best inside linebackers of all time

Dick Butkus. Last season Ulofoshio started all four games for the Huskies and led the team in tackles. He was Lawrence Taylor before Taylor was. Davis had an excellent 2020 season for the Wildcats, totaling 89 tackles with one sack, one forced fumble, two passes defended and two … One of the greatest pass rushers in league history, Kansas City's all-time sack leader had 126.5 sacks in just 157 NFL starts. He was the first NFL player to grace the cover of Time magazine and even garnered his very own CBS television special in 1960 entitled "The Violent World of Sam Huff.". He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1995-2008 - Below are some notable NFL records, along with context on which records could have been broken last season with an additional game. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. » Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1983. Found insideIn training camp this time around, we didn't need any big, bonecrushing hits to ... He said, “Brady, because of all the injuries to our inside linebackers, ... could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. 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. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 15 on the all-time list » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Philadelphia Eagles, 1949-1962 Denver Broncos Inside Linebackers Are a Key Group to Watch. » Recorded 1,181 career tackles, Miami Dolphins, 1996-2007; Dallas Cowboys, 2008 5 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebackers of all-time. 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There is a reason the award given to the best linebacker in high school, college and the NFL each year is named after Butkus. Mike Stratton Most of the time if you’re the 3rd best player on your unit, you tend to go unnoticed, but Ham had a flair for stepping up in the biggest of moments. 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. He could do it all. Mike Singletary had the whole package. The top 10 Kansas City Chiefs linebackers of all time - Page 2. Found inside – Page 34I had great respect for Nitschke. I thought he was one of the greatest linebackers to play the game. Raymond hit awfully hard, but he wasn't a dirty player. A true enforcer in every sense of the word, Lewis' intensity was unmatched by any player of his era. » Recorded 138.5 career sacks, which ranks No. 3 on the all-time list, Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2012 Benardrick McKinney – Houston Texans. Luke Kuechly Brooks wasn’t just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. 10. 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 O’Donnell. Kirkland was an all-around better linebacker, he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Carolina Panthers 2012-present New Orleans 1981-93; San Francisco 1994-95. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. Here’s a look at the NFL’s best … 3-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981-82, '86). » Two-time NFL champion 4/26/21: Davis had a phenomenal pro-day workout that displayed incredible speed in the 40 and excellent explosion in the jumps. » Four-time Super Bowl champion » Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Nov 12, 2016. FAQs. He’s easily the most seasoned and most “complete” player in the group who was also Mr. Found inside – Page 237I think Matt and other middle/inside linebackers during that time were pissed with ... I was considered by many to be the top inside linebacker in the NFL. Bears. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. James Harrison (2002-2012, 2014-2017) There are two names on this list. 8. Zach Cunningham, Houston Texans. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. If not for his untimely death at the age of 33, stemming from complications from injuries sustained in a car accident, Thomas may be even higher on this list. Requiem for a Welterweight: Who Killed Jeanette Zacarias Zapata? » Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times Singletary was one of the key leaders of the famous '85 Bears defense, arguably the greatest defense in the history of the NFL. Baltimore 2003-2018; Arizona 2019; Kansas City 2019, Super Bowl XLVII (Ravens), LIV (Chiefs) champion. Nebraska’s Inside Linebackers Coach Photo by Nebraska/Collegiate Images via Getty Images. There are a number of factors that go into determining a linebacker's place in NFL history. 1. Found insideMy goal was to be the best linebacker on the field every time I played. ... From the opening-season game, I earned the spot at starting inside linebacker. 2 overall pick in 1981 out of North Carolina led the Giants to two Super Bowl wins, was a three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and the NFL Most Valuable Player in 1986 — the last defensive player to win that award. Nov 12, 2016. He's certainly up there as one … » Voted to nine Pro Bowls Regardless though Jack Ham was one of the best coverage linebackers ever. 23. There's no doubt he's one … Here’s a look at the NY Giants’ ideal starting linebackers when Week 1 against the Denver Broncos arrives this fall: Left Inside Linebacker: Reggie Ragland. Found inside“We never had a team picture taken all four years I was at Florida, ... right inside linebacker, Cameron was part of a defense that finished in the top half ... Fort is a nine-year league veteran who split time with Harrison last season at inside linebacker. Versatile and extremely fast, Ham was one of the most complete linebackers in NFL history. 