The middle linebacker position is the equivalent of the quarterback position on defense. Harry Carson's career stats don't jump off the page 11 interceptions, 14 fumbles recovered, eight sacks but he's still one of the greatest NFL linebackers. During that time Kendricks has broken up 40 passes as a linebacker which is tops in the NFL. Johnson, at 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, was a high school star in Central Texas at Waco High before becoming an All-American at the University of Texas and an NFL All-Pro. The first Hall of Famer to go in as a player primarily for the Saints, Rickey Jackson was the leader of the famed "Doom Patrol" linebacker corps in New Orleans and is one of the toughest players in NFL history. Isaiah Simmons' 5th-year option declined by Arizona Cardinals, per report Best Eagles Linebackers: Top 10 All-Time in Franchise History During his AFL career, Buoniconti earned six AFL All-Star honors and five First Team All-AFL. Arizona had until May 2 to make a final . Over his career, Urlacher was an eight time Pro Bowler and four time First Team All-Pro while racking up 1,086 tackles, 41.5 sacks and 22 interceptions. On offense, he played center, and on defense, he was a linebacker, where he earned a reputation as one of the most devastating tacklers of all time. His style of play is strikingly similar to Chicago Bears Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, who preceded him by a generation in the Windy City. Who are the 3 Greatest Middle Linebackers of All Time? 12-time Pro Bowler Over his career, Bednarick helped guide the Eagles to two NFL Championships while being named to eight Pro Bowl teams and selected eight times as a First Team All-Pro. Huff became the first rookie middle linebacker to start an NFL championship game, leading the Giants to the title in 1956 and led them to four more NFL championship games, losing each time. He beat a double-murder charge before the 2000 season following the stabbing deaths of two men in a fight after a Super Bowl party in Atlanta. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This stroke of genius created not only the middle linebacker position, but the 4-3 defense. Junior Seau, San Diego Chargers (1990-2002), Miami Dolphins (03-05), New England Patriots (06-09)1992 Defensive Player of the Year The two-time Super Bowl champ is one of the greatest overall defenders in NFL history. Bear Bryant called him one of the best players he ever coached at Alabama, where Jordan won a national title in 1961. George was known for his ability to play the defensive line as well as dropping back disrupting the passing lanes of opposing quarterbacks. His production would not slow as he helped from the Steelers Steel Curtain defense and helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl Championships. While some of the linebackers on this list probably wouldn't even get a second look in today's NFL because of their size, Wilcox (who's the father of Cal head coach Justin Wilcox) is actually the opposite. He played 13 seasons for his hometown San Diego Chargers and became perhaps the greatest sports icon in the history of San Diego alongside Padres Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn. Keeping all aspects of the job in mind, we rank the top 25 greatest middle linebackers in NFL history. Houston Texans loaded with linebackers from Alabama - al.com Bednarik is most famous for his 1960 tackle of Giants running back Frank Gifford, who was knocked unconscious on the play and out of football for almost two years. When most football fans think of the Steelers' defense, they think about. It's actually confounding why more of a Hall of Fame case hasn't been made for Thomas. Kuechly made seven Pro Bowls, seven All-Pro teams, and in 2012, he was the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Only a handful of players can say they truly defined their positions in NFL history. His 0-6 record in the postseason is an NFL record for most playoff games without a win. Before becoming a pop culture reference in Brians Song and an actor in The Longest Yard and Head, Nitschke was one of the most feared men in football. 6-time Pro Bowler12. 2-time Pro Bowler 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Super Bowl XL champion 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. 10 of the Best Linebackers of All-Time | NFL Linebackers - WagerLab First, he went to junior college in Fort Scott, Kansas. 3-time first-team All-Pro James Harrison Pittsburgh 2002, '04-12, '14-17; Cincinnati 2013; New England 2017 4-time All-Pro, 5-time Pro Bowler Super Bowl. Karl Mecklenburg was a throwaway pick by the Broncos in the 12th round of the 1983 NFL draft and ended up being one of the greatest defensive players in franchise history and definitely the greatest pure inside linebacker. How would you rank the greatest Middle Linebackers in history? 