best linebackers of the 1970s

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. Bill Parcells considered Carson the best all-around linebacker he ever coached, which is very high praise from someone who has coached a ton of linebackers in his day. He holds the NFL record for the most Pro Bowl selections by a middle linebacker (13). As also playing DE should tell you, he was very versatile and could play many different positions. LaVar Arrington. 100th NFL Anniversary team. Ware has made four consecutive Pro Bowls and has had three consecutive All-Pro seasons. In the first round, the team tabbed Fred McNeill of USC, who became a fixture at the outside linebacker spot for many . NFL 100 All-Time Team (2019). Discuss this article along with many other quality articles, discussions, and much more at: http://forums.sportsjabber.net/sjforums/showthread.php?t=54444. When you ask who is the greatest MLB of all-time is, many people jump straight to Dick Butkus. He had 1,301 tackles and 25 forced fumbles in his career. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. Notre Dame, Mike Brey and the awkward goodbye - The Athletic 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). When Indiana travels to San Antonio, it will MLB Rule Changes | Can F1 Compete With NASCAR | Froggy Talkin Sports #MLB #indianahoosiers #nascar, Indiana Basketball Postgame W/Steve Risley: Indiana vs Iowa Recap and more, Must be 21+. [3] No. He had ten seasons with 10+ sacks. Lambert and Ham also won four Super Bowls with the Steelers in the 1970s playing in the Steel Curtain. Thomas never had less than seven sacks in a season in his entire career, and only had less than eight sacks in one season. 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. 10. Those would be accomplishments by themselves, let alone all together. He would give it his all on every single down of every single play. Lambert wasnt just great on the inside, he was an outstanding coverage linebacker. Defensive MVP in 2002. No. Many of you will say that Keith Bulluck is way too high. . He was also a big hitter and very intimidating on the field of play. Gambling Problem? He wasnt great at one aspect but was equally as good at everything he did. In 1976, Jackson had seven INTs. Interview with Former Steeler Great levon kirkland. 5, Jack Lambert (Steelers) (1974-1984) *Nine-time Pro Bowlers *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Greene led the way in the pass rushing department. The Steel Curtain was the defensive line of the 1970s American football team Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). No. Overlooked because he played alongside Lawrence Taylor, Carson did most of the dirty work in that linebacking core. Please click on "Comments" and make sure to vote in the poll. 25, Karl Mecklenburg (Broncos) (1983-1994) *Six-time Pro Bowler *Three-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro Karl "The Albino Rhino" Mecklenburg was the definition of a blue collar player. Robert Brazile. Over the past 50 years, the Steelers have tallied 36 winning seasons . The versatile middle linebacker played a significant role in helping the Steelers win four Super Bowls in a span of six years in the 1970s. Spielman had seven straight 100 tackle seasons, and did it eight out of nine years. Randy Gradishar played along with Tom Jackson in the Denver Broncos Orange Crush defense. Countdown 119: Top 10 Linebackers in NFL History - Sports H2H He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. It seemed like he knew where the ball was going at all times. He made five straight Pro Bowls, but the reason he doesnt rank higher on this list is because he was never a feared player like his teammate Michael Strahan was, and his stats just arent good enough. He also had 20 INTs, three of which he returned for touchdowns. Bulluck was an outstanding tackler, and was great at run support too. 49, Vaughn Johnson (Saints/Eagles) (1986-1994) *Four-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Wilber Marshall had the whole package. Atlante vs Raya2 Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time, Date, Team News, lineup news, Odds, Stats, Betting Tips Trends, Where To Watch Live Score Mexican Liga de Expansin MX 2023 Telecast Today Match Details March 3, Club Tijuana vs Atlas Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, Wydad AC vs Vita Club Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream, U Cluj vs Farul Prediction, Head-To-Head, Live Stream Time,, Top 10 Best Football Agents In The World | 2023 Updates, Top 10 Most Successful Retired Soccer Players 2023, FC Magdeburg vs 1. Lance Briggs may be overshadowed by Brian Urlacher, but dont forget how great of a player Briggs has been for the Bears. There was a story of someone meeting Thomas at the Pro Bowl for no longer than 10 minutes. He was always good enough for Pro Bowls, but was never an All-Pro Player. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. Punter Ray Guy was the leading vote-getter for the 1970s All-Decade Team, receiving 24 of a possible 25 votes. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Paul Krause | S. The NFL's all-time leader in interceptions spent 12 of his 16 years in Minnesota. No. Still, its an amazing number. Jackson was the vocal leader of that defense. Demarcus Ware has only played five seasons in the NFL, but already hes one of the best of this era. A late 12th round pick Mecklenburg finished his career with 79 sacks, which is great for an ILB, and also ranks 2nd all-time in Broncos history. T&Cs apply. 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. Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized linebacker play in the NFL. