During his playing days he helped lead the Chiefs to win Super Bowl IV 23-7 over the Minnesota Vikings in a game that many gave the Chiefs zero chance of winning. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. Few stories rival that of former NFL star Patrick Willis. Tippett had his most dominant season in 1985, when he led the Patriots to their first AFC title and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Lambert is a member of the NFL's 1970s All-Decade Team, the 1980s All-Decade Team, the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team, and the league's 100th Anniversary Team. Over his career, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to two Super Bowl championships while being named Super Bowl XXXV MVP. Staff writer. The Greatest Steelers Linebackers of All Time The Steelers are known for hard-hitting, relentless defense. 3-time first-team All-Pro Junior Seau, San Diego Chargers (1990-2002), Miami Dolphins (03-05), New England Patriots (06-09)1992 Defensive Player of the Year If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time - Sportscasting He was one of the most feared players in the sport in his prime. The Top 10 NFL Linebackers of All Time - Bleacher Report 7-time Pro Bowler18. He led the NFL in tackles three times (1997, 1999, 2001) during his 17 years in Baltimore. He led the University of Minnesota to a national title in 1960, then won two AFL championships and a Super Bowl with the Kansas City Chiefs. Poll : Are these the 3 Greatest Middle Linebackers of All-Time? Starters: Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo. Lewis recorded 2,059 career tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions and forced 17 fumbles. Darryl Talley was a physical and athletic marvel during his playing career, and his consistency was truly something to behold. Greatest Linebackers in NFL History By Tony Adame, updated on October 21, 2022 AP Photo Generations of linebackers have played in the NFL and defined the game. Chris Hanburger's path to NFL stardom as an outside linebacker was as unusual as any ever taken. April 30, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. EDT. Karl Mecklenburg was a throwaway pick by the Broncos in the 12th round of the 1983 NFL draft and ended up being one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history and definitely the greatest pure inside linebacker. Your login session has expired. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012)2000 Defensive Player of the Year 2023 NFL Draft: Grades for all Day 2 picks | NFL Draft | PFF Bill Forester is one of the greatest examples of Vince Lombardi's genius as a coach. Born: Feb. 9, 1945 (South Dayton, New York), High school: South Dayton High School (South Dayton, New York), Teams:Cincinnati Bengals (1969-73), Philadelphia Eagles (1974-80), Career highlights:Five-time Pro Bowl (1969, 1974, 1976-78), five-time All-Pro (1974-78). While some of the linebackers on this list probably wouldn't even get a second look in today's NFL because of their size, Wilcox (who's the father of Cal head coach Justin Wilcox) is actually the opposite. He also was a defensive captain in two of those seasons. Arguably USCs most notable No. That includes Super Bowl wins in 2000 and 2012, with the latter coming in Lewis' final game. If Lawrence Taylor is the Michael Jordan of NFL linebackers, Carson was his Scottie Pippen. How tough was the "City Champ"? High School: Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas, Texas), Career highlights: Four-time Pro Bowl (1959-62), five-time All-Pro (1959-63), two-time NFL champion (1961, 1962). Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . It's on Sean McDermott & Co. to coach up whoever mans the middle. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Fanatics.com, or more that is specific to you. 9-time Pro Bowler Spikes is one of just seven linebackers in NFL history to register over 200 career starts, and he never had less than 70 tackles in 15 NFL seasons. 2-time first-team All-Pro High school: Worthing High School (Houston), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1985), 10-time Pro Bowl (1983-82), nine-time All-Pro (1983-91), two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1988), three-time NFC Player of the Year (1984, 1985, 1988), NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1998). 5-time first-team All-Pro "Dr. Doom" terrorized opposing offenses for 10 NFL seasons and was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. When it comes to which linebacker should be at the top of the Top 10 Middle Linebackers All-Time, Mike Singletary is well worth consideration for the slot. Mike Singletary was the player at the heart of perhaps the greatest defense of all time the 1985 Chicago Bears, who went 15-1 in the regular season and blew out the New England Patriots, 46-10, in the Super Bowl. Who are NFL's best middle linebackers of all time? - YouTube Top 5 Middle Linebackers of All-Time - Sportskeeda 8 on the all-time list, Atlanta Falcons, 1966-1976 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro one time, Houston Oilers, 1975-1984 Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1975) NFL 1970s All-Decade Team member Finished career with 48 sacks, 1,281 tackles, and 13 interceptions, Kansas City Chiefs, 1967-1977 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro three times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Carolina Panthers 2012-present Voted to Pro Bowl five times, four-time First Team All-Pro NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2013) NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012) 818 career tackles, 10.5 sacks, 15 interceptions, Buffalo Bills, 1987-1995; Atlanta Falcons, 1996-1998; Indianapolis Colts, 1999-2000 Voted to five Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro once Recorded 71.5 career sacks Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, San Francisco 49ers, 1964-1974 Voted to seven Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974-1984 Four-time Super Bowl champion Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 2000-2012 Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Recorded 41.5 career sacks and 1,040 career tackles, New Orleans Saints, 1981-1993; San Francisco 49ers 1994-1995 One-time NFL champion Voted to six Pro Bowls Recorded 128 career sacks, which ranks No. He finished his career with 458 tackles, 65.0 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, nine . 