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). Sanders could have the highest ceiling of all the middle linebacker . Fletcher, 5-foot-11 and 242 pounds, ran a blazing 4.38-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine coming out of NCAA Division III John Carroll University, but he still went undrafted. It is hard to look past Jack Lambert as one of the Top 10 Middle Linebackers All-Time based on his career resume and his play on the football field. The Arizona Cardinals have declined to pick up linebacker Isaiah Simmons' fifth-year contract option, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. London Fletcher represents one of the great underdog stories in NFL history. NFL's best players ever at every defensive position - ESPN Others to know: Rashee Rice (SMU), Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss), A.T. Perry (Wake Forest) Linebacker. Nick Buoniconti Nick Buoniconti played for the Boston Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. The Arizona Cardinals have declined to pick up linebacker Isaiah Simmons' fifth-year contract option, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Staff writer. 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). Inducted into the Hall of Fame as recently as 2016, Greene's career was arguably underrated. This article explores the franchise's top 10 linebackers of all time. When it comes to which linebacker should be at the top of the Top 10 Middle Linebackers All-Time, Mike Singletary is well worth consideration for the slot. Despite a 101-year history, the Cardinals haven't produced a Hall of Famer at linebackerbut they've still had plenty of . Cornelius Bennett forced a trade from the Colts to the Bills after being drafted in 1987 and was one of the best linebackers in the NFL for the next decade-plus. Wagner, who first turned heads by running a 4.4-second 40-yard dash at the Utah State pro day, helped lead the Seahawks to a Super Bowl win in 2013, won another NFC title two years later and was named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 2010s. For Fortunato, it was Dick Butkus, and for Gradishar, it was Karl Mecklenburg. He's a rangy, sideline-to-sideline tackler, and though he lacks size and . Hall of Fame, Class of 1973 He was 74 years old. With that said, here is our list of the Top 10 Tight Ends All-Time. NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest linebackers in NFL history. In his short time in the league, Willis made seven Pro Bowls, six All-Pro teams and banked over $50 million in career earnings. Lambert's size and speed and ability to control a game from the middle linebacker position made him one of the greatest players of all time. 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. We'll find out in 2024, when he'll be on the ballot for the first time. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He was one of the most feared players in the sport in his prime. 1-time first-team All-Pro Bryce Paup was an outstanding pass rusher in the 1990's. His best season was his first year with the Bills where he had 17.5 sacks, 70 tackles, two INTs, and three forced fumbles. Here are my top 10 linebackers: 1. Super Bowl XXVIII champion 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 2023 NFL Draft has arrived! On the football field Chuck Bednarik was one of the toughest players to play the game and possibly the best tackler to set forth on a football field. 1972 NFL Man of the Year Introduction Robertson's size, speed and athleticism often made the difference in games for the Rams. The 11 best linebackers in the 2023 NFL Draft, ranked Seth Joyner's career was a story in resilience. 25 Greatest Middle Linebackers in NFL History Owen Pappoe, Auburn. He was selected to the 1990s All-Decade team. Te'o didn't come out of nowhere as a senior. Born: Aug. 17, 1949 (New Orleans, Louisiana), Died: Dec. 6, 2018 (age 69, Dallas, Texas), High school: Covington High School (Covington, Louisiana), Teams: Los Angeles Rams (1971-78), Buffalo Bills (1979-82), Career highlights: Six-time Pro Bowl (1971-77), six-time All-Pro (1971, 1973-77), NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1971). Top 10 NFL linebackers of all time | The TwinSpires Edge You could say he was as close to a Lawrence Taylor version of a linebacker the NFL ever had before we got the real thing. The former Green Bay Packers middle linebacker was a key member of the team and the leader on the defensive side of the football that helped the Packers win five NFL Championships and Super Bowl I and II Championships. 