Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Wright, Seattle Seahawks. Mike Singletary had the whole package. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. He came one tackle short from having five consecutive 100 tackle seasons in 2004, which is saying a lot, since he was the guy taking up blockers most of the time as well. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 12:30 a.m. EST 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. Despite the bad taste he left when leaving the team, James Harrison belongs on the upper half of the top ten linebackers in Steelers history. He was also the first player to have a TE or RB used for chip blocking on him, and overall changed the way offensive lineman block. Romanowski might be overrated because of his name, but theres no doubt he was one of the most memorable and feared linebackers of the modern era. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. 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. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . No NFL team has enjoyed the consistent level of success the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time - Sportscasting He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL Since 1970 - The Grueling Truth With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. No. The best linebackers in Minnesota Vikings history The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 26, Cornelius Bennett (Bills/Falcons/Colts) (1987-2000) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. 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 did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. A late 12th round pick Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. He did everything. That is the reason you will not find Butkus, Huff, Nitschke etc in these rankings. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. It may be a bit early to put Jon Beason on this list, but I think his play warrants the selection. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time - NFL.com Steve Kiner (1966-69): Tennessee fans didn't have to wait long after Emanuel left to find the next superstar linebacker. credit : - yahoo. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Jeremiah The Axeman Trotter has been a very recognizable name over the past decade. Lewis wasnt as vocal as Cox, but his play was a little better, and lasted for a longer period of time. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. No. Taylor changed the way football is played today. Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. 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. Offensive Coordinator: Jim Myers. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. Comic-Con Museum named best pop culture museum by USA Today. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . What Terry Fontenot said about Marcus Mariota release, the quarterback Thomas' remarkable personality was also recognized by being awarded the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award in 1993. Nine All-Pros. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History (Updated) The Best Linebackers of All-Time - Sports Central 7. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Zach Thomas would be the perfect linebacker, no matter what style of defense you play. No. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? The middle linebacker also recorded 52 tackles for loss, which is fourth all-time in Clemson history. Lawrence Taylor. No. 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. The longtime backup led the NFL in completion percentage (69.8%), set the Seahawks' single-season passing yards record (4,282) and ranked in the top five in the entire league in both passing . These are the newest members of GHSF Daily's Georgia Power 100. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. 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. Zach Thomas. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. He could play zone and man. Minnesota Vikings reporter suggests All-Pro defender a likely 2023 cap The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. They had traded stalwart linebacker Sam Huff in the offseason. *Ty Anderson, Thomasville: Anderson (6-0, 210) has been an all-state player since he was a sophomore Region 1-2A defensive co . Being a linebacker makes that feat that much more impressive. His best days were with the Bears and Redskins, but he had an impact everywhere he went. Anthony Simmons (1995-'97) is the only two-time First-Team All-American in Clemson . To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . Steelers by the decade: 1970s - Pittsburgh Steelers If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! More from Green Bay Packers. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. That is just unheard of. 1970 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1970s - DEFENSE - pfhof Atlante vs Raya2 Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time, Date, Team News, lineup news, Odds, Stats, Betting Tips Trends, Where To Watch Live Score Mexican Liga de Expansin MX 2023 Telecast Today Match Details March 3, Club Tijuana vs Atlas Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Wydad AC vs Vita Club Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, U Cluj vs Farul Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time,, Top 10 Best Football Agents In The World | 2023 Updates, Top 10 Most Successful Retired Soccer Players 2023, FC Magdeburg vs 1. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Swilling was the best pass rusher of the Dome Patrol, but he also forced 36 fumbles to go along with all the sacks. 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team - Wikipedia Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. Thats right, seven. Houston Oilers, 1975-1984. I personally think football before 1970 and after 1970 can be seen as two completely different games, in terms of its evolution. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. 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. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Willis could potentially end up in the top 10, or even top five of this list by the time his career is over. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. He recently missed most of last season with surgery. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. He had four interceptions that season, a high number for an inside linebacker, to go along with four sacks and 114 tackles. News Briefs: The latest updates in the Uptown and Downtown Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. 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 led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. 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. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. Lamberts signature toothless snarl struck fear into the hearts of the opposition and lends credence to his legendary status as one of the toughest players all-time. No. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Jackson was the vocal leader of the orange crush defense. Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. 1970 NFC Champion. He may have actually been crazy. Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960 - Dairyland Express He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Gambling Problem? 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. And he's still going. Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. Brian Urlacher is one of the greatest linebackers of this decade. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. No. Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. Patrick Willis has made the Pro Bowl and an All-Pro team every single year hes been in the NFL. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Super Bowl XX champion. 17, Brian Urlacher* (Bears) (2000-Present) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Four-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. He should be in the Hall of Fame. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. Taylor changed the way football is played today. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. 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). In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Buffalo Bills starting LBs and backup LBs are Lorenzo Alexander, Deon Lacey, Matt Milano, and Tanner Vallejo. The Chicago Bears have the most all-time great linebackers. Eddie Johnson. 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. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. This brings us to the first night of March and a not-quite-full Purcell . He was 73. 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. 3 hours ago. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. No. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. 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. LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . No. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . No. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. No. The only thing that could match his signature stare was the stellar play of Samurai Mike on the field. 9. Johnson was most known for his days with the Saints. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. During his career Williams amassed 62.5 sacks, which is the second most in Bengals history. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Still, its an amazing number. No. 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. 9, Derrick Brooks (Bucs) (1995-2008) *Eleven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. . Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. No. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. Ranking Explanation . The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. 24, Leslie ONeal (Chargers/Rams/Chiefs) (1986-1999) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage.