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. Urclacher recorded at least 100 tackles nine times over his career including a career high 153 during the 2002 NFL season. 2-time first-team All-Pro High school: De La Salle High School (Chicago), Career highlights: Five-time All-Pro (1950-53, 1955), four-time Pro Bowl (1950-53), NFL 1940s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1975). He took his skills as a free agent to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won two Super Bowls. Here is my ranking of the top 10 Giants linebackers, along with some honorable mentions. The race for the best linebacker in NFL history can be narrowed down to five people: the aforementioned Butkus, Lewis, and Singletary, along with Jack Lambert and Willie Lanier. Born: Dec. 27, 1959 (Birmingham, Alabama), High school: Barringer High School (Newark, New Jersey), NFL career: 11 seasons (1982-88, 1990-93), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985), four-time All-Pro (1985-88), five-time Pro Bowl (1984-88), NFL 1980s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008). Bills draft Dorian Williams: Does Tulane product give Buffalo what it 1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year Super Bowl IX champion High school: Lovington High School (Lovington, New Mexico), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), five-time All-Pro (2001, 2002. 1994 Walter Payton Man of the Year Forester was a nondescript linebacker for his first six seasons with the Packers, until Lombardi was hired in 1959 and the SMU product's career took off. He finished his career with over 2,000 tackles (2,039), which is second on the NFL's all-time list, and set the NFL record for linebackers with 215 consecutive starts. 12-time Pro Bowler Lanier collected three All-Pro mentions and eight spots in a Pro Bowl,. George was known for his ability to play the defensive line as well as dropping back disrupting the passing lanes of opposing quarterbacks. 55, Seau went on to become a legend in San Diego. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. We know this. This list explores these reasons by looking at the three greatest middle linebackers of all time. Bennett was convicted of rape in 1997 and sentenced to 60 days in jail, but still allowed to play in the NFL for four more seasons. He was so well regarded by those around him that when the Giants faced the Broncos in the Super Bowl, Carson walked out to face nine Broncos captains thinking he was one of three, but head coach Bill Parcells and his teammates decided to send Carson out by himself as a show of respect. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time Photos Home 100 Greatest Photos Game Galleries Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time NFL.com senior analyst and personnel. Robertson's size, speed and athleticism often made the difference in games for the Rams. Brooking was incredibly consistent throughout his career. Jack . He was a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New York Giants, who he played for during each of his 13 NFL seasons. But what sets the great ones apart from the rest of the pack? Marshall wasn't just a pass coverage linebacker though,. His 0-6 record in the postseason is an NFL record for most playoff games without a win. Born: Nov. 18, 1964 (Spring Valley, New York), High school: Spring Valley High School (Spring Valley, New York), Teams: Philadelphia Eagles (1986-93), Arizona Cardinals (1994-96), Green Bay Packers (1997), Denver Broncos (1998), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1998), three-time Pro Bowl (1991, 1993, 1994), three-time All-Pro (1991-93). Please logout and login again. The lineage of great Chicago Bears middle linebackers is clear, with 4 players making this list. After the 2023 NFL Draft, the Houston Texans have four Alabama linebackers - Will Anderson Jr., Christian Harris, DeMeco Ryans and Henry To'oTo'o - except Ryans is the head coach and . First, he went to junior college in Fort Scott, Kansas. The Packers were an unstoppable force on both sides of the ball with the defensive playing a key role in the teams success. George realized this allowed the quarterback to easily drop passes right over his head, so he began to try and read the play and react, dropping into coverage at times when he realized it was a pass play. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Tight Ends All-Time. To his teammates, his eyes stood for leadership. His production would not slow as he helped from the Steelers Steel Curtain defense and helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl Championships. Brian Urlacher Brian Urlacher played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. Those are both more than Mecklenburg's career totals, and Gradishar played two fewer seasons. High school: Villa Angela-St. Joseph High School (Cleveland, Ohio), Teams: St. Louis Rams (1998-2001), Buffalo Bills (2002-06), Washington Football Team (2007-13), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1999), four-time Pro Bowl (2009-12), two-time All-Pro (2011, 2012). Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Bell was as much of a winner as anyone who ever played the sport. Cornelius Bennett forced a trade from the Colts to the Bills after being drafted in 1987 and was one of the best linebackers in the NFL for the next decade-plus. NFL Draft best available players for Buffalo Bills: Drew Sanders 5-time Pro Bowler24. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Off the field, Lewis' career was almost over before it started. owley missed the rest of 1959 and all of 1960 before attempting a comeback in 1961 with the Cowboys, where he became a six-time Pro Bowler and the only player to win Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honors while playing on the losing team. He played 13 seasons for his hometown San Diego Chargers and became perhaps the greatest sports icon in the history of San Diego alongside Padres Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. But in his eight seasons, Kuechly accomplished almost everything an NFL linebacker could, including being perhaps the best coverage linebacker in the history of the game. In his short time in the league, Willis made seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams and banked over $50 million in career earnings. Tragically, Seau took his own life in 2012, at 43 years old. Mecklenburg anchored Denver's defense with safety Steve Atwater and helped lead Denver to three AFC titles, but the Broncos lost all three of those Super Bowls. 1978 Defensive Player of the Year Few players in NFL history have captured the public's imagination like Green Bay Packers linebacker Ray Nitschke, who won three NFL championships and two Super Bowl trophies. Lance Briggs did one thing that's highly unusual for an NFL linebacker in the modern era he played his entire career for the same team. Harry Carson is perhaps the most respected defensive player and teammate in the history of the NFL. The 10-time All-Pro earned three Defensive Player of the Year awards in six seasons (1981-1982, 1986). Who Is the Greatest Middle Linebacker in NFL History? On the football field Chuck Bednarik was one of the toughest players to play the game and possibly the best tackler to set forth on a football field. Despite a 101-year history, the Cardinals haven't produced a Hall of Famer at linebackerbut they've still had plenty of . His production continued in the NFL where he was a two time Pro Bowler and two time Super Bowl Champion with the Miami Dolphins while earning the Dolphins team MVP award in three different seasons. Featuring 2018-2019 SF 49ers and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best 49ers LBs include Mike Walter, Dave Wilcox, Keena Turner, Willie Harper, and Julian Peterson. 13-time Pro Bowler Here are five of the top undrafted free-agent signings since the draft ended: Ivan Pace Jr., LB, Minnesota Vikings Linebacker was a key position of need for the Vikings but they didn't use any . They play fast from sideline to sideline. 6-time first-team All-Pro The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. 12 on the NFL's all-time list. 15) are the only Lombardi players whose numbers were retired.6. Devine was the worst. NFL: Ranking the 10 Best Middle Linebackers - Bleacher Report He doesn't have overwhelming traits, but he has filled in capably as a . Super Bowl XXIX champion22. Eight of those he made the All-Pro team and the Pro Bowl, with back-to-back NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1969 and 1970. A post shared by Juan Diaz (@juandiaz0620). They often are the quarterbacks of the defense, and many of them possess physical talents few have ever seen on a football field. The latest in an historic line of Hall of Fame caliber Bears middle linebackers, Urlacher has produced 41.5 sacks, 22 INTs returned for 324 yards and two TDs, 11 forced fumbles and 15 fumble recoveries returned for 177 yards and one TD during his career. Lewis was the face of the franchise and the energizer of the defensive dominance. Raiders post-draft depth chart: Will any of the rookies be Week 1 2-time NFL Championship Game winner13. Vilma, who also won a national championship at the University of Miami in 2001, also is well-known for taking the NFL to court following a yearlong suspension in "Bountygate. Willie Lanier, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-77) Mills, just 5-foot-9, played in the Canadian Football League and then was one of the USFL's greatest players before making the leap to the NFL. Fear does not exist in this dojo, does it? However, it is often looked past how important the middle linebacker position is to the defensive side of the ball with many teams using this position to help command the defense. In the NFL, he was a model of consistency for 14 seasons and earned postseason honors in 10 of 11 seasons and started 135 consecutive games at one point. Jordan had one of the signature moments in Cowboys history when he picked off Cincinnati quarterback Ken Anderson three times in one quarter, all within five minutes, and returned one of those 31 yards for a touchdown. Inducted into the Hall of Fame as recently as 2016, Greene's career was arguably underrated. By the time Tommy Nobis left the University of Texas, he was as famous as any player in the NFL, having already appeared on the cover of Life, Sports Illustrated and Time magazines for his accomplishments. 