best linebackers of the 1970s

Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. In 2006, he had an amazing season and won defensive MVP, which is a very high honor that most players on this list never achieved. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Brazile might not get the credit because of the team he played for, but he was an outstanding player. Over his nine-year career, he had 2,049 tackles, although this number is solo and assisted because he played before solo tackles were an official stat. Robert Brazile. [3] If you dont believe me, watch the film, as they say, the film doesnt lie! Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Beason has only been in the league for three years now. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. If you take away his last three seasons, where he was slowing down, he averaged 12.4 sacks per season, which is just remarkable. List of All Buffalo Bills Linebackers, Ranked Best to Worst He was always around the ball. 25. 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. L.T. 7. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. 1970 1979 America Photos and Premium High Res Pictures - Getty Images Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. Beason may be the most controversial player on this list. Voted to seven Pro Bowls, named First Team All-Pro five times. NY Jets: Top 10 linebackers of all-time - The Jet Press Most people know Tom Jackson as the commentator working with Chris Berman. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL Since 1970 - The Grueling Truth Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. and 2000s. That suggestion from the newly appointed House . Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. He was the notorious leader of one of the greatest defenses to ever make its way onto a football field Pittsburghs famed Steel Curtain.. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Well have to see how he does, but he could either climb up or fall off this list based on his performance in 2010. Ranking the 10 best linebackers in Raiders history Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Named to NFL's All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. He also ranks third all . Nine All-Pros. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. 42, Chip Banks (Browns/Chargers/Colts) (1982-1992) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st team All-Pro. Regardless, he definitely deserves the respect for what he accomplished on the field. Collect, curate and comment on your files. Hardy Nickerson may not have the name recognition as many of the other linebackers on this list, but he deserves to be this high. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. Michigan Football Position Greats Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all-around linebacker. That truly shows what kind of person he was off the field. You decide: Ohio State football's all-decade linebackers His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Power Ranking the 5 Greatest Linebackers in Minnesota Vikings History NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). Chicago 1981-92. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia That is just unheard of. Chuck Drazenovich. White House Livid Over Republican's Attack on Biden's Dead Son Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. He just goes out every week and hustles. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. Known as quite possibly the most sound tackler in school history, Ham was an extremely fundamental linebacker who was the captain of the 1970 Penn State defense. He did it once in 1985 and again in 1988. Ill take into account Pro Bowls, All-Pros (1st and 2nd team), stats, team success, players success, intimidation factor, and reputation, along with many other factors to make this list. He also took over Lloyds role in pass coverage as the only linebacker in the Steelers nickel defense. 9. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. Best of the Packers: Top 10 linebackers since 1960 - Dairyland Express Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. No. 5.) Peterson is another versatile linebacker who has played both inside and outside linebacker. Some of you will say hes too low. He wasnt very vocal, but his play did all the talking for him. When you think of Singletary, the first thing that comes to mind is intense focus. Brian Urlacher is one of the greatest linebackers of this decade. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. No. credit : - yahoo. SRS: 6.97 (5th of 26), SOS: 1.40. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. Defensive MVP in 2002. 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 . Jack Ham, Linebacker. Andre Tippett. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. Over the course of his two-year Ohio State career, Lee accumulated 147 tackles. No. Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. 1970 Dallas Cowboys Roster & Players - Pro-Football-Reference.com During the five year stretch from 1991-1995 where he made five consecutive Pro Bowls, Lloyd was one of, if not the, most dominating linebackers in the NFL. That game and his outstanding 1996 season earned Kirkland his first trip to the Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors after the 1996 season. 28a, Pat Swilling (Saints/Lions/Raiders) (1986-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Ham had outstanding speed. Top 10 LB's in OU history - 247sports.com Ranking Explanation . He has played the role of pass rusher and coverage linebacker in his career, and has excelled at both. Hes going into his first healthy season again in three years. Mike Singletary had the whole package. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. Mills, along with Swilling, was another member of that Dome Patrol defense. He may be one of the most hated players, but man can he play football. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . 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. 21. 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. 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. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Armstead didnt particularly stand out at anywhere, but he wasnt a weak link anywhere either. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back-to-back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. AP. Find 1970 1979 America stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. How NFL Players Have Evolved | Stadium Talk HELLO, PANDORA. But before you come to a conclusion, let's take a look at the facts. Leslie ONeal was a sack machine in his career. Siemon was always a good player, but never a great player. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. In that career he played both 4-3 OLB and 3-4 ILB. He is ninth in team history with 14 forced fumbles; he recovered 11, had 6 QB sacks, and 11 interceptions. These were the players who were great players, but not quite good enough to be placed inside the top 50. But we would be remiss to not acknowledge some of the top performers from that earlier era. Thats an outstanding number. 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. The Steelers began their 1976 season 1-4 and lost their quarterback, Terry Bradshaw.For the nine games remaining in the season, the Steelers . Taylor changed the way football is played today. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. Spielman was a great leader and intense player who always gave everything he had. 2-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, '88) Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 1989. 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. 1. 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). 100th NFL Anniversary team. Top 25 SEC LBs of all-time: No. 5-1 - Saturday Down South 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. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. He left everything he had on the field of play, and even though he was a tenacious player on the field, he was one of the most genuine and nice guys off the field. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1970s - AinsworthSports.com Rickey Jackson was one of the fastest linebackers in the game, but he was also one of the hardest hitters. . Jeff Siemon (Vikings) : Four-time Pro Bowler. He finished his career with 132.5 sacks. Zachary Petrizzo. 