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. [1][2] The squad consists of first- and second-team offensive, defensive, and special teams units, as well as a first- and second-team head coaches. 3 hours ago. 10. Taylor changed the way football is played today. Mike Singletary is one of three players on this list to win Defensive Player of the Year twice in his career. Greene was one of the best pass rushers of all-time, recording 160 sacks in his career. Over his career, he totaled 1,271 tackles, 12 INTs, and 19 forced fumbles. Even now, you can tell what kind of person he is by his charity work with the REACH Foundation that he started. Hes had 92 sacks and 23 forced fumbles so far in his career. Ranking the 10 best linebackers in Raiders history In 2008, Suggs even had two INTs, both of which he returned for touchdowns. Thats amazing consistency. 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. Sacks and tackles werent recorded until late in his career, but he was a great pass rusher and all round linebacker. Minnesota Vikings reporter suggests All-Pro defender a likely 2023 cap Check out the 1970 Minnesota Vikings Roster, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports and more on Pro-Football-Reference.com. Leslie ONeal was a sack machine in his career. From canvas high-tops to social media dominance, the NBA has come a long way. Young was a fierce hitter, and would always stick his nose in the middle of the play. 3, Mike Singletary (Bears) (1981-1992) *Ten-time Pro Bowler *Seven-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 31, Tom Jackson (Broncos) (1973-1986) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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). 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. 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. . Over his career, Brooking has racked up 962 tackles and 12 INTs. 5. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. The Top Ranked Linebackers of the 1960s Less of a nod goes to pass rushers, linebackers and safeties. . Linebacker Jack Ham and Tight end Dave Casper each received 20 votes. His sacks are the main reason hes this high, but he was also a great all-around player. Use Isiah Robertsons name in a talk of most underrated players of all time, and youll impress your fellow football fans. Boulware had at least seven sacks every year he played other than his last season in the NFL. Butkus nasty disposition and ability to blow up anyone standing in his path, made him one of the most feared players in the history of the game. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. The next year, he followed it up with four more interceptions. 1986 Boston Celtics - Were they the greatest Team? Named to NFL's All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. Best players in Clemson history: Linebackers 10 Tom Jackson. This list isnt based solely on performances from the 2020 NFL season. No. Taylor changed the way football is played today. He already has 57.5 sacks in his short career, along with 16 forced fumbles. Briggs does a lot of pass coverage with the Bears, and has had 53 passes deflected already in his career. Comic-Con Museum named best pop culture museum by USA Today. Mike Singletary. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Here Are 8 Ways NBA Has Changed That Modern Fans Don't Realize. 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. Mills racked up 1,142 tackles in his career. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12-year career, which is outstanding. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. You might be thinking Top 10 already? But look at his numbers. NFLs Merchants of Menace Cornelius Bennett and Bruce Smith. He finished his career with 1,106 tackles and 627 assisted tackles as well. He would always be found around the ball, and around the play. Don Moorehead, Dennis Franklin, Jim Harbaugh, Elvis Grbac, Tom Brady, Forest Evashevski, Benny Friedman and John Navarre were all elected Captains by their teammates. Super Bowl winner. Any coach would be lucky to have a player like Karl Mecklenburg on their roster. Taylor is one of only two defensive players (DT Alan Page, 1971) in the history of the NFL to be named NFL MVP. Linebacker U Penn State Tradition Jack Ham as a Steeler. If not, you can open it also by clicking the following link: Top 10 Athletes past the age of 40: Where does Tom Brady rank? Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Jack Ham, Linebacker. 43, Keith Brooking* (Falcons/Cowboys) (1998-Present) *Five-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Mills was more of a complete player than Swilling, although the two are too close to separate one from the other. Behind the Purple People Eaters of the 70s was one of the best safeties the league has ever seen. Lamberts best season was in 1976, where he won the Defensive Player of the Year award. Eleven Pro Bowls. The Greatest Penn State Linebackers of All Time Thats nearly 13 sacks per season. He was a dominating force in the NFL during that stretch of time. With rule changes being what they have been, The number one pick was obvious. Of course, prior to 1970, there was only one captain chosen; since 1970, we've had as many as four chosen in a single season. You could stick him on any TE in the league, even some slot receivers, and he would take them out of the game. Ray Lewis is the highest-ranked active player on this list, and the top middle linebacker on it. He also took over Lloyds role in pass coverage as the only linebacker in the Steelers nickel defense. 