In Forester's final five seasons, he made all four of his Pro Bowls, all five of his All-Pro teams and helped lead Green Bay to its first two NFL titles under Lombardi. He might have been the most intimidating human being to ever step on a football field. You may have never heard of Joe Schmidt, but he was the single most dominant NFL linebacker through the 1950s and the early part of the 1960s. Born: April 18, 1962 (Titusville, Florida), High school: Astronaut High School (Titusville, Florida), Teams: Chicago Bears (1984-87), Washington Football Team (1988-92), Houston Oilers (1993), Arizona Cardinals (1994), New York Jets (1995), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1986, 1991), three-time Pro Bowl (1986, 1987, 1992), three-time All-Pro (1986, 1991, 1992), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992). 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. NFL: Ranking the 10 Best Middle Linebackers - Bleacher Report Modern football fans might be seeing the name Hardy Nickerson for the first time, but the old heads know him as one of the more dominant linebackers of his era who had the misfortune of playing most of his career with mediocre teams. Mar 23. 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. He was 6-foot-3, 225 pounds and ran a 4.6-second 40-yard dash. With the third-most sacks in NFL history, there's no question Kevin Greene belongs among the best linebackers of all-time. During his AFL career, Buoniconti earned six AFL All-Star honors and five First Team All-AFL. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb. 12-time Pro Bowler 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. The big-play machine from Waco, Texas, was one of the greatest linebackers in Longhorns program history. He was one of the most feared players in the sport in his prime. 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. He's not someone who is up for Hall of Fame consideration but his contribution to the game kept defenses afloat on playoff teams for an extended period of time. 6-time first-team All-Pro With Singletary, all it took was one look into his eyes to understand why. 8-time first-team All-Pro 8-time first-team All-Pro Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. If Willis can keep it going and avoid. And here are the 25 greatest linebackers in NFL history: 25. The Best New Orleans Saints Linebackers of All Time - Ranker Born: Dec. 15, 1940 (Springfield, Massachusetts), Died: July 30, 2019 (age 78, Bridgehampton, New York), High school: Cathedral High School (Springfield, Massachusetts), Teams: Boston Patriots (1962-68), Miami Dolphins (19690-74, 1976), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (1972, 1973), two-time Pro Bowl (1972, 1973), two-time All-Pro (1972, 1973), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2001). They paled in comparison but were great players in their own right most notably Wilber Marshall. 1. Houston Texans loaded with linebackers from Alabama - al.com Fletcher carved out a 16-year NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the Rams in his second season. Top 30 Linebackers in the NFL Since 1970 - The Grueling Truth Porter's 40% forced incompletion rate in 2022 led all Power Five cornerbacks. He won an NFL championship for Chicago in 1963. 55, Seau went on to become a legend in San Diego. Those are both more than Mecklenburg's career totals, and Gradishar played two fewer seasons. He's also the greatest defensive player of all time. 8-time Pro Bowler Norton's famous nod to his famous father was hitting the goal post pads like a punching bag, similar to how he treated opponents as the star linebacker for two of the best franchises in football for over a decade. High school: Colony High School (Ontario, California), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2013), six-time Pro Bowl (2014-19), six-time All-Pro (2014-19), NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. A study of his brain revealed he had a severe case of CTE, which can cause rage, amnesia and severe depression. In addition, Lewis was a two time Defensive Player of the Year, seven time First Team All-Pro and a 13 time Pro Bowler. Who are the best linebackers in New Orleans Saints history? Who are NFL's best middle linebackers of all time? - YouTube 1 Ray Lewis Lewis is widely considered one of the greatest middle linebackers of all time. 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). We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. 10 Best Linebackers in Steelers History (+Honorable Mentions) In 1986, he had one of the most dominant NFL seasons ever. James Farrior, New York Jets (1997-2001), Pittsburgh Steelers (02-11) 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. One other cool thing about Robinson was what he said about Green Bay Packers coach Dan Devine when he left the team after the 1972 season to play for Washington: "Lombardi was the best coach I ever had. For an optimal experience please rotate your device to portrait mode, After being considered by most teams too small, the Boston Patriots selected Nick Buoniconti with the teams 13. round selection. All Rights Reserved. 