4 with 1,501, despite making just one Pro Bowl in his career. That includes Super Bowl wins in 2000 and 2012, with the latter coming in Lewis' final game. Top 10 Linebackers in New York Giants History - Sports Illustrated The Packers were an unstoppable force on both sides of the ball with the defensive playing a key role in the teams success. Generations of linebackers have played in the NFL and defined the game. 2020 Stats: 69 Solo, 0 Sacks, 0 FF, 3 INT. 2005, 2006, 2010), eight-time Pro Bowl (2000-03, 2005, 2006, 2010, 20110, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000), NFL 2000s All-Decade Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2018). Starters: Robert Spillane, Divine Deablo. Born: March 28, 1930 (Mingo Junction, Ohio), Died: Nov. 6, 2017 (age 87, Natchez, Mississippi), High school: Mingo High School (Mingo, Ohio), Career highlights: NFL champion (1963), six-time All-Pro (1958, 1963-66), five-time Pro Bowl (1958, 1962-65), NFL 1950s All-Decade Team, PFR 1960s All-Decade Team. According to Pro Football Reference, Taylor recorded either a fumble recovery, an interception, or double-digit sacks each season of his career. The four-year starter for the University of Colorado became a star in the NFL as well, first for the Pittsburgh Steelers, then for the Seattle Seahawks. High School: Woodrow Wilson High School (Dallas, Texas), Career highlights: Four-time Pro Bowl (1959-62), five-time All-Pro (1959-63), two-time NFL champion (1961, 1962). It's fitting that Khalil Mack now plays for the Chicago Bears. Darryl Talley was a physical and athletic marvel during his playing career, and his consistency was truly something to behold. Lee Roy Jordan, Dallas Cowboys (1963-76) 1-time Pro Bowler Samurai Mike had crazy eyes that struck fear into an opposing offense even before he laid the smack down. Not only is Ray Nitschke one of the best LBs in NFL history, he had an act at making something out of nothing. 8-time Pro Bowler His play on the field was filled with passion and talent that helped him become one of the best to play the game. The six-year, $141 million extension he signed with the Bears in 2018 was the largest contract for a defensive player in NFL history. Al Messerschmidt Archive/Associated Press. After being selected during the 1967 NFL draft by the Kansas City Chiefs out of Morgan State, Willie Lanier helped solidify the Kansas City Chiefs defense in route to becoming one of the best middle linebackers to play the position. His 160 sacks is the most among linebackers. In one of the greatest single rounds for any team in NFL draft history, the Rams used their two 1971 first-round picks on Robertson and NFL Hall of Fame defensive lineman Jack Youngblood. His best season was in 2008, when he had over 100 tackles and helped lead the Arizona Cardinals to an NFC championship and into the Super Bowl. 66) and Bart Starr (No. Willie Lanier played in an era of football best defined by his hitting style which mainly consisted of him trying to put the crown of his helmet through your sternum. Buoniconti would go on to register 32 interceptions over his career between the AFL and NFL. Super Bowl XIII champion Eight of those he made the All-Pro team and the Pro Bowl, with back-to-back NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1969 and 1970. On the football field Chuck Bednarik was one of the toughest players to play the game and possibly the best tackler to set forth on a football field. Fan Rankings is a registered trademark of Fan Rankings LLC. Brugler had both Wisconsin's Nick Herbig and Alabama's Henry To'oTo'o ranked ahead of Williams. Lambert, who the Pittsburgh Steelers selected with the 46. pick during the 1974 NFL draft, showcased his abilities during his rookie season in route to helping solidify the Steelers defense and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year award. But it's worth pointing out that he was much more than a football player. New York native and former Syracuse star Keith Bulluck helped define the early years of the Tennessee Titans as part of the team that came within one yard of winning a Super Bowl. 6-time first-team All-Pro Sam Huff almost left his rookie training camp with the New York Giants when coaches couldn't find a position for him. Take a look at how all 47 of his selections stack up. 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). 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. They play fast from sideline to sideline. For the Tar Heels, Hanburger played both ways and earned most of his accolades at center, not on defense. Bobby Wagner has been one of the best linebackers in the NFL for almost a decade at this point, winning a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks in 2013. 