Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. 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. 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. Robert "Dr. Doom" Brazile is another one of those underrated linebackers. This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all time. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Thats fine, he played enough linebacker to be considered this high. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). He played for a bad team with not much of a surrounding cast, but still excelled. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Seau was the definition of consistency. He was unstoppable in goal-line situations especially. No. You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. . Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. Still, its an amazing number. Holdovers from the National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team were Bob Lilly, Dick Butkus, Merlin Olsen, Larry Wilson, and Jim Bakken, which made them the first players to make multiple All-Decade teams in NFL history. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link: Top 10 Athletes past the age of 40: Where does Tom Brady rank? Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. 2011 Butkus Award winner for nation s best linebacker at Boston College. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. As a pass rusher, Greene would be top 5 at least, his ability to be an every-down linebacker hurts him overall, he was not great against the run. Bill Romanowski (49ers, Eagles, Broncos, Raiders) : Two-time Pro Bowler. Lance Briggs may be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher, but dont forget how great of a player Briggs has been for the Bears. 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. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. No. Jack Ham had the whole package as a linebacker. He totaled 28 INTs in his career while he also racked up 1,045 tackles. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. Simpson in 1973 or Terry Bradshaw's two Super Bowl MVP performances. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. Zachary Petrizzo. He was just a great all-around player who could do it all. 12. The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. Thats amazing consistency. Chip Banks was another linebacker that was solid at everything, but not great at anything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNzd9Xd0who, No. Nine All-Pros. 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. 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. No. Find 1970 1979 America stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. No. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? (Photo: David Boss, Getty) Historians will tell you that McAdams is one of the best linebackers to ever play at The University of Oklahoma. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. 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 . These were the players who were great players, but not quite good enough to be placed inside the top 50. The second member of the Dome Patrol comes off the board at No. But, if you didnt know, Jackson was once an outstanding linebacker for the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. St. No. Most known for his antics like spitting in other players faces, Romanowskis play sometimes gets overshadowed. Jackson was most notable for being a pass rusher, but he really did it all. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Lambert won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. 8. Rickey Jackson doesnt always get the credit he deserves, but hes a top 10 linebacker of the modern era. 1953-65, Detroit Lions. He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. 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. Wilson doesnt have the career numbers because his career was so short, but theres no doubt when he was playing he was the most feared player on the field. Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. He should be in the Hall of Fame. Bet with your head, not over it. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. Derrick Brooks may be the most accomplished linebacker on this list. Already in his career, Ware has forced 23 fumbles. 32, John Offerdahl (Dolphins) (1986-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Ralph Baker - Years with Jets: 11 (1964-74) Baker played in 142 games with the Jets in his 11 seasons, which is tied with Marvin Jones for the 4 th most by a linebacker. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. Leslie ONeal was a sack machine in his career. Tippett finished his career with 100 sacks. Hes going into his first healthy season again in three years. No NFL team has enjoyed the consistent level of success the Pittsburgh Steelers have enjoyed since the AFL-NFL merger of 1970. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. 34, Julian Peterson* (49ers/Seahawks/Lions) (2000-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 25. His 1989 rookie season was one of the best the NFL has ever seen. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. Robert Brazile. 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. In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. 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 . 25, Karl Mecklenburg (Broncos) (1983-1994) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro Karl "The Albino Rhino" Mecklenburg was the definition of a blue collar player. During the late 1970s and early 80s, he was the best linebacker the NFL had. Next up, we look at a much better-rated unit in the linebackers. How NFL Players Have Evolved. The Chicago Bears have the most all-time great linebackers. 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. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. Don Moorehead, Dennis Franklin, Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Tom Brady, Forest Evashevski, Benny Friedman and John Navarre were all elected Captains by their teammates. Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. 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 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. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. . No. No. A shot of Jameson for Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey. No. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. 7, Rickey Jackson (Saints/49ers) (1981-1995) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. He was a good pass rusher, having at least 5.5 sacks in 10 straight years, but he was also good against the run and in coverage. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. 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. Tippett was a big reason to why so many teams value pass rushing OLBs in todays game. 43, Keith Brooking* (Falcons/Cowboys) (1998-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. But Mills did much more than that. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. Kevin Greene was a mad man in a football uniform. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. He led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. Featuring 2018-2019 Raiders and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Raiders LBs include Ted Hendricks, Khalil Mack, Rod Martin, Sam Wiliams, and Greg Biekert. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie season and his final pro season, totaling nine selections. 7. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. With time to spare in the NFL offseason, Ill take a look at the top 50 linebackers in the NFL in the modern era. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL since 1970! 35, Lance Briggs* (Bears) (2003-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. If you havnt guessed it by now, Lawrence LT Taylor is my top linebacker of the modern era. Comic-Con Museum named best pop culture museum by USA Today. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. More from Green Bay Packers. No. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . Urlacher was an all-around great linebacker who flew around the field with reckless abandon. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. No. He was 73. Mar 3, 2023 Updated 4 min ago. The entire enterprise of Notre Dame basketball, gone strange. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. 1. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". The versatile middle linebacker played a significant role in helping the Steelers win four Super Bowls in a span of six years in the 1970s. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. In today's NFL, few positions have become as difficult to play as off-ball linebacker. 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. Chicago 1981-92. Beason has only been in the league for three years now. No. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. 1970 Robert E. Lee Generals (13-0) Jim Chafin's team allowed just seven points a game and held 10 of its 13 opponents to 10 points or less. Steve Kiner (1966-69): Tennessee fans didn't have to wait long after Emanuel left to find the next superstar linebacker. Still, its an amazing number. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. Butkus nasty disposition and ability to blow up anyone standing in his path, made him one of the most feared players in the history of the game. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. The Pittsburgh Steelers are second with all-time players in four decades. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. As an outside linebacker, he put a lot of pressure on opponents' quarterbacks. The only reason Brooks isnt higher up on this list is because he had a fantastic surrounding cast which includes, most notably, Warren Sapp taking up blockers on the line. 39, Peter Boulware (Ravens) (1997-2005) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. 28b, Sam Mills (Saints/Panthers) (1986-1997) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Dennis Onkotz 1967 - 1969. No. Lost Super Bowl 13-16 vs. Baltimore Colts. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . 10. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. He knew how to make big plays. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. 1. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. 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. No. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Who knows how many he wouldve had if he played in the entire 16? Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all-around linebacker. But perhaps more than the star players, the decade was dominated by dynasty teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins, Oakland Raiders, and . Matt Blair was a very intimidating linebacker, and helped the Vikings get to two Super Bowls in his career. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record 41 forced fumbles. No. The middle linebacker also recorded 52 tackles for loss, which is fourth all-time in Clemson history. 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 always tried to better himself and did it effectively. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. Nine All-Pros. Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. He was the only good player (other than Albert Haynesworth, but even he was only good for 2-3 years) on a generally bad defense and team. No. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Anything you asked him to do, he would do. He was Terrell Suggs before Suggs got to Baltimore. Brazile might not get the credit because of the team he played for, but he was an outstanding player. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. 10 Tom Jackson. He was also a big hitter and very intimidating on the field of play. Greene and Greg Lloyd made one of the best pass rushing duos in NFL history with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Peppers' 159.5 career sacks rank fourth on the all-time list. All while being tasked with avoiding blocks and keeping tabs on the opposing quarterback. 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. Top 10, however, is not only a sure thing but easy as it was very tough for me to keep Levy out of the top 5 over the guy that made it. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl winning Ravens team. LaVar Arrington. Paul Naumoff. There is a reason the award given to the best linebacker in high school, college and the NFL each year is named after Butkus. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . 6, Jack Ham (Steelers) (1971-1982) *Eight-time Pro Bowler *Six-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. 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. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. 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. 23, Isiah Robertson (Rams/Bills) (1971-1982) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Defensive MVP in 2002. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Banks was a player that any coach would want on their team. Eleven Pro Bowls. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. The NFL is back in L.A. for the first time since 1995, as the Rams return to the Coliseum. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. K.J. He played in 10 playoff games and had two INTs and three fumble recoveries in them. 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). Jack Lambert played middle linebacker. 2. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. But in those three years, hes racked up 328 tackles and seven INTs, all while starting every game of his career. Mike Singletary was the leader of the most dominating defense the NFL has ever seenthe 1985 Bears. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . 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. 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. Lewis wasnt as vocal as Cox, but his play was a little better, and lasted for a longer period of time. 5. Jack Lambert was the teammate of Jack Ham who took the inside linebacker duties. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. He was very solid in coverage, good against the run, and had no real weaknesses. 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. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Chuck Drazenovich. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Jul 07, 2014 at 11:02 PM. Although still early in his career, Demarcus Ware deserves to be this high on the list. Schmidt stood out in an era of great middle linebackers. 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. Ham had outstanding speed. 21. The Minnesota Vikings did an outstanding job of drafting linebackers in 1974. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. He started his career out with the Packers, if they would have used him correctly he would have been higher on this list. Mills, along with Swilling, was another member of that Dome Patrol defense. In this Article . No. Gambling Problem? Tippett finished his career with 100 sacks. 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). Briggs has made five straight Pro Bowls for the Bears, and that streak still continues. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. Baltimore, with 2,038 rushing yards through its first 10 games of the season, is the seventh team since 1970 and first since the 1978 New England Patriots (2,029 rushing yards) with at least 2,000 . Suggs is a pass rushing monster with the Ravens. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. He was a very solid 3-4 ILB playing on one of the best LB Cores of all-time, the Dome Patrol. 9. It was tied for the best of the day with linebacker Owen Pappoe, of Auburn, and was the second-fastest time from an . Super Bowl winner. Zach Thomas is exactly what you want in a player and a linebacker. From his time at USC, Lott . 30, Matt Blair (Vikings) (1974-1985) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. That Steelers linebacking core could easily be the best of all-time, and it was led by Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. Jeremiah The Axeman Trotter has been a very recognizable name over the past decade. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. 15, Zach Thomas (Dolphins/Cowboys) (1996-2008) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. Linebacker is one of the most important and demanding positions in football. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. The transition from college football to the NFL . Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. 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. . Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. Still, he was a very solid MLB for many years. He was blue collar player who was a great leader on defense and could do everything well on a football field. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program.

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