25 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History - AthlonSports.com Top 10 Best NFL Linebackers of All Time - TheTopTens These are the greatest linebackers in NFL history. Take a look at the best photos from the red carpet. Born: Dec. 23, 1948 (Johnstown, Pennsylvania), High school: Bishop McCourt High School (Johnstown, Pennsylvania), Career highlights: Four-time Super Bowl champion (1974, 1975, 1978, 1979), eight-time Pro Bowl (1973-80), eight-time All-Pro (1973-80), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1975), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988). 2-time NFL Championship Game winner Vince Lombardis leader on defense, Nitschke (No. Nick Buoniconti, Boston Patriots (1962-68), Miami Dolphins (69-76)Hall of Fame, Class of 2001 Putting outside, inside, and middle linebackers in one group gets tricky, and the position (like all positions in the game) has changed considerably over the years. In 11 dominant NFL seasons, Dave Wilcox only missed one game due to injury and confounded opposing offenses with his ability to elude blocks at the most basic level. The league's top prospects stepped into the NFL Photo studio for Draft portraits. 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? Ray Nitschke, Green Bay Packers (1958-72)Hall of Fame, Class of 1978 Top 10 NFL Middle Linebackers of All Time Rankings 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. How would you rank the greatest Middle Linebackers in history? All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 2003 Defensive Player of the Year He played with an amazing amount of fire and determination without bringing much attention to himself. By Eddie Brown. Les Richter was an amazing football player and had size and speed that could have landed him on NFL rosters in any era. High school: Maggie L. Walker (Richmond, Virginia), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1969), six-time Pro Bowl (1970-75), eight-time All-Pro (1968-75), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986). Super Bowl XLVII champion Your login session has expired. A name that may have been slotted inside of the top five on the list of middle linebackers if his career was longer is the former San Francisco 49ers great Patrick Willis. Willie Lanier: For eight seasons, Bell played alongside Billy Lanier in one of the NFL's most legendary linebacking corps. Best Linebackers in the NFL | List of Top NFL Linebackers - Ranker The two-time Super Bowl champ is one of the greatest overall defenders in NFL history. 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. Super Bowl VII champion High school: Lovington High School (Lovington, New Mexico), Career highlights: NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005), five-time All-Pro (2001, 2002. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. 2023 NFL Draft: Top Linebackers - The San Diego Union-Tribune His NFL career was punctuated by big hits and big wins, including three consecutive Super Bowl wins with the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers in the early 1990s. Veteran A.J. 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. That would end up being an anomaly in Dansby's career. "I'm Samurai Mike, I stop 'em cold," was the start of his "Super Bowl Shuffle" verse. With this responsibility and how important the game has evolved, the MLB position has produced many great players over the years. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is both a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the 100th Anniversary Team. 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). 5-time Pro Bowler15. Onus on Bills' coaches, McDermott at middle linebacker draft He played for the Baltimore Ravens for 17 seasons and recorded 2,061 tackles and 41.5 sacks in his. 6-time first-team All-Pro The Top Ten Greatest NFL Middle Linebackers of all Time High school: Excel High School (Excel, Alabama), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1971), NFC Defensive Player of the Year (1973), five-time Pro Bowl (1967-69, 1973, 1974), two-time All-Pro (1969, 1973). Analysis by Sam Fortier. But it's worth pointing out that he was much more than a football player. Arguably USCs most notable No. Super Bowl XXXIV champion25. Chicago Bears: 15 greatest linebackers of all time - Da Windy City 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. According to Pro Football Reference, Taylor recorded either a fumble recovery, an interception, or double-digit sacks each season of his career. 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. On paper, Gradishar's resume was much better than Mecklenburg's career accolades. Sori-Marin is more of a traditional two-down middle linebacker with good size 6-2, 236 pounds for the position. 