best linebackers of the 1970s

Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. Andre Tippett may have been outshined by Lawrence Taylor playing basically the same position at the same time frame, but theres no mistaking what Tippett did on the field. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Visit Our Patreon Page to Create Your Own All-Time Fantasy Teams and See Other Bonus Material . He is most known for the neck plate he wore behind his head, but dont let that distract you from his great play on the field. As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. The leader of the Dome Patrol comes in at No. LAS CRUCES, N.M. (AP) At New Mexico State, the once-treasured men's basketball program has been suspended for the season due to a fatal shooting and a gruesome allegation of locker-room . Jason Gildon (Steelers/Jaguars): - Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. 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 . He could do it all. Tippett finished his career with 100 sacks. Thats right, seven. He just goes out every week and hustles. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. 22, Chris Spielman (Lions/Bills) (1988-1997) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Rickey Jackson could do it all. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. He led the team in tackles five of the 11 season he played for them. He started all but one game in his last eight seasons, which is very impressive for a linebacker. Call it foreshadowing, but you will see some of his teammates higher up on this list. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. The 1970s had many great moments by individual players such as the NFL's first 2,000-yard season by O.J. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Jackson was not just a coverage linebacker, he was also a good pass rusher and a very hard worker off the field. No. No. Playing 20 seasons in the NFL is amazing at any position. Taylor changed the way football is played today. LT was the most intimidating player ever to put on an NFL uniform. 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. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. 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. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. The Pittsburgh Steelers are second with all-time players in four decades. 33, Al Wilson (Broncos) (1999-2006) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. 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). In 1993 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker, Nickerson piled up an astounding 214 tackles. Thomas was the best linebacker of the 1990s, and one of the best pass rushers of all-time. Won Conference Championship 17-10 vs. San Francisco 49ers. 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. He was also the first player to have a TE or RB used for chip blocking on, and overall changed the way offensive lineman block. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. James Harrison. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Super Bowl winner. He has been one of the most intimidating players in the NFL his entire career. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. Williams has received numerous honors, including selection to the NFL All-Rookie Team (1976), the Byron Whizzer White Award for Humanitarian Service (1985), the NFL Walter Payton Man of the Year Award (1986), and Sports Illustrateds Co-Sportsman of the Year (1987). In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. But he proved them wrong and was a key piece on the Broncos Super Bowl winning team. 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. He had less than seven sacks in a season only once. I know, how can I rate Kirkland over Greene? No. I think thats largely due to the NFL not keeping sacks and tackles numbers during his career. Thomas was one of the most instinctive linebackers of all-time. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. Two years later, the Giants sunk to 1-12-1. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . No. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974 and Defensive Player of the Year two years later. Thomas did everything you asked out of a linebacker. Lewis wasnt as vocal as Cox, but his play was a little better, and lasted for a longer period of time. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. 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. Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. He could play zone and man. 44, Jessie Armstead (Giants/Redskins) (1993-2003) *Five-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. Next up on the docket for my top Redskins players series are the linebackers. 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. 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. In his time in the NFL, he intercepted 25 passes and returned six of them for touchdowns with three of those in 2002 alone. He was one of a kind and will always be remembered as one of the best linebackers of all time. . No. The . Wilber Marshall had the whole package. 29, Joey Porter* (Steelers/Dolphins/Cardinals) (1999-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. Anything you asked him to do, he would do. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. His high sack number was 15 in 2001, a year that he didnt even get voted into the Pro Bowl. 27. 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. . 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. 3 hours ago. 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. He also ranks third all . Offerdahl was a blue collar type of player who was an even better person off the field. Seau is one of the Chargers' all-time great players, and will go to Canton five years after he retires like he should. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. He was always around the ball. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. (Pro Football Weekly 1975 Defensive Player of the Year, 1970s All-Decade Team, 1994 75th anniversary team), and also the team success (4 Super Bowls). This team was widely regarded as having one of the best defenses of all-time. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all time, recording 160 sacks in his career. He knew how to make big plays. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:03 a.m. EST. 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 . After being labeled a bust by many after his first four seasons with the Jets, Farrior broke out with the Steelers and became one of the most consistent players in the league. Eddie Johnson arrived in Cleveland at exactly the right time. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. Top 10 Best Linebackers In Cleveland Browns History. 9-time All-Pro, 10-time Pro Bowler. Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. These are the newest members of GHSF Daily's Georgia Power 100. 24, Leslie ONeal (Chargers/Rams/Chiefs) (1986-1999) *Six-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He was the quintessential linebacker and easily the greatest of his era. Pittsburgh 2002, '04-12, '14-17; Cincinnati 2013; New England 2017. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . 18, Andre Tippett (Patriots) (1982-1993) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Find 1970 1979 America stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. No. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. He became a starter at inside linebacker for the Steelers in his second season, 1993, replacing Pro Bowler David Little. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. For most other franchises, a resume like this would make Jack Ham the greatest linebacker in thier history by a wide margin. 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. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. Gambling Problem? 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Steve Kiner (1966-69): Tennessee fans didn't have to wait long after Emanuel left to find the next superstar linebacker. 25. Here's a list of the Packers' top 10 all-time defensive players since 1950, when unlimited substitution was restored to the NFL, paving the way for two-platoon football. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. Ranking Explanation . The best LB in the NFL today comes in at No. 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. A two-time All-American and a three-year starter for the Vols, Kiner . He tried to get in your head before you even took a step on the field of play. Players must be 21 years of age or older or reach the minimum age for gambling in their respective state and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. In his three years at Clemson (1995-'97) Simmons recorded 486 tackles, only 29 off the school record Bubba Brown recorded in four years from 1976-'79. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. 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. They surrendered only 20 points in that game, and seven of them were off a blocked punt. Bryan Cox was an all-around package at linebacker. Super Bowl XX champion. 13, Greg Lloyd (Steelers/Panthers) (1988-1998) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. 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. With rule changes being what they have been, I decided to rank the linebackers that have played since 1970. Zach Thomas. Brooking was the face of the Falcons defense for nearly a decade, and is a well-rounded player. 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. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. Still, its an amazing number. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Cornerback Mel Blount was added in the . Suggs will only continue to climb this list the longer he plays, since hes in the middle of his prime right now. Brooks was the leader of that defense, but his surrounding cast was just too good to rank him higher. Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. I think hell climb up this list further in the near future. No. 50, Bryan Cox (Dolphins/Bears/Jets/Patriots/Saints) (1991-2003). Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. Joe Schmidt. He was selected late in the 12th Round, and nobody expected much out of him. Let me start out by saying that yes, I know that he was only a linebacker for half his career and DE the other half. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. Jackson was the vocal leader of the orange crush defense. *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. No. Blair was outstanding in coverage, along with being a great tackler. 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. 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. No. 21. Thats the type of player you want on your team, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . Lawrence Taylor: one of the greatest defensive players ever, Taylor was a pass-rushing force who revolutionized the outside linebacker position . Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Bills LBs include Sam Rogers, Keith Ellison, Shane Conlan, and John Holecek. Nine All-Pros. 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. Selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 2nd round . 10. Thats over 10 sacks per season, which is outstanding. Lawrence Taylor of course, is regarded as the best 3-4 linebacker ever, . Born April 20 . Ham is the only linebacker other than Tom Jackson to have seven INTs in a single season. 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 . 1. Beason may be the most controversial player on this list. 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). 100th NFL Anniversary team. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. 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). Teamwork and Leadership from Karl Mecklenburg NFL Motivational Keynote Speaker. 10, Junior Seau (Chargers/Dolphins/Patriots) (1990-2009) *Twelve-time Pro Bowler *Six-time All-Pro 1st Team *Three-time All-Pro 2nd Team. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. Jack Ham might be the best coverage linebacker of all-time. Ranking Explanation . He may be one of the most hated players, but man can he play football. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. No. He should be in the Hall of Fame. 16, Robert Brazile (Oilers) (1975-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Four-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Randy Gradishar Joins The Speer Wealth Team. 47, Fredd Young (Seahawks/Colts) (1984-1990) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Kirkland had great speed and agility for a big man. Mills, along with Swilling, was another member of that Dome Patrol defense. Already in his career, Ware has forced 23 fumbles. 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. Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. 8, Demarcus Ware* (Cowboys) (2005-Present) *Four-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Undersized height wise, but an overabundance of heart made him more than a handful to deal with. He was a hard worker, good tackler, and had great hands. He also played two different positions, playing ILB and OLB for the Vikings in his career. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. Running back Larry Csonka of the Miami Dolphins is brought down by linebacker Henry Davis of . He is still active, and is a starter, but he might be on his way out of San Diego. Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. In the words of Vikings' head coaching legend Bud Grant, "Paul personified the term free safety.". Sam Huff. 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. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. Still, its an amazing number. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. . 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 led the Eagles in tackles in his time with the team. 40, Bryce Paup (Packers/Bills/Jaguars/Vikings) (1990-2000) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Hardy Nickerson makes it this high on the list mainly because of one ridiculous season he had. The Steelers went 6-10 in his first season, but along with players like Hines Ward, Jerome Bettis, and Alan Faneca .

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