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. Jackson tallied up 128 sacks in his career, but even thats not his most impressive number. He was also the fastest linebacker of the bunch and excelled in pass coverage. He was always around the ball. He was a tackling machine for the majority of his career. Merriman still has the potential to be a great player again. In 1985, a trophy awarded to the best linebacker in college football was named in his honor. 23. Elected to the Pro Football Hall Of Fame in 2018. Please play responsibly. No. 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. could hit like a freight train, but it was his finesse and high football IQ that helped him revolutionize the linebacker position. Edmunds will have to clean up the missed tackles and improve in coverage to rise toward where most slot him currently a top-10 linebacker on this list next season. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL since 1970! 10. To stoke the nostalgia, we talked to some of the key players from the team's winningest, most . Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. 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 . Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. 1. He wasnt great at just one aspect he was equally great at everything he did. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. The forgotten members of the legendary 1970's Steelers team Ranking Explanation . A shot of Jameson for Notre Dame head coach Mike Brey. 1970s A 1-13 record in 1969 gave the Steelers the first overall choice in the 1970 draft, with which Noll addressed the offense by selecting quarterback Terry Bradshaw, another Hall of Famer, after the Steelers won the first selection by winning a coin toss with the Chicago Bears. 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An important part of the Las Vegas defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. In 2006, he had an amazing season and won defensive MVP, which is a very high honor that most players on this list never achieved. Keith Brooking has been one of the most consistent linebackers of all-time. Top 13 Cincinnati Reds Starting Pitchers of all time. Running back Larry Csonka of the Miami Dolphins is brought down by linebacker Henry Davis of . . That is just unheard of. Marshall wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker though, he also racked up 1,020 tackles during his 11 year NFL career, along with 24 forced fumbles. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Offensive Coordinator: Jim Myers. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. A truly great linebacker must be able to read the offense, set the defensive scheme, play the run with cat-like instincts and defend the pass with the utmost precision. If Bulluck played on a better team, I believe his stats would be much better and his accomplishments would be a lot more. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. Love him or hate him, Lewis has earned the title of greatest middle linebacker of all time. LSU ENDS REGULAR SEASON 27-1LSU women's basketball ties program-best season . The Greatest Penn State Linebackers of All Time Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. He racked up a staggering 1,181 tackles, and 1,131 of them in his first nine seasons. Singletary was a leader, not only vocally, but by example. Zach Thomas. No. Who are the Packers' greatest defenders of all time? - Green Bay Packers His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. 43, Keith Brooking* (Falcons/Cowboys) (1998-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Dennis Onkotz 1967 - 1969. Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. Thats amazing consistency. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Suggs is a pass rushing monster with the Ravens. 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. No. The 2008 season was his best sack season with 17.5. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca . This season marked the end for Tittle and fellow Canton-bound star Frank Gifford. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. No. He was a tackle machine and a very big hitter. Bet with your head, not over it. Gildon was most known for his pass rushing ability, picking up 54 sacks in a 5 year span. No. Nickerson wasnt just a one hit wonder though. Top 10 Boxers of the 1990s: Was Roy Jones Jr. the best? Patrick Willis is everything you look for in a linebacker. Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. He could do it all. McAdams was a two-time All-American . Im only going to be looking at players drafted in 1970 or later. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. No. Shawne Lights Out Merriman was the face of NFL linebackers for a three year stretch. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. No. Lloyd will always be remembered as the lightning quick pass rusher from the Blitzburgh days. He was unstoppable in goal line situations especially. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . The Greatest Linebackers of All Time - SportsUnfold 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 had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. It was tied for the best of the day with linebacker Owen Pappoe, of Auburn, and was the second-fastest time from an . Born April 20 . 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). No. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. Thats right, seven. Detroit Lions History: Top 5 Linebackers - SideLion Report He had an outstanding attitude and would do anything to get his team a win. Ray Lewis came into the league and dominated right away. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. Wright, Seattle Seahawks. Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history - NFL Spin Zone Lost Super Bowl 13-16 vs. Baltimore Colts. Top 13 Indiana High School Players of all Time, The 6 greatest Indiana Highschool pure Shooters, The 8 greatest IHSAA Championship Games in History. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. 46, Jon Beason* (Panthers) (2007-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. He also finished his career with 17 INTs. 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. 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. A tall order to say the least, and these 5 players did it better than anyone in the history of the NFL. He already has 57.5 sacks in his short career, along with 16 forced fumbles. Greene led the way in the pass rushing department. 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 running back Franco Harris. Banks was a player that any coach would want on their team. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Official list of the NFL's best players in the 1970s, National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team, National Football League 1960s All-Decade Team, https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/04/06/tom-brady-is-first-qb-to-make-two-all-decade-teams/, National Football League All-Decade Teams, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=National_Football_League_1970s_All-Decade_Team&oldid=1132426489, National Football League records and achievements, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 8 January 2023, at 20:52. No. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all time, recording 160 sacks in his career. He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. News Briefs: The latest updates in the Uptown and Downtown Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History Are you ready for some football history? If you havnt guessed it by now, Lawrence LT Taylor is my top linebacker of the modern era. 2013 MAC Hall of Fame Inductee: Western Michigans John Offerdahl. The thing about Derrick Thomas that is the most remarkable was how nice of a person he was off the field. Wilber Marshall had the whole package. Ray Lewis is another one of the three players on the list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Earl Campbell called Williams the toughest linebacker he ever played against. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Bulluck was an outstanding tackler, and was great at run support too. Johnson wasnt very flashy, but he was very solid all-around, which is why he sneaks onto the list. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. . No. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. The 'Skins historically have had some solid inside linebackers capable of both stopping the run and being reliable in coverage.