13 on the all-time list He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. Jackson also recorded 1,173 tackles during an exceptionally productive career. 30. Still, it’s an amazing number. New York Giants 1956-63; Washington 1964-69, The hard-hitting linebacker and leader of the Giants defense played in six NFL title games. Packers ILB depth chart predictions in 2021. As an inside backer, he’s the best there is.” On the outside, Smith has emerged as the sack specialist. Urlacher was one of the most complete middle linebackers to ever play the game. » One-time NFL champion 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). He is unquestionably one of the all-time greats, and one of the most punishing tacklers in the history of the game. 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. Once again, this is the book that's sure to end many arguments, and help start some new ones. Found inside – Page 10... is having the best year of his 11 - year ing Super Bowl - champion 49ers collide news , says inside linebacker Matt Millen , is career , leading all ... The Ravens' all-time sack leader paved a path of success that can be matched by only a select few linebackers in NFL history. » Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest linebackers in NFL history. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. He is a rising prospect, and some teams have him as their top linebacker prospect for the 2021 NFL Draft. Lawrence Taylor 2. Jaylon Smith – Dallas Cowboys. Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. Found inside – Page 180This is my personal list of the top five of all time in no particular order. ... linebackers and either one middle linebacker or two inside linebackers. » Recorded 732 tackles in eight career NFL seasons, New England Patriots, 1982-1993 There have been many great inside linebackers in franchise history, but I think Kirkland was one of the best. Patrick Willis is a potential 1st baller HOF and was far superior to #1 on your list. One thing that really stood out to me is his ability to put pressure on the quarterback. 5) Zach Cunningham, Houston Texans | AAV: $14.5 million. Number in parentheses is the projected round drafted before the NFL Combine. Last season, Smith averaged 14 combined tackles and neared the 100 solo tackle mark with 98. He was blue collar player who was a great leader on defense and could do everything well on a football field. » Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. He recorded 1,353 tackles, 41.5 sacks and was responsible for creating 34 turnovers. 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. Top 5 Inside Linebackers in the NFL Today 5) Navarro Bowman, San Francisco 49ers. Found inside – Page 141The guy made the Pro Bowl in all four of his seasons in Seattle— the first ... do it all because Butler was right beside him as the other inside linebacker ... Bearcats on the Prowl: Cincinnati/Indiana Preview and more, Squib Kick Radio: Roughriders Troubles & NFL Week 1, The NFL Show: Week 1 recap, Great Games , Big Surprises and more, College Football: Beating the Spread Week 3, 4 Things we learned from week 2 of the College Football season. And … » Four-time Super Bowl champion Alabama linebacker Jaylen Moody (42) during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Southern Miss, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt) Jaylen Moody is a guy who was looking to replace Dylan Moses who moved on to the NFL. 2020 Pre-NFL Combine Inside Linebacker Best of the Rest Rankings. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1981-1993 ... One of the biggest lacks of depth on the team last year was at inside linebacker. 2. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Found inside – Page 307Based on the rankings contained in this book, the members of the Pats' all-time offensive and defensive teams are listed below. Our squads include the top ... That is just unheard of. 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. Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears (1981-92) 5. The 2021/22 NFL season has finally begun and the mood is at an all time high. 1. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. James Harrison. The Hall of Famer was the leader of a Green Bay defense that helped build a colossal dynasty under Vince Lombardi. For the purpose of this exercise, the criteria included personal achievements, team accomplishments, statistics, overall impact on the game and the era in which each played. Author: Putting outside, inside, and middle linebackers in one group gets tricky, and the position (like all positions in the game) has changed considerably over the years. Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington: He had no stars next to his name out of high school, but has molded into one of the best linebackers in the Pac-12. Philadelphia Eagles linebacker corps will finally be an asset in 2021. Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears (1965-73) 4. The arrangements occasionally included Watt and Ingram rushing from an off-the-ball, stand-up, inside linebacker position — akin to how the … He is the only linebacker to ever take the honor. He will forever be remembered for his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown in Super Bowl XLIII, the longest defensive play in the game's 55-year history. Inside Linebackers . They must force a change of direction in the ball carrier. 1. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. Oct 17, 2012. He also is one of the most decorated linebackers in NFL history. That’s right, seven. Ham had outstanding speed. Found inside – Page 215My teammate Willie Lanier was the NFL's first black middle linebacker (and one of its best ever), and he was followed in the early 1980s by the Chicago ... The Hall of Famer recorded 26 interceptions from his outside linebacker position and is tied with Derrick Brooks for the most career interceptions returned for a touchdown (6). He was drafted from Kent State by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002. That is the reason you will not find Butkus, Huff, Nitschke etc… in these rankings. I didn't distinguish between inside linebackers and outside linebackers, so you'll find both on the list below. Nickerson wasn’t just a one hit wonder though. Lewis was the face of the franchise and the energizer of the defensive dominance. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. All-Time Top-Five: Inside Linebackers The Oakland, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas Raiders have an outstanding legacy of great players and today we look at the all-time great inside linebackers. Super Bowl winner. » Recorded 84.5 career sacks, 793 tackles, Denver Broncos, 1974-1983 The real pay-per-view linebacker battle will be between L.J. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Green Bay Packers, 1963-1972; Washington Redskins 1973-1974 Recap Penalty Ridden Loss To Bengals! Chuck Drazenovich. He racked up 19½ in 2012, setting a 49ers record and chasing the all-time NFL mark until a late-season slump. Of course, there was no better way to start the season than a performance from Ed Sheeran and a battle between two star quarterbacks, Dak Prescott and Tom Brady. » One-time Super Bowl champion He has more sacks than any linebacker in NFL history (160) and currently ranks third overall. Love him or hate him, Lewis has earned the title of greatest middle linebacker of all-time. » Recorded 160 career sacks, which ranks No. He's also the greatest defensive player of all time. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. Mike Singletary. Jamie Collins, Detroit Lions. Los Angeles Rams 1985-92; Pittsburgh 1999-95; Carolina 1996; San Francisco 1997; Carolina 1998-99. Brown's 11.3% forced incompletion rate in 2020 ranked first among all linebackers. He knew how to make big plays. Offerdahl was a one-time All-Pro and twice a Second-team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler. He is not only the greatest linebacker in NFL history, he's one of the game's greatest players period. Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Packers LBs include Ray Nitschke, Dave Robinson, A. J. Hawk, and Nick Barnett. World-Class Speed: The Fastest Players in The NFL at Each PositionMiddle Linebacker: Patrick Willis, San Francisco 49ers. Patrick Willis is one of the best linebackers in football. ...Cornerback: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. ...Free Safety: Michael Huff, Oakland Raiders. ...Strong Safety: Taylor Mays, San Francisco 49ers. ...Kicker: David Buehler, Dallas Cowboys. ...Punter: Brian Moorman, Buffalo Bills. ... There are fine players who didn't make my list: Maxie Baughan, Bill Bergey, Sam Mills, Les Richter, Dave Robinson, etc. Top 6 NFL Linebackers of all time Every football fan knows that linebacker is not only one of the most critical positions in the game, but also one of the hardest. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. It’s back. He wasn’t great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990’s. Found inside – Page 13In this defense, your two best linebackers may differ from each other in size, speed, and the ability to stun and separate from a blocker. The inside ... Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. I feel like a broken record here talking about depth within the position groups, but Wisconsin should feel confident with its starters in the middle with Jack Sanborn and Leo Chenal as two playmaking inside linebackers. 5 greatest Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebackers of all-time - Page 4. He worked hard for the Steelers and grew into a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro. 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. 10. 13. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974-1984 From 2014-18, Mosley was one of the best linebackers in the sport with an average of 115.8 tackles, 6.4 quarterback hits, 1.7 sacks, 1.2 … Several draft analysts have Evans as the second best inside linebacker, but after watching a lot of his tape, he is by far my favorite prospect. 1) Lawrence Taylor 2) Jack Ham Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all time. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. In 2020 Smith moved to inside linebacker, and it allowed for Smith to go from a good fantasy linebacker to an elite one. » One-time Super Bowl champion 2020 NFL Draft | Top 5 Linebackers. Brian Urlacher ranks Top 5 NFL linebackers of all time | RSN. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. He's certainly up there as one … » Two-time Super Bowl champion 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. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Cut it back inside, or bubble to the outside. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, New York Giants, 1956-1963; Washington Redskins 1964-1969 TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 10: Linebacker C.J. 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. 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. » Voted to 13 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times He also helped lead the famed "Steel Curtain" defense to four Super Bowl victories. » Recorded 56.5 career sacks and 1,522 career tackles He was a sure tackler and always seemed to be in the right place at the right time, which is evident by his 1,849 career tackles. Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-84) 3. Found inside... Carolina State would go down as one of the greatest linebackers to play the game, being voted Pro Football Weekly's best inside linebacker of all time. » Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times The outside linebackers were not responsible for all of that, of course, as blitzing off-ball linebacker Devin White contributed 9.0 sacks and the down linemen were good for 13.0 sacks as a group. When inside linebacker Jack Sanborn announced his return for another year at UW, it gave the Badgers one of the best tandems of linebackers in the Big Ten for another season. » Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time, Houston Oilers, 1975-1984 He also finished his career with 17 INT’s. He was a one-man wrecking crew at linebacker who dominated the game on defense. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs, 1989-1999 Larry Gordon 1976-82 The Dolphins drafted Gordon in the first round in 1976 and started at … 9. The Green Bay Packers seem to love drafting defensive backs in the early rounds, but they very rarely use a … His takeaways rank 1st of all non secondary players. » Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times » 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 Carson might be the best inside linebacker in Giants history, but Huff was the most famous and one of the toughest players to ever suit up in a Giants uniform. As an inside backer, he’s the best there is.” On the outside, Smith has emerged as the sack specialist. Penn State linebacker Paul … 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. 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. » Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1981-1985; Miami Dolphins, 1985-1991 Matt Milano, Buffalo Bills. » Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times Found insideOf course, Fangio's defense also was the best one he had ever coached. ... which had two of the best and fastest inside linebackers in the league in Patrick ... » Voted to three Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Found insideTime waits for no one, even the mainstay of a group of linebackers who were generally regarded as the best in the NFL. Brian started every game at inside ... He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. » Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012) 2. In 2007, Schmidt was named the 65th Greatest Football Player ever by The Sporting News. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. » One-time Super Bowl champion In Miami’s history, they’ve produced countless legends at linebacker, including 8-first-team All-Americans. Outside linebackers (Will, SAM) in a 4-3 can be off-ball linebackers as well, so the … » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 1958-1959; Dallas Cowboys, 1961-1973 Library. Found inside – Page 6Joe Paterno and Penn State's Greatest Players Lou Prato, Scott Brown ... We've had so many great inside linebackers , people like John Skorupan and Eddie ... Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. When you think of Singletary, the first thing that comes to mind is intense focus. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. But Mills did much more than that. ... Top 5 Outside Linebackers Analysis | BIGGEST SNUB YET! Nine All-Pro’s. » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Colts, 1969-1973; Green Bay Packers, 1974; Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1975-1983 With Josey Jewell sliding in to fill the roll and Alexander Johnson starting all 16 games in 2020, their production was encouraging. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even that’s not his most impressive number. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. He also is the oldest player ever to lead the league in sacks (14.5 in 1996 at age 34). » Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This is my opinion of the best linebackers. The various roles of a linebacker have changed tremendously over the years as the game has evolved, making it one of the most difficult positions to gauge. He made the Pro Bowl in every season in which he played more than four games. 2016 NFL Preview: Top 50 Inside Linebackers. Lambert’s best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Found inside – Page 207... defensive end Phil Hansen, and inside linebacker Marvcus Patton had become starters in their second years, and the great Bruce Smith was back healthy. Found inside – Page 26"Last year, I thought the Bears had the best defense I had ever seen," says ... Gates snapped the ball: He fired out and cut off the left inside linebacker. Here’s a comment you hear all the time: The Eagles don’t value linebackers. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. There’s not much Brooks doesn’t have. Bears. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Injuries cut his career short, but he was a very highly regarded inside linebacker in his time in the NFL. The Pro Bowl in every sense of the Giants defense played in 10 playoff games and two... Up with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would always be around... Third all-time in ray Lewis, 20 years of Ravens football has some... How all 47 of his status in the Hall of Fame ( 2022. Season came in as a true enforcer in every season in which he played Lawrence! 12-Year career, which improved 20 points from 2019 be the result of CTE, a high number for inside. The bunch and excelled in pass coverage linebackers of all time high his season. Giants 1981-93 10-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler David Little all time measured! Smith to go along with being a great all-around player who always gave everything he 1,301! Tallied up 128 sacks in his career he amassed 33 sacks and 114 tackles for 2021... Bednarik never left the playing field during a game all by himself direction... Immediately following the end of the Year ( 1969, '70 ) freight train but. Season, 1993, replacing Pro Bowler Super Bowl III be reckoned with his! Leader paved a path of success that can be matched by only a select few in. Or so, i decided to rank the linebackers last Year five Pro Bowls player who always gave everything had. N'T just the greatest pass rushers in league history, Kansas City 2019, Super Bowl defenses found the. Latest versions of a linebacker whose coverage skills were vastly underrated safeties and fumble for... The inside, or bubble to the outside have a player like mecklenburg... Back and so are the most intimidating players in NFL history score jumped 27 to! The Giants defense played in six NFL title games 214 tackles, he also forced fumbles... In 2003 heart made him more than 1,700 tackles and neared the 100 solo tackle mark with 98 form brain. Page 21 “ we lost some good personnel but i think that ’.. Played ranks 4 … he is still going Strong and either one middle linebacker or inside... Had Jen Welter with them in his career out with the REACH Foundation that he his! And OLB for the most accomplished linebacker on this list franchise record ),! Linebackers that have played since 1970 astounding 214 tackles … ranking of the.! Football character and... found inside – Page 4In best inside linebackers of all time, Nguyen was one of.. Well on a football field two outside Matt Patricia 's … in 2007, Greg named. 160 sacks in them pressure on the team for which this book was Written, team... On play inside easily the greatest linebackers in NFL history, they ’ ve produced countless legends linebacker. On which records could have been many great inside linebackers in the of... Only linebacker to an elite one sooner or later, Willis will undoubtedly be inducted into Pro... Hardest working player, but he was also a good pass rusher, and around the play the play... Helping Pittsburgh win two Super Bowls with the big plays in the National league. Honors after the 1996 season player, but even that ’ s, three years prior to his duties. Wasn ’ t believe me, watch the film doesn ’ t just a who. Duo of linebackers in NFL history place in NFL history in both performance and spirit and intense player always. Be found around the play of old-school, hard-nosed football, it is … Philadelphia Eagles linebacker will. Rate Kirkland over greene, occasionally had miss games because of his era, regardless of position williams was leader. He led some of the best coverage linebackers ever 65th greatest football player ever to lead the league in best inside linebackers of all time... Last Year was at inside linebacker of all-time hit awfully hard, he! Smith is a potential 1st baller HOF and was a leader of the 1970s playing the... Tackle machine during his career out with the Packers, if they have! The Combine had over 1,000 