill ESPN ranked him as the 19th-best college player of all time. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. Kevin Greene Check out Gil's list here! Discussion in 'Sports Bar' started by Rygu, Dec 14, 2021. ? Moss is considered by many to be the best of all time, and his time in New England could be Exhibit A as to why. One of the hot topics of debate not only among NFL fans but pundits as well is who is the best football player of all time. Butkus, Lewis, Bell, D.Thomas, Taylor. The Bears had a very good offense in 1985, but it was Buddy Ryan's blitzing "46" defense that earned this team Page 2's honor of greatest NFL team of all-time.The Bears, with a D anchored by middle linebacker Mike Singletary (with superb assistance from tackles William "Refrigerator" Perry and Dan Hampton, outside linebackers Otis Wilson and Wilbur Marshall, and DE Nick Buoniconti. He could also do the 4-3. Bush was selected in the first round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Lewis, who was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the teams second first round pick in the 1996 NFL Draft, has put together one of the greatest careers in sports history. Ray Lewis is easily the best middle linebacker of all time. 25. Both teams went 11-0 with Orange Bowl wins over Kansas and Missouri. Here are the best LBs in Madden NFL 22. July 21st, 2021. Butkus was an absolute monster during his playing days. Steve Tovar (1989-92; 8 yrs. His 160 sacks is the most among linebackers. The Steelers star received 42 votes from a nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league, far A member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 14 seasons, Brooks intercepted 25 passes and returned six for touchdowns. He won the Butkus award once and the Bednarski award twice. by Thomas Wheaton 9 months but which 15 make the list for the best of all-time? The greatest linebackers of all time are not only the best NFL players to ever play the linebacker position but also some of the most respected and most feared football players of all time. Obviously, Lambert had the benefit of playing in arguably the greatest collection of defensive talent ever assembled: Mean Joe Greene, Jack Ham, Mel Madden NFL 22: Top 10 Linebackers, Ranked. Ranking of the NFLs top ten greatest outside linebackers of all time. (Photo by Kevin Reece/Icon Sportswire) Andrew Champagne. With the third-most sacks in NFL history, theres no question Kevin Greene belongs among the best linebackers of all-time. Lawrence Taylor. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: 10-6. Never saw a proper discussion about this so Imma start one. He was one of the best linebackers in the NFL from 2001-2003, making the Pro Bowl in each of those three seasons. Lee Roy was, to me, the best "30" (3-4) defensive end of all. pro in CFL and NFL; 2-time All-American; team MVP) 7. 10.) Fans will also enjoy the best NFL coaches of all time and the best NFL quarterbacks currently in the league.It's a very difficult question to answer and one that can't be answered very easily. Pittsburghs All-Pro edge rusher who tied the NFL sacks record with 22 1/2, joined older brother J.J. in taking the award at NFL Honors on Thursday night. 7 of 25 Defensive MVP in 2002. They are usually the ones racking up tackles and sacks and putting up eye-popping numbers. Top 10 Outside Linebackers Ted Hendricks. 12 on the NFL's all-time list. Butkus was a two-time All-American for the Illini and is widely recognized as the best college linebacker ever. He was a 2nd round pick by the Buffalo Bills and now plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Counting down the top 10 NFL linebackers of all time is tougher than picking the greatest NFL quarterbacks, or the best NFL running backs ever because, unlike those positions, stats are only a small part of the story. Benardrick McKinney, Houston Texans. Dennis Onkotz 1967 - 1969. But he is also pretty much a throwback player at this position in that he is much better vs. the run (mostly between the tackles) than the pass and is primarily a downhill player. Best NFL LB of all time? Here are 10 of the best linebackers of all-time Kevin Greene. This list includes the players accomplishments, honors, awards, records, & statistics. Bowman, was playing like a HOF and was the best linebacker in the 25. Injuries as of late are the only reason that Bowman is this low. i cheated and looked at HoF since i couldn't be stuffed trying to think (all the easy ones were already mentioned). Zach Cunningham, Houston Texans. Top 25 linebackers in the NFL heading into the 2020 season. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Instead, grit, brute strength, determination and pain tolerance are some of the hallmarks of the greatest linebackers ever. 1 linebacker in the NFL. The NFLs all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Dome Patrol is frequently cited as one of the greatest defensive groups of all-time, and was rated by NFL Network as the number one linebacker corps in NFL history. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time 1. All eight panelists ranked Willis among their top three, elevating the 26-year-old perennial Pro Bowler above James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware as our No. This article was written in 2014, so please also excuse the absence of any big-name LB's that have shown up after that time period. Even 12-time Pro Bowler Ray Lewis , the dominant linebacker of his era, pointed to Willis as a worthy successor to his undisputed reign. Derrick Thomas Kansas City Chiefs, 1989-1999 Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Recorded 126.5 3. 2. In 2012, all four members of the Dome Patrol were unanimously selected for the Saints 45th Anniversary Team. T.J. Watt has made it a brother act for AP Defensive Player of the Year. In the history of the National Football League, the history of NY Giants linebackers may feature the most feared players of all-time. 5. Brian Urlacher played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. Who Is The Best Linebacker Of All Time In The Nfl? Patrick Willis is a potential 1st baller HOF and was far superior to #1 on your list. Broncos. Ted Hendricks was one of the best linebackers in NFL history. The only ones I can think of for now being excellent in coverage are Derrick Brooks, Jack Ham, and Steve Nelson. If you are a Bears fan, you are a bit spoiled. He also ranks 15th all time in total kick returns. Milano is an American football linebacker for the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League (NFL). 4. Next: This Detroit Lions safety was one of the best punters ever. The Vikings have had some outstanding linebackers who played important roles in the teams dominant defences through the years; here are the ten best. Patrick L. Willis (born January 25, 1985) is a retired American football linebacker who spent his entire eight-year career with the National Football Leagues San Francisco 49ers (NFL). Patrick Willis; Team(s): San Francisco 49ers NFL; Best linebackers of all time, who is in your top 10? Even 12-time Pro Bowler Ray Lewis , the dominant linebacker of his era, pointed to Willis as a worthy successor to his undisputed reign. Instead, grit, brute strength, determination and pain tolerance are some of the hallmarks of the greatest linebackers ever. Nine All-Pros. He played a significant role As a perfect running mate to Bobby Wagner, Wright had four straight seasons of 100-plus tackles from 2014-2017. The 49ers selected him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Best NFL Linebacker of all time. Johnson is a bigger linebacker by today's NFL standards at nearly 250 pounds, and he used that size to his advantage in the run game where he posted a 91.4 run-defense grade for the season. He wasn't exactly a playmaker in coverage, with just one combined interception and pass breakup, but he was far from a liability. A linebacker who also played center, Bednarik was an absolute machine back in the 1960s and was one of the toughest players of all time. The 49ers selected him in the first round of the 2007 NFL Draft. Paul Posluszny: The 6-2, 242 Posluszny was a two time Consensus All American. His 200 games played ranks 4 Get Random Greatest Linebackers of All Time - The greatest linebackers of all time are not only the best NFL players to ever play the linebacker position but also some of the most respected and most feared football players of all time. All eight panelists ranked Willis among their top three, elevating the 26-year-old perennial Pro Bowler above James Harrison and DeMarcus Ware as our No. Brian Urlacher. Bowman. 3. By the time he retired, he was a four-time Super Bowl champion, had 51 career interceptions, and was voted to five Pro Bowls.

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best linebackers in nfl of all time