5-time first-team All-Pro Before becoming a pop culture reference in Brians Song and an actor in The Longest Yard and Head, Nitschke was one of the most feared men in football. In 11 seasons, Bell earned postseason honors eight times and helped lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win in 1969. Born: April 16, 1982 (Coral Gables, Florida), High school: Coral Gables Senior High School (Coral Gables, Florida), Teams: New York Jets (2004-07), New Orleans Saints (2008-13), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2009), three-time Pro Bowl (2005, 2009, 2010), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2004). The Ravens have always been known as a defensive minded team. George racked up 18 career interceptions over his career while helping lead the Bears to the 1963 NFL Championship. The 13-time Pro-Bowler holds the record for most career solo tackles (1,568) and the record for most tackles in a season (156). That didn't matter. 8-time Pro Bowler14. 8-time Pro Bowler It was a good fit. 1-time first-team All-Pro pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb. His style of play is strikingly similar to Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, who preceded him by a generation in the Windy City. But it was his leadership in four Super Bowl wins that moves Lambert ahead of Dick Butkus as sacrilegious as that may seem.3. Standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 240 pounds, Robert Brazile dominated on the field and had one of the greatest nicknames ever. Knowing what we know now about concussions, which forced Kuechly's retirement, should players who accomplish what he did and have their careers shortened be in the Hall of Fame? 6-time first-team All-Pro He was a second team All-American in 2011 when he racked up career highs with 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks to go with 128 tackles. Being the son of a former heavyweight boxing champion might be a burden for some, but Ken Norton Jr. embraced it. Check out Gil's list here! 2009 NFL Butkus Award winner Born: Jan. 9, 1969 (Oceanside, California), Died: May 2, 2012 (age 43, Oceanside, California), High school: Oceanside High School (Oceanside, California), Teams: San Diego Chargers (1990-2002), Miami Dolphins (2003-05), New England Patriots (2006-09), Career highlights: 12-time Pro Bowl (1991-2002), 10-time All-Pro (1991-2000), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2015). The middle linebacker position is the equivalent of the quarterback position on defense. Zach Thomas brought a certain attitude to defenses as a middle linebacker, both in college at Texas Tech and in the NFL, that was evident from the moment he stepped on the field. He only played six games in his final season before retiring because of a nagging toe injury. Arizona had until May 2 to make a final . Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots (1996-2008) Chuck Bednarik Chuck Bednarik wasn't just one of the best Eagles linebackers he was THE BEST linebacker and one of the best players of all time. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History Hall of Fame, Class of 1973 We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Then, he starred at the University of Nebraska, before returning to Florida, where he's been one of the best linebackers in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the last decade. Report: Cardinals decline to pick up Isaiah Simmons' 5th-year option It is hard to look past Jack Lambert as one of the Top 10 Middle Linebackers All-Time based on his career resume and his play on the football field. Lambert, who the Pittsburgh Steelers selected with the 46. pick during the 1974 NFL draft, showcased his abilities during his rookie season in route to helping solidify the Steelers defense and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Born: Aug. 13, 1941 (Fort Bragg, North Carolina), High school: Hampton High School (Hampton, Virginia), Team: Washington Football Team (formerly Washington Redskins), Career highlights: Nine-time Pro Bowl (1966-69, 1972-76), six-time All-Pro (1969, 1972-76), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2011). The two-time Super Bowl champ is one of the greatest overall defenders in NFL history. In all, he was a two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year and played in five Super Bowls, losing every time to set an NFL record. Singletary also was named NFC Player of the Year three times during his career. Mills, who died of cancer in 2005, is one of the most beloved players in the history of both the Saints and the Panthers. Chad Brown was the type of player who could do almost anything on the defensive front. Seth Joyner's career was a story in resilience. He's also the greatest defensive player of all time. Their versatility sets them apart from any other position player in the sport. Ranking the top linebackers to ever suit up in the National Football League is far from easy. No player has been as consistent on the defensive side of the ball, start to finish, as Ray Lewis was in his 17 seasons for the Baltimore Ravens. 1-time Pro Bowler He registered a league-leading 20.5 sacks en route to winning Defensive Player of the Year, NFL MVP, and Super Bowl XXI. 8-time Pro Bowler Huff became the first rookie middle linebacker to start an NFL championship game, leading the Giants to the title in 1956 and led them to four more NFL championship games, losing each time. Brian Urlacher, Chicago Bears (2000-12)2005 Defensive Player of the Year Those bad teams likely cost him any shot at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 5-time first-team All-Pro Born: April 6, 1973 (San Diego, California), High school: Chula Vista High School (Chula Vista, California), Teams: Kansas City Chiefs (1996-2001, 2007-08), San Diego Chargers (2002-06), Career highlights: Two-time NFL All-Pro (2002, 2004), Pro Bowl (2002). Born: June 3, 1959 (Neptune City, New Jersey), Died: April 18, 2005 (age 45, Charlotte, North Carolina), High school: Long Branch High School (Long Branch, New Jersey), Teams: New Orleans Saints (1986-94), Carolina Panthers (1995-97), Career highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl (1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1996), three-time All-Pro (1991, 1992, 1996). 