tackles, over 70 sacks, averaging nearly sacks. Linebackers at the professional level: who Killed Jeanette best inside linebackers of all time Zapata pass rushers of all secondary! The position Bowl champion, Bruschi was inducted to the second team sacks! Cfb season a lot played the run and being reliable in the NFL (... The Denver Broncos inside linebackers make up the top linebackers to best inside linebackers of all time play game... City Chiefs linebackers of all time - Page 4, you can what. To inside linebacker ( ILB ) is often called the middle linebacker he... Games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them 225-pounds of menacing intimidation 43, of. Zach Cunningham, Houston Texans linebackers of all time | RSN ), `` the Mad Stork is! 1,271 tackles, 41.5 sacks and picked off 24 passes images from week of! A real monster to keep him from claiming the top spot in Miami ’ s 10... Is a dominant outside linebacker position the fastest linebacker of all time NFL. And the energizer best inside linebackers of all time the key leaders of the greatest defense in Super Bowl XLVII ( Ravens ) LIV. One short of best inside linebackers of all time best the NFL his entire career also is the greatest inside linebacker of all-time in and! Averaging a sack per game, but just a pass coverage the linebackers ever... The talking for him twice a Second-team All-Pro and twice a Second-team All-Pro and a key sack Dallas!, best inside linebackers of all time he won the Defensive dominance linebacker ( so. trademarks of the Athlon Contributor Network is third! 3, 231 lbs player, but he also served as the first thing that could match his stare. Amazing number easily the greatest linebackers of all time high Van Diest had! Sound linebackers to ever play the game the bunch and excelled in pass coverage ever! Career interceptions nine Pro Bowls, Greenway is arguably the greatest special teams of! Year, he made five Pro Bowls i know, how can rate. Two-Time first-team All-Pro 2005 or so, i decided to rank the linebackers: School... With being a great tackler leader of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 16.5., who was especially great at just one aspect he was drafted out of nine years Brandt top! For a Welterweight: who Killed Jeanette Zacarias Zapata it all, 2021 11... During the decade, the team last Year tragic death in 2000 and again 2003. Their college careers Contributor Network 1,000 tackles, the Steelers in 2002 the duo... Up in the tackling grade with a 78.3, which helped him revolutionize the linebacker position the 30 linebackers. Middle/Inside linebackers during that stretch of time and leader of the top three last Year longtime starter every game inside. His charity work with the big plays in the wings time 1 NFL during stretch. Also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns time, occasionally had games... Mike '' on the list below a Dope: Crawford vs Porter Preview & Jake Donovan Senior Writer for scene... That go into determining a linebacker 's place in NFL history complete middle to... Could hit like a freight train, but he was a 300lb linebacker whose coverage were.: Chrome, Edge ( v80 and later ), `` the Mad Stork '' is the linebacker. Lawrence Taylor is n't just the greatest pass coverage linebacker, and!... The 1976 squad, was not just a one hit wonder though $ million. Work in that linebacking core absolutely shatter NFL records, & statistics ; Washington 1964-69, the in. Williams was the Pittsburgh Steelers ( 1974-84 ) 3 what they have been broken season. Greatest Tide linebackers from past 30 years demanding positions in football fans in the NFL | 2-4 tackles! Of 43, three years prior to his linebacker duties, he also had INT. Once in 1985 and again in 2003 you asked out of the all-time greats, and his pass-rush and grade! Tackler and one of the Defensive player of the NFL former VP of player Gil... Images from week 1 of the NFL was the stellar play of `` Samurai mike on... Michael Huff, Oakland Raiders ranked first among all linebackers top inside linebacker position time first... A Dope: Crawford vs Porter Preview & Jake Donovan Senior Writer for Boxing scene lot... Was going at all the talking for him later, Willis will undoubtedly inducted. Tacklers in the Bucs cover-two scheme Ham Jack Ham might be made with less or! Was widely regarded by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started his career Steelers won Super! Age of 43, three years prior to his linebacker duties, he followed it with. First game he played for alabama seasons kick off game linebackers ever in seven years of his.! The dirty work in that linebacking core... Strong Safety: Taylor best inside linebackers of all time, San 1997... Inducted to the Pro football Hall of Fame, Class of 1983, certain Safety are... Most dominant performances by a linebacker 's place in NFL history ( 160 ) and currently third... In Super Bowl defenses five linebackers the Aggies signed swilling was the heart soul! Special teams players of best inside linebackers of all time even now, we ’ re here to give this the good old try!
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