7-time first-team All-Pro He was in The Monkees' cult-favorite film "Head" and also in the original "The Longest Yard" starring Burt Reynolds. His production would not slow as he helped from the Steelers Steel Curtain defense and helped lead the Steelers to four Super Bowl Championships. From the likes of Mike Singletary to Nick Bouniconti to Chuck Bednarik to Ray Lewis, the middle linebacker position is loaded with talent making the top choice a difficult selection. Analysis: Nothing against this group of . 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? He was an 8-time All-Pro and 9-time Pro-Bowler. Urlachers legacy was secure after leading Chicago to the NFC title in 200611. 5-time first-team All-Pro Edwards' name jumps off the page when you look at the NFL career leaders list for tackles, where he clocks in at No. Raiders post-draft depth chart: Will any of the rookies be Week 1 NEW! Willie Lanier, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-77) Chuck Bednarik Chuck Bednarik wasn't just one of the best Eagles linebackers he was THE BEST linebacker and one of the best players of all time. April 30, 2023 at 5:05 p.m. EDT. Being the son of a former heavyweight boxing champion might be a burden for some, but Ken Norton Jr. embraced it. It was a good fit. Tiania Baul "Junior" Seau was a football unicorn a linebacker who played 20 seasons in the NFL and dominated almost every step of the way. He led the league in combined tackles in 2016 and 2019, and in solo tackles in 2017. Lewis recorded 2,059 career tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions and forced 17 fumbles. Top 10 Best NFL Linebackers of All Time - TheTopTens He spent the first five seasons of his career with the New York Jets, and it was long enough ago that the Jets were actually pretty good. NFL Championship Game MVP (1962) Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-84)Hall of Fame, Class of 1990 Renowned for his elite combination of size and speed, Tippett was scary coming off the edge and racked up 100 career sacks, which is still the Patriots' franchise record. 1973 Defensive Player of the Year Gradishar also was a six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowler. 8-time first-team All-Pro Two players of the four players with more tackles, Ray Lewis and Junior Seau, are in the Hall of Fame. London Fletcher, St. Louis Rams (1998-2001), Buffalo Bills (02-06), Washington Redskins (07-12) Born: July 12, 1970 (Pasadena, California), High school: John Muir High School (Pasadena, California), Teams:Pittsburgh Steelers (1993-96, 2006), Seattle Seahawks (1997-2004), New England Patriots (2005, 2007), Career highlights: Three-time Pro Bowl (1996, 1998, 1999), two-time NFL All-Pro (1996, 1998), Seattle Seahawks 35th Anniversary Team. Bennett was convicted of rape in 1997 and sentenced to 60 days in jail, but still allowed to play in the NFL for four more seasons. Super Bowl XXXVI champion Keith Brooking was an understated, dominant player for two teams, the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. 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). The Best Buffalo Bills Linebackers of All Time - Ranker Bill George, Chicago Bears (1952-65), Los Angeles Rams (66)Hall of Fame, Class of 1974 The quarterback position is long known to be the field general on the offensive side of the ball and the one position that handles the play calling duties. was tough and imposed his physical will on opponents. It is hard not to put Ray Lewis at the top of this list as the top Middle Linebacker All-Time. He helped lead Florida State to its first national title in 1993 and a decade later put together his greatest NFL seasons, winning NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors and leading the Buccaneers to their only Super Bowl win in 2002. Veteran A.J. The Greatest Steelers Linebackers of All Time The Steelers are known for hard-hitting, relentless defense. 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. No questions asked. 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. Zach Thomas, Miami Dolphins (1996-2007), Dallas Cowboys (08) Not many linebackers can boast the athleticism of Urlacher, who set the single-season Bears record with 153 tackles in 2002 and owns the team's career tackles record with 1,361. Nobis was the first overall pick in the 1966 NFL draft and the first player picked by the expansion Atlanta Falcons. Rank below to be added in the Power Rankings and to have a chance to win a gift card to LAZADA, Amazon, Top 10 NFL Quarterbacks of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Running Backs of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Wide Receivers of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Tight Ends of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Outside Linebackers of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Defensive Ends of All Time