Keith Bulluck WAS the Titans defense, and has been every year hes been there. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. 43, Keith Brooking* (Falcons/Cowboys) (1998-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. His high sack number was 15 in 2001, a year that he didnt even get voted into the Pro Bowl. 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). Tippett finished his career with 100 sacks. James Harrison. 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. May 24, 2022. 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. He was one of the most feared players in the game. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Doc's TML: Lock out the MLB owners, players. No TV, radio, fans Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Pat Swilling was an outstanding pass rusher in his career, totaling up 107 sacks in his career and 101.5 sacks in a 10 year period throwing out his rookie year and last season of his career. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s Woodrow Lowe, Alabama (1972-75) Respected as college football's top linebacker in the early 1970s, Lowe was the first . Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. credit : - yahoo. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. He was said to have the fastest 10 yard burst of any player on the team, and that included receivers John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, and runningback Franco Harris. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. The only thing that could match his signature stare was the stellar play of Samurai Mike on the field. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Their greats span the decades of the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. More from Green Bay Packers. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Although still early in his career, Demarcus Ware deserves to be this high on the list. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Floyd Reese, the general manager who assembled the roster for the Tennessee Titans' lone Super Bowl appearance, died Saturday. 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). [3] Chad Brown played a very long NFL career, especially for a linebacker. No. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Jason Gildon (Steelers/Jaguars): - Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. Zach Thomas. . The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. It will be interesting to see how he can recover. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Jeremiah The Axeman Trotter has been a very recognizable name over the past decade. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Nine All-Pros. Over the past decade, virtually every stage of the offensive evolution has increased stress on linebackers, putting them in a bind and asking them to account for multiple things on the same play. 12. Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Joey Porter may be the most vocal linebacker on this list. Ware is not just an outstanding pass rusher though. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. 12 sacks and three picks. 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. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Next: A dangerous combination. 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 . Trotter was a complete, all-around linebacker. 8. The forgotten members of the legendary 1970's Steelers team Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time - NFL.com 25. Lambert is said by many to be the best inside linebacker of all-time. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. The former college basketball star is considered one of the best defensive linemen to ever play in the NFL. No. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. Ham had outstanding . Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. 1970, slow dancing in Mark Wooldridge's basement with my first girlfriend, Karen Frey, who wore white high-top . 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. Eleven Pro Bowls. K.J. That truly shows what kind of person he was off the field. He did anything the Bears asked of him, especially stuffing the run. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. 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. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Chicago 1981-92. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. Top 10 LB's in OU history - 247sports.com Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. News Briefs: The latest updates in the Uptown and Downtown Franchise Encyclopedia. No. The exhibit features the Fleet's classic collection set in five themed galleries representing the 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s and 2010s. Brooks was the leader of that defense, but his surrounding cast was just too good to rank him higher. Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. 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. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Ranking Explanation . The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Bergey became one of the NFL's best linebackers in Philly, where he made five consecutive All-Pro teams and was the foundation for the "Gang Green" defense that made the playoffs in each of his last three seasons, including a trip to the Super Bowl in 1980. . He was a tackle machine and a very big hitter. 1970 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com Super Bowl XX champion. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. And he's still going. 25 Greatest Defensive Linemen in NFL History - AthlonSports.com The 70s were a rough decade for the Browns, but the 1980s were getting off to a great start with the franchise returning to the playoffs, despite the tragedy of " Red Right 88 " in 1981. When you see a list of greatest linebackers, Isiah Robertson very rarely even gets brought into the discussion. The middle linebacker also recorded 52 tackles for loss, which is fourth all-time in Clemson history. Linebacker finalists announced for NFL 100 All-Time Team Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. Hes been amazing. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. No. As part of the Steelers Blitzburgh defense in the 90s, Greg Lloyd was a speedy, undersized pass rusher.Sometimes, he would use his size to his advantage to disguise where he was coming from. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. No. Some of you will say hes too low. No. Bulluck was one of the best pass coverage linebackers in NFL history. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. He had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, and over 30 forced fumbles in his career. Mills, along with Swilling, was another member of that Dome Patrol defense. 1970 Minnesota Vikings Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees Minnesota Vikings reporter suggests All-Pro defender a likely 2023 cap Controversial Nights: Pernell Whitaker vs Julio Cesar Chavez, Top 11 Big Ten Basketball Teams, since 1960, Top 12 Guards in Big Ten Basketball history, NBA Pacers vs Spurs: Odds, Tips and predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Purdue vs Wisconsin: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/02/23, NCAA Basketball Xavier vs Providence: Odds, Tips and Predictions 03/01/23, Top 20 Big Ten Basketball players of all time, Framer Fran McCaffery takes his sideshow and crybaby antics to play Indiana, NCAA Basketball Arkansas vs Tennessee: Odds, Tips and Predictions 02/28/23, The Hypocrisy of Major League Baseball, Gambling, Steroids, and Why it's Time to Put Pete Rose in the Hall. 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. 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, The Top 10 Seattle Mariners of all Time, 19 undeniable Lies in Disney's Remember the Titans, If you enjoy hearing from the legends of pro sports, then be sure to tune into The Grueling Truth sports shows, Where the legends speak. 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-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. NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). 24, Leslie ONeal (Chargers/Rams/Chiefs) (1986-1999) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 10. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. What Terry Fontenot said about Marcus Mariota release, the quarterback He did everything. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . But it was his style of play that made his career so short. 2022 - SportsUnfold. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. Wilber Marshall had the whole package. He was the type of player that you would want your kids to look up to. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team - Wikipedia Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. Briggs should only continue to move up this list, as he takes over as the star linebacker spot in Chicago. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. He has already had three 100 tackle seasons in his first three years, and also has already forced 10 turnovers (four INTs, six forced fumbles). Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), three-time Pro Bowl (1970-72), two . His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. Singletary was one of the key leaders of the famous 85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defense in the history of the NFL. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Mike Kolen 1970-77. I’m only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. Top 10 Linebackers in Miami Dolphins history - Phin Phanatic Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. Seau was the definition of consistency. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. (Photo: David Boss, Getty) Historians will tell you that McAdams is one of the best linebackers to ever play at The University of Oklahoma. 23, Isiah Robertson (Rams/Bills) (1971-1982) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). The Best Las Vegas Raiders Linebackers of All Time - Ranker Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. Fredd Young went a little under the radar due to his short seven year career. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. Greene led the way in the pass rushing department. He was selected late in the 12th Round, and nobody expected much out of him. Cornelius Bennett was just a great all-around player. 35, Lance Briggs* (Bears) (2003-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. Ranking the 10 best linebackers in Raiders history In that game, the Steelers defense held the Cowboys to just 15 first downs and Emmitt Smith and the Cowboys powerful running attack to just 56 yards, despite losing 27-17 in large part due to two key interceptions thrown by Steelers quarterback Neil ODonnell. Born April 20 . 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. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. 9. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. [3] For a four-year span with Seattle, Young was arguably the best Seahawks linebacker of all-time. Suggs is a pass rushing monster with the Ravens. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. I personally think football before 1970 and after 1970 can be seen as two completely different games, in terms of its evolution. In his final two seasons with the Bengals, Williams was appointed to an open seat on the Cincinnati City Council in 1988 and was elected for a second term in 1989 on the Charter Party ticket. 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 . The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. . He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. 1970 Defensive Player of the Year 5-time first-team All-Pro 8-time Pro Bowler The best high school, college and NFL linebackers are annually presented with the Butkus Award, named in honor of . He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Thats an outstanding number. No. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. 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. 2013 MAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Western Michigans John Offerdahl. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. 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. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Seau was the definition of consistency. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. Andre Tippett. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s - AinsworthSports.com
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best linebackers of the 1970s