5-time Pro Bowler24. FP - TopX: Greatest Middle Linebacker of All Time The Packers were an unstoppable force on both sides of the ball with the defensive playing a key role in the teams success. Both players led their team to a Super Bowl, and for Gradishar, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 1978, the year the Broncos won an AFC title. 2-time Pro Bowler In four seasons, Willis has 594 total tackles, 15 sacks, made the Pro Bowl every year, and three times has been named a first-team All-Pro linebacker. Related:NFL Teams With Most Hall of Famers. Few stories rival that of former NFL star Patrick Willis. The on-field brains behind Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryans famed 1985 Bears defense, Singletary is undeniably one of the greatest to ever play the position.5. Jack Ham was one of the smartest players to ever take a snap in the NFL, on offense or defense, and had a reputation for never being out of position, never being fooled by offensive trickery and making huge plays. The former Miami Hurricane is a member of the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team and a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary Team. 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). 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. 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. Willis' career was cut short due to injuries but his legacy on the field is known. 6-time Pro Bowler12. Talley was on all four of Buffalos AFC title teams that lost in the Super Bowl and finished his career with 1,252 tackles, 38.5 sacks and 29 takeaways. 1-time first-team All-Pro Over his career, Lewis helped lead the Ravens to two Super Bowl championships while being named Super Bowl XXXV MVP. Robertson's size, speed and athleticism often made the difference in games for the Rams. He was 74 years old. Super Bowl XXIX champion22. Please logout and login again. Seau recorded 1,849 career tackles over his career to go along with 56.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and 18 interceptions. Joe Fortunato's greatest teammate, fellow linebacker Dick Butkus, also became perhaps the greatest impediment to Fortunato's long-term legacy. 1988 Defensive Player of the Year Posted 8 Days Ago 1. A little-known fact about Talley: He's the cousin of Baseball Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins owner Derek Jeter. . Top 10 middle linebackers of all time - Pro Football Mania While quarterbacks have their hands on every play on offense to lead their teams to victory, it's much tougher for players to control the game by sheer force of will. Isiah Robertson was one of the stars on the Los Angeles Rams' defenses that won six consecutive NFC West titles. Urclacher recorded at least 100 tackles nine times over his career including a career high 153 during the 2002 NFL season. The Top 10 NFL Linebackers of All Time - Bleacher Report High school: Clarkstown High School North (New City, New York), Teams: Tennessee Titans (2000-09), New York Giants (2010), Career highlights:Three-time NFL All-Pro (2002, 2003, 2007), Pro Bowl (2003). It's hard to claim that anyone other than the great Lawrence Taylor is the best linebacker ever. 1972 NFL Man of the Year High school: Kathleen High School (Lakeland, Florida), Career highlights: Two-time Super Bowl champion (2000, 2012), Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (2000), 13-time Pro Bowl (1997-2001, 2003, 2004, 2006-11), 10-time All-Pro (1997-2001, 2003, 2004, 2008-10), two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2000, 2003), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2018). Despite a 101-year history, the Cardinals haven't produced a Hall of Famer at linebackerbut they've still had plenty of . 1976 Defensive Player of the Year 1969 Defensive Player of the Year An eighth-round pick by the Eagles in 1986 out of UTEP, he was actually cut during his first training camp before being resigned during the season. Bills draft Dorian Williams: Does Tulane product give Buffalo what it Kevin Greene. A post shared by BostonPride91 (@bostonpride91). Raiders post-draft depth chart: Will any of the rookies be Week 1 Born: June 28, 1936 (Wheeling, West Virginia), High school: Warwood High School (Wheeling, West Virginia), NFL career: 15 seasons (1958-60, 1961-73), Teams: Chicago Bears (1958-59), Dallas Cowboys (1961-73), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1971), Super Bowl Most Valuable Player (1970), six-time Pro Bowl (1965-69, 1971), six-time Pro Bowl (1966-71). Jackson retired in the top three in NFL history for sacks (128) and fumble recoveries (28). Willis, who the 49ers selected during the 2007 NFL draft was as good as any middle linebacker to play the position and one that was gifted with all the athletic abilities to stop the run, cover running backs and tight ends in passing situations and one that could get to the quarterback. Robertson died in a car accident in 2018, at 69 years old. 1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest linebackers in NFL history. But it was his leadership in four Super