7-time first-team All-Pro Les Richter was an amazing football player and had size and speed that could have landed him on NFL rosters in any era. They spoke of intensity, determination, and an undying will. The former Miami Hurricanes star was known for his ability to read defenses and his off the field preparation including studying game film to learn about his opponents. Over his career, George was an eight time Pro Bowler and eight time First Team All-Pro. After leaving Chicago, Marshall proved he was elite by winning a Super Bowl and NFL Defensive Player of the Year with the Washington Football Team (then known as the Redskins). Others to know: Rashee Rice (SMU), Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss), A.T. Perry (Wake Forest) Linebacker. Born: Dec. 29, 1936 (Elmwood Park, Illinois), Died: March 8, 1998 (age 61, Venice, Florida), High school: Proviso East High School (Mayfield, Illinois), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967), three-time NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965), Pro Bowl (1964), seven-time All-Pro (1962-67, 1969), NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1978). Super Bowl XXXVI champion However, we're here to give this the good old college try, so let's dive in! Harry Carson's career stats don't jump off the page 11 interceptions, 14 fumbles recovered, eight sacks but he's still one of the greatest NFL linebackers. 54 out there, you knew the team at least had a chance to win because of him. Once drafted, Buoniconti became one of the teams best defensive players despite his lack of size. Born: April 18, 1973 (Pensacola, Florida), High school: Booker T. Washington High School (Pensacola, Florida), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2002), nine-time All-Pro (1997-2005), 11-time Pro Bowl (1997-2006, 2008), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2002), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2014). The Arizona Cardinals have declined to pick up linebacker Isaiah Simmons' fifth-year contract option, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History - Sports Illustrated 5-time Pro Bowler Kevin Greene. Lawrence Taylor isn't just the greatest linebacker of all time. A little-known fact about Talley: He's the cousin of Baseball Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins owner Derek Jeter. Super Bowl XXXVIII champion After being considered by most teams too small, the Boston Patriots selected Nick Buoniconti with the teams 13th round selection. According to Pro Football Reference, Taylor recorded either a fumble recovery, an interception, or double-digit sacks each season of his career. His play on the field was filled with passion and talent that helped him become one of the best to play the game. Born: Aug. 17, 1949 (New Orleans, Louisiana), Died: Dec. 6, 2018 (age 69, Dallas, Texas), High school: Covington High School (Covington, Louisiana), Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1971-78), Buffalo Bills (1979-82), Career highlights: Six-time Pro Bowl (1971-77), six-time All-Pro (1971, 1973-77), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1971). Two players of the four players with more tackles, Ray Lewis and Junior Seau, are in the Hall of Fame. Fletcher, 5-foot-11 and 242 pounds, ran a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine coming out of NCAA Division III John Carroll University, but he still went undrafted. Super Bowl XL champion The NFL's Top 50 Linebackers of the Modern Era Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Bills LBs include Sam Rogers, Keith Ellison, Shane Conlan, and John Holecek. These all-time greats have electrified crowds with their energy and leadership and delivered on the field as some of the NFL's best defensive players ever. It is fair to say that Taylor is perhaps the greatest defensive player ever. A post shared by BostonPride91 (@bostonpride91). Ron Rivera must win in 2023. The Commanders have done all they can That year was the first of two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards for Singletary, who won again in 1988. Over his career, Bednarick helped guide the Eagles to two NFL Championships while being named to eight Pro Bowl teams and selected eight times as a First Team All-Pro.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'fanrankings_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_7',127,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-fanrankings_com-large-leaderboard-2-0'); When considering great middle linebackers it is hard to look past another Chicago Bear All-Pro who racked up a pretty solid NFL career. Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins (1996-2007), Dallas Cowboys (08) But assistant coach Vince Lombardi tracked him down at the airport and convinced him to come back, and defensive coordinator Tom Landry made the decision to move him to middle linebacker. Isiah Robertson was one of the stars on the Los Angeles Rams' defenses that won six consecutive NFC West titles. High school: East Coweta High School (Sharpsburg, Georgia), Teams: Atlanta Falcons (1998-2008), Dallas Cowboys (2009-11), Denver Broncos (2012), Career highlights: Five-time Pro Bowl (2001-05), two-time All-Pro (2002, 2004).