No. Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Both . Collect, curate and comment on your files. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Boulware gets overlooked a lot playing because of playing with Ray Lewis, but he was a key component in that dominating Ravens defense of the early 2000s. 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. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. Two years later, the Giants sunk to 1-12-1. I have combined outside and inside linebackers on the list and factored in the players ability to stop the run, drop into coverage and leadership. 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. Lewis wasnt as vocal as Cox, but his play was a little better, and lasted for a longer period of time. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. Williams recorded 16 interceptions and 23 fumble recoveries (a franchise record). No. NFLs Merchants of Menace Andre Tippett. No. 2022 - SportsUnfold. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. Eddie Johnson. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. He may have actually been crazy. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. Ray Lewis is the highest-ranked active player on this list, and the top middle linebacker on it. Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. Singletary was one of the key leaders of the famous 85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defense in the history of the NFL. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. Dennis Onkotz 1967 - 1969. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. Next: A dangerous combination. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. [3] He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. If Bulluck played on a better team, I believe his stats would be much better and his accomplishments would be a lot more. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Sam Huff. From canvas high-tops to social media dominance, the NBA has come a long way. 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). In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. In 2008, Suggs even had two INTs, both of which he returned for touchdowns. That is just unheard of. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. He may have been undersized, but he made up for it with his mind and his hustle. Of course, prior to 1970, there was only one captain chosen; since 1970, we've had as many as four chosen in a single season. Find 1970 1979 America stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. No. When you think of Singletary, the first thing that comes to mind is intense focus. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. L.T. 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. 9, Derrick Brooks (Bucs) (1995-2008) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Lloyd had 54.5 sacks and 11 INTs in his career, but the most remarkable number was his 35 forced fumbles. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Lewis, playing alongside Bryan Cox, led a very good Jets team to the closest theyve been to a Super Bowl since they won Super Bowl III. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. St. Taylor changed the way football is played today. In 2007, he racked up a remarkable 17 sacks in only 12 games. But in those three years, hes racked up 328 tackles and seven INTs, all while starting every game of his career. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Jul 07, 2014 at 11:02 PM. Franchise Encyclopedia. He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. He was one of the most feared players in the game. 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. During the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine, Lee posted the fastest 40-yard dash time among . He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Keith Bulluck WAS the Titans defense, and has been every year hes been there. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. Select from premium 1970 1979 America of the highest quality. He was also a big hitter and very intimidating on the field of play. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st 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. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. No. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Jack Lambert played middle linebacker. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. I’m only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. No. No. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. No. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. 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. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. From his time at USC, Lott . Pat Swilling. Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. 12 sacks and three picks. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . Defensive MVP in 2002. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . credit : - yahoo. Wright has been one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL since entering the league as a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State . Hes been amazing. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. He should be in the Hall of Fame. No. The thing about Derrick Thomas that is the most remarkable was how nice of a person he was off the field. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. In his three years at Clemson (1995-'97) Simmons recorded 486 tackles, only 29 off the school record Bubba Brown recorded in four years from 1976-'79. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Thats amazing consistency. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. 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. Use Isiah Robertsons name in a talk of most underrated players of all time, and youll impress your fellow football fans. LT finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Armstead didnt particularly stand out at anywhere, but he wasnt a weak link anywhere either. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. LT was the most intimidating player ever to put on an NFL uniform. Harry Carson was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Lawrence Taylor. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. 10. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. Ranking Explanation . This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. 27. Eleven Pro Bowls. Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. 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. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. 6 - Carl McAdams. Neal Olkewicz. 14, Hardy Nickerson (Steelers/Bucs/Jaguars/Packers) (1987-2002) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. The most obvious change from 1920 to today is the size of players, but there also have been many changes in the schemes . Taylor changed the way football is played today. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. Mike Kolen 1970-77. 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). He could do it all. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. Thats right, seven. Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. There is a reason the award given to the best linebacker in high school, college and the NFL each year is named after Butkus. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. He was a tackling machine for the majority of his career. Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Arnold Ebiketie #47 gets a hold of Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields #1 during the second half of a game against the Chicago Bears at Mercedes-Benz Stadium . Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. Bulluck was an outstanding tackler, and was great at run support too. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. No. 23. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. 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. Thomas' remarkable personality was also recognized by being awarded the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award in 1993. Paul Naumoff played for 12 seasons from 1967-1978. 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. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Mo Lewis was another very consistent and solid player. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. ONeal should get more recognition as one of the best pass rushers to play the game. When Indiana travels to San Antonio, it will MLB Rule Changes | Can F1 Compete With NASCAR | Froggy Talkin Sports #MLB #indianahoosiers #nascar, Indiana Basketball Postgame W/Steve Risley: Indiana vs Iowa Recap and more, Must be 21+. Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. 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). Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL's first 2,000-yard season by O.J. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. He is the only linebacker to ever take the honor. Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. Over the course of his two-year Ohio State career, Lee accumulated 147 tackles. He could play zone and man. Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. SRS: 6.97 (5th of 26), SOS: 1.40. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. . 2, Ray Lewis* (Ravens) (1996-Present) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. Blair was also one of the greatest special teams players of all-time! No. During his career Williams amassed 62.5 sacks, which is the second most in Bengals history. 23, Isiah Robertson (Rams/Bills) (1971-1982) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. He could do it all. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. 5. 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 already has 57.5 sacks in his short career, along with 16 forced fumbles. 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). Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. A five-time pro bowler, Wilson was one of the best linebackers in the league during the early 2000s. No. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. 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Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 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. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Super Bowl winner. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. 9. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. No. Check out the 1970 Minnesota Vikings Roster, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports and more on Pro-Football-Reference.com. Thats an outstanding number. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. He had 885 career solo tackles, which is impressive on a defense filled with swarming the ball, shown by his 1,488 career tackles. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Running back Larry Csonka of the Miami Dolphins is brought down by linebacker Henry Davis of . Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. The Steelers began their 1976 season 1-4 and lost their quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.For the nine games remaining in the season, the Steelers . No. 3 hours ago. The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage. Nine All-Pros. 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. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans. 10. Are you ready for some football history? Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. 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. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. How NFL Players Have Evolved. 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. 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Lost Super Bowl 13-16 vs. Baltimore Colts. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. The entire enterprise of Notre Dame basketball, gone strange.