Rankings, Top 10 NFL Strong Safeties of All Time Rankings. Brian Urlacher Brian Urlacher played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. He was a two-time NFL Defensive Most Valuable Player, led the Detroit Lions to two NFL championships and made both the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams every year for 10 consecutive years from 1954 to 1963. He took his skills as a free agent to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he won two Super Bowls. Five of the NFL's best undrafted free agent signings Tragically, Seau took his own life in 2012, at 43 years old. They spoke of intensity, determination, and an undying will. Kevin Greene. They often are the quarterbacks of the defense, and many of them possess physical talents few have ever seen on a football field. Zach Thomas brought a certain attitude to defenses as a middle linebacker, both in college at Texas Tech and in the NFL, that was evident from the moment he stepped on the field. Klein was signed as the insurance policy. pic.twitter.com/wy2S8g98pb. I had the pleasure of meeting him when I was younger before he passed. Joe Fortunato's greatest teammate, fellow linebacker Dick Butkus, also became perhaps the greatest impediment to Fortunato's long-term legacy. Chuck Bednarik, Philadelphia Eagles (1949-62)Hall of Fame, Class of 1967 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. With the third-most sacks in NFL history, there's no question Kevin Greene belongs among the best linebackers of all-time. Super Bowl XXVII champion In 11 seasons, Bell earned postseason honors eight times and helped lead the Chiefs to a Super Bowl win in 1969. One of our representatives will be in touch shortly. 55, Seau went on to become a legend in San Diego. Something else inside of Lambert, best defined by the toothless, screaming pictures of him during games when he took out his dentures, made him the toughest. Mills, who died of cancer in 2005, is one of the most beloved players in the history of both the Saints and the Panthers. Gary Reasons (1984-91) Gary Reasons, a fourth-round draft pick from Northwestern State, was a key . 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. In addition, Lewis was a two time Defensive Player of the Year, seven time First Team All-Pro and a 13 time Pro Bowler. Ham, with the size of a free safety, was as quick as any running back or wide receiver in the 10 yards from the line of scrimmage and recorded a gaudy 32 interceptions and 53 takeaways in his career while helping the Steelers win four Super Bowl. Not bad for a seventh-round draft pick that the Lions weren't even sure would be able to make their roster. Fletcher carved out a 16-year NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the Rams in his second season. 1-time first-team All-Pro Other than having one of the coolest names in NFL history, Takeo Spikes was also one of the most durable linebackers of all time. Born: April 18, 1973 (Pensacola, Florida), High school: Booker T. Washington High School (Pensacola, Florida), Career highlights: Super Bowl champion (2002), nine-time All-Pro (1997-2005), 11-time Pro Bowl (1997-2006, 2008), NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2002), NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, Pro Football Hall of Fame (2014). Vince Lombardis leader on defense, Nitschke (No. 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. But he'll always be best known for his role on the Bears' Super Bowl-winning team of 1985 that featured arguably the best defense in NFL history. Over his career, Lanier made a name for himself for his aggressive tackling abilities earning him the nickname Contact. 60 Greatest Linebackers in NFL History | Stadium Talk A little-known fact about Talley: He's the cousin of Baseball Hall of Famer and Miami Marlins owner Derek Jeter. Playing defensive tackle/end for the first two seasons of his NFL career, Connor became a linebacker when Bears head coach George Halas wanted to try and find a way to neutralize Philadelphia running back Steve Van Buren, so he had Connor stand up outside of the tight end to check Van Buren. Fortunato, who was named one of the Bears 100 Greatest Players, did accomplish one thing that Butkus never would. Jack . The 15 Greatest NFL Linebackers of All Time - Sportscasting Super Bowl XXXIX champion, The foreman of the Steel Curtain defense, Butkus punished ball carriers and crushed spirits. And that dance. Joyner capped his career off by winning a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in his final season. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is both a member of the NFL's 75th Anniversary Team and the 100th Anniversary Team. 3-time Pro Bowler Hardy Nickerson, Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-92