Bowl wins that moves Lambert ahead of Dick Butkus as sacrilegious as that may seem.3. Born: Oct. 27, 1929 (Waynesburg, Pennsylvania), Died: Sept. 30, 1982 (Rockford, Illinois), High School: Central High School (Waynesburg, Pennsylvania), Teams: Chicago Bears (1952-65), Los Angeles Rams (1966), Career highlights: NFL champion (1963), eight-time All-Pro (1955-61, 1963), NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (1974). Bill Forester is one of the greatest examples of Vince Lombardi's genius as a coach. He was a two-time Super Bowl winner with the New York Giants, who he played for during each of his 13 NFL seasons. Fortunato also is the only player on the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1950s that was not inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 13 on the all-time list Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. How tough was the "City Champ"? We'll find out in 2024, when he'll be on the ballot for the first time. Ron Rivera must win in 2023. The Commanders have done all they can Many of the games greatest players have been the man in the middle who called the shots in the huddle before turning into tackling machines and splash-playmakers from sideline-to-sideline once the ball was snapped. NFL footage NFL Productions LLC. That was the first of five consecutive seasons with at least 120 tackles. 3 on the all-time list, Baltimore Ravens, 1996-2012 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to 13 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro seven times Recorded 41.5 sacks and 1562 career tackles Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Green Bay Packers, 1958-1972 Two-time Super Bowl champion Voted to one Pro Bowl, First Team All-Pro twice Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Detroit Lions, 1953-1965 Two-time NFL champion Voted to 10 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Pittsburgh Steelers, 1971-1982 Four-time Super Bowl champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 1958-1959; Dallas Cowboys, 1961-1973 One-time NFL champion Voted to six Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times, Chicago Bears, 1952-1966; Los Angeles Rams 1966 One-time NFL champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro eight times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs, 1963-1974 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro six times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1995-2008 One-time Super Bowl champion Voted to 11 Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Recorded 1,297 career tackles Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Baltimore Colts, 1969-1973; Green Bay Packers, 1974; Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders, 1975-1983 Four-time Super Bowl champion Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro four times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Chicago Bears, 1965-1973 Voted to eight Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro five times Enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Kansas City Chiefs, 1989-1999 Voted to nine Pro Bowls, First Team All-Pro twice Recorded 126.5 career sacks, which ranks No. After being selected with the third overall pick, Butkus would go on to make eight Pro Bowl teams during his nine year career. Fans of the Dallas Cowboys feel the same way about him after he helped lead them to their first Super Bowl win in 1971, the same year he set a team record with 21 tackles. Ray Lewis, Baltimore Ravens (1996-2012) 2000 Defensive Player of. No questions asked. Super Bowl XIV championThe foreman of the Steel Curtain defense, Lambert expanded the job description of the middle backer dropping into pass coverage as smooth as a safety while remaining the sledgehammer enforcer of an old-school middle man. Kuechly made seven Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro teams, and in 2012, he was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Nick Buoniconti was just 5-foot-11 and 220 pounds but destroyed opponents with sheer will and ferocity, helping lead the Dolphins to two Super Bowl wins and the only undefeated season in NFL history in 1972. Poll : Are these the 3 Greatest Middle Linebackers of All-Time? Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . Top 10 Linebackers of All Time | NFL Highlights - YouTube 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. Super Bowl XXI champion16. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Seth Joyner's career was a story in resilience. Master Your Draft Strategy With Our Free and Easy-to-Use Mock Draft Simulator. 2020 Stats: 69 Solo, 0 Sacks, 0 FF, 3 INT. Who are the 3 Greatest Middle Linebackers of All Time? Born into abject poverty in rural Tennessee, he was working full-time in the cotton fields by the time he was 10 years old and had to flee his home with his sisters at 17 to get away from his violent, alcoholic father. 2-time first-team All-Pro Born: May 3, 1941 (Mount Holly, New Jersey), High school: Moorestown High School (Moorestown, New Jersey), Teams: Green Bay Packers (1963-72), Washington Redskins (1973-74), Career highlights: Three-time NFL champion (1965-67), two-time Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967), three-time Pro Bowl (1966, 1967, 1969), three-time All-Pro (1967-69), NFL 1960s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2013). 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. Check out some of the best photos from the 2023 NFL Draft! His play on the field was filled with passion and talent that helped him become one of the best to play the game. The 1990 Pro Football Hall of Famer was so elite throughout his career that he was a member of four of the most prestigious all-time teams in NFL history. Generations of linebackers have played in the NFL and defined the game. 8-time Pro Bowler Lavonte David's football career took him across the United States after growing up in Miami, Florida. Starters: Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo. How deep was Nitschke in pop culture during his career? 3-time first-team All-Pro No NFL team has the linebacker tradition of the Bears, who boast Hall of Famers Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, Urlacher and Mack, a future Hall of Famer, among their all-time greats. Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles (1949-62)Hall of Fame, Class of 1967 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. 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. 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. It is hard not to put Ray Lewis at the top of this list as the top Middle Linebacker All-Time. Others to know: Rashee Rice (SMU), Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss), A.T. Perry (Wake Forest) Linebacker. Taylor's dominance changed the way football is played on every level, from how offensive lines block to the way teams teach how to rush the quarterback. The most famous member of the No Name Defense, Buoniconti is alleged to be the ringleader of the 1972 Dolphins annual champagne toast when the last undefeated team loses each season.10. That is the highest among all linebackers. Over the last few years, the Bears have featured names like Lance Briggs and Khalil Mack. Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears (1965-73)Hall of Fame, Class of 1979 The Arizona Cardinals have declined to pick up linebacker Isaiah Simmons' fifth-year contract option, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. In his short time in the league, Willis made seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams and banked over $50 million in career earnings. In a testament to the influence that karate had in the U.S. in the 1980s and what a freak of nature Tippett is he's also a sixth-degree black belt. And Farrior, nicknamed "The Ultimate Farrior" by fans, was a huge part of that. Lewis was the face of the franchise and the energizer of the defensive dominance. High school: Pahokee High School (Pahokee, Florida), Teams: New Orleans Saints (1981-93), San Francisco 49ers (1994-95), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (1994), six-time Pro Bowl (1983-86, 1992, 1993), five-time All-Pro (1984-86, 1992, 1993), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2010). Super Bowl XXXVIII champion 3-time first-team All-Pro During his AFL career, Buoniconti earned six AFL All-Star honors and five First Team All-AFL. Brazile is often credited for being the first outside linebacker to define how the game was played in a 3-4 defense while rushing the passer, although sacks weren't an official NFL statistic until his last three seasons. One of the most feared pass rushers in NFL history, Swilling finished his career with 107.5 sacks but no playoff wins. He's also already made six All-Pro teams, six Pro Bowls and banked almost $100 million in career earnings. David cashed in with a Super Bowl victory following the 2020 season. Backups: Luke Masterson, Curtis Bolton. Born: Aug. 25, 1965 (Birmingham, Alabama), High school: Ensley High School (Birmingham, Alabama), Teams: Buffalo Bills (1987-95), Atlanta Falcons (1996-98), Indianapolis Colts (1999-2000), Career highlights: Two-time AFC Defensive Player of the Year (1988, 1991), five-time Pro Bowl (1988, 1990-93), three-time All-Pro (1988, 1991, 1992), AFC Defensive Team of the Decade (2000s). Here's a crazy thing about James Farrior. With the combination of speed and power, he is one of the greatest linebackers to ever play in NFL history. Darryl Talley was a physical and athletic marvel during his playing career, and his consistency was truly something to behold. 5-time Pro Bowler Drew Sanders, Arkansas. It's fitting that Khalil Mack now plays for the Chicago Bears. Here are my top 10 linebackers: 1. On the field, Butkus recorded 22 career interceptions to go along with 27 fumble recoveries. The lineage of great Chicago Bears middle linebackers is clear, with 4 players making this list. 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