27. Penn State football all-time defense | Who are the greatest defensive Cox was also a vocal leader of the teams he played for, directing his defenses to success. The next year at the Pro Bowl, Thomas remembered him by name. Ray Lewis is the top MLB of the modern era and is easily the linebacker of the 2000s. Defensive MVP in 2002. 4, Derrick Thomas (Chiefs) (1989-1999) *Nine-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. [a][4]. During his career Williams amassed 62.5 sacks, which is the second most in Bengals history. HELLO, PANDORA. 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. He was also a good pass rusher, and a good coverage man as well. If Bulluck played on a better team, I believe his stats would be much better and his accomplishments would be a lot more. He was never the most athletic player on the field, but he was always the hardest working. Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. Rickey Jackson doesnt always get the credit he deserves, but hes a top 10 linebacker of the modern era. Thomas' remarkable personality was also recognized by being awarded the Walter Peyton Man of the Year Award in 1993. He was 73. His 32 career INTs lead the way for linebackers. The only thing that could match his signature stare was the stellar play of Samurai Mike on the field. No. Mike Singletary had the whole package. 21, Patrick Willis* (49ers) (2006-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Wright, Seattle Seahawks. He had five INTs in a season twice in his career. He also had at least 99 tackles in seven years of his 12 year career, which is outstanding. He did it in 2000 and again in 2003. Lambert was a Pro Bowler in all but his rookie season and his final pro season, totaling nine selections. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 12:30 a.m. EST Brian Urlacher is one of the greatest linebackers of this decade. 20, Keith Bulluck* (Titans) (2000-Present) *One-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Not only did he change the way defenses are run, but he changed the way offensive schemes are run as well. AP Sports SummaryBrief at 7:03 a.m. EST | National | wdrb.com Next were Defensive end Jack Youngblood and Joe Greene who each had 18 votes. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. Brown was a very versatile linebacker. 10. Porter will try to continue his success in Arizona and continue to climb up this list. Wilson recorded 560 tackles and 21.5 sacks as a member of the Broncos. Robertson is one of the most underrated players in NFL history. Despite the bad taste he left when leaving the team, James Harrison belongs on the upper half of the top ten linebackers in Steelers history. NFL Defensive Rookie of the . No. He has speed, size, toughness, instincts, vision, patience, and football smarts. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History 12, Randy Gradishar (Broncos) (1974-1984) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro *Three-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Super Bowl XX champion. Gradishar was the silent assassin of the team. NFL WAGS: 10 Hottest NFL Wives & Girlfriends 2023. No. 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. Junior Seau finished his career with 1,524 tackles, the highest total on this list. He was a good pass rusher, having at least 5.5 sacks in 10 straight years, but he was also good against the run and in coverage. Kirkland had 10 tackles and a key sack of Dallas quarterback Troy Aikman. Top 10 Washington Football Team LBs of All Time - Sports Articles Brooks wasnt just a pass coverage linebacker, but he also played the run well. Brooks was the leader of that defense, but his surrounding cast was just too good to rank him higher. 5.) In only five seasons, Wares already totaled up 64.5 sacks, including 20 in 2008. Armstead didnt particularly stand out at anywhere, but he wasnt a weak link anywhere either. Peterson is another versatile linebacker who has played both inside and outside linebacker. Linebacker finalists announced for NFL 100 All-Time Team Robertson was one of the NFLs most athletic linebackers. 2011 Butkus Award winner for nation s best linebacker at Boston College. The thing about Derrick Thomas that is the most remarkable was how nice of a person he was off the field. So while there were outstanding linebackers in previous years, like Dick Butkus and Ray Nitschke, they will not be on this list. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports. Those are remarkable numbers, especially when he is still going strong. 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. The defense was ranked right up there along with the 1985 Bears, and Steelers teams of the 1970s. 38, Chad Brown (Steelers/Seahawks/Patriots) (1993-2007) *Three-time Pro Bowler *Two-time 1st Team All-Pro. Tribute to Elvis He was very athletic, a great tackler, and he could cover. 45, Shawne Merriman* (Chargers) (2005-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. PFF Rankings: The NFL's top 25 linebackers ahead of the 2020 NFL season 48, Terrell Suggs* (Ravens) (2003-Present) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 2nd Team All-Pro. 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. Al Wilson was an outstanding MLB for the Broncos. Also note that an asterisk (*) by the players name means they are still active today. Dennis Onkotz 1967 - 1969. Zach Thomas. Las Vegas Raiders: 15 best defensive backs of all-time - Just Blog Baby If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: (a) the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey at 1-800-Gambler or www.800gambler.org; or (b) Gamblers Anonymous at 855-2-CALL-GA or www.gamblersanonymous.org. Michigan Football Position Greats Jessie Armstead was one of the most consistent linebackers on this list. Lewis stats at this point of his career are 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 INTs. Outside linebacker Joey Porter came to Pittsburgh in 1999. Williams was the heart and soul of two Super Bowl defenses. O. J. Simpson and Lynn Swann were next with 22 and 21 votes, respectively. 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. Mecklenburg was never a cocky player, but just a guy who would show up on Sundays. Wagers only accepted in CO. For full terms and conditions, click here. 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. The NFL's Top 50 Linebackers of the Modern Era - Bleacher Report Wilber Marshall was one of the greatest pass coverage linebackers of the modern era. Blair was also one of the greatest special teams players of all-time! But, theres no doubt that hes been one of the top linebackers in the NFL, and still is today. 41, Mo Lewis (Jets) (1991-2003) *Three-time Pro Bowler *One-time 1st Team All-Pro. Jackson had 40 forced fumbles, just one short of the NFL record. Hes also great against the run and is a turnover forcing monster. Other Links > Football > Player Rankings by Position > Top Ranked Linebackers . Hes also had at least 83 tackles in every year other than his rookie season. He led some of the greatest defenses in NFL history in both performance and spirit. Lofa Tatupu* (Seahawks) : Three-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro. Wright has been one of the most reliable linebackers in the NFL since entering the league as a fourth-round pick out of Mississippi State . Who knows how many he wouldve had if he played in the entire 16? Chris Spielman was a tackle machine during his 10 years in the NFL. No. No. 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. The Greatest Linebackers of All Time - SportsUnfold May 24, 2022. The Best Las Vegas Raiders Linebackers of All Time - Ranker #NFL100 - Top 6 Outside Linebackers Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990s. He has done it all for the Bears with his pass coverage, run support, and blitzing. He took up blockers and threw his body around a lot. Derrick Thomas was on pace to absolutely shatter NFL records before his tragic death in 2000. We started off with a rough one the wide receivers. 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. Zachary Petrizzo. 15, Zach Thomas (Dolphins/Cowboys) (1996-2008) *Seven-time Pro Bowler *Five-time 1st Team All-Pro *Two-time 2nd Team All-Pro. Ham had arguably the most successful NFL career out of any of the names on this list as he was a star for the Pittsburgh Steelers. His swinging the axe celebration sums up his style of play and tenacity on the field. Isiah Robertson, nicknamed The Playmaker, was known for coming up with the big plays in the biggest games. No. Andy Russell 7x Pro Bowl, 4x All-Pro, 2x Super Bowl Champion Linebacker '63, 1966-1976 Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images. In 1984 and 1985, Tippett put up two of the best back to back seasons recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks in them. List of All Buffalo Bills Linebackers, Ranked Best to Worst Although he only played three full seasons, he made five Pro Bowls. He also had 1,173 tackles in his career. NY Jets: Top 10 linebackers of all-time - The Jet Press St. 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. Theres not much Brooks doesnt have. The 1970s Were the L.A. Rams' Most Dramatic Decade - Los Angeles Magazine LSU women's basketball makes it rain in rout of Georgia in SEC Lewis was the leader of the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Ravens team. Lewis wasnt as vocal as Cox, but his play was a little better, and lasted for a longer period of time. Robert Brazile- Tums all time neutralizer. Brooks is most known for his coverage ability in the Bucs cover-two scheme. Jack Ham had the whole package as a linebacker. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . No. Thomas is also third all-time in safeties and fumble returns for touchdowns. Eddie Johnson. Paup was a complete linebacker, who was especially great at rushing the passer. Quinto was a regular at both inside and outside linebacker for head coach Ron Gladnick's Saints. He was selected late in the 12th Round, and nobody expected much out of him. Steelers by the decade: 1970s - Pittsburgh Steelers The offense, meanwhile, scored 29 points a game. No. He may have actually been crazy. James Harrison. In only 11 seasons, Thomas had 126.5 sacks, and an NFL record of 41 forced fumbles. Kevin Greene will always be known as one of the craziest and talented pass rushers in NFL history. Randy Gradishar may be the single-most deserving player of a spot in Canton. Steel Curtain - Wikipedia and 2000s. John Offerdahl may have had the shortest NFL career on this list, but he made the most of it. 12 sacks and three picks. Both . K.J. SRS: 6.97 (5th of 26), SOS: 1.40. He always tried to better himself and did it effectively. No. He was close to averaging a sack per game, which is an amazing number. James Farrior* (Jets/Steelers): Two-time Pro Bowler, one-time 1st Team All-Pro, one-time 2nd Team All-Pro. He has played the role of pass rusher and coverage linebacker in his career, and has excelled at both. That suggestion from the newly appointed House . Lofa Tatupu didnt take any time breaking into the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in his first three seasons. Playoffs: Won Divisional Round 5-0 vs. Detroit Lions. Top 10 LB's in OU history - 247sports.com

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best linebackers of the 1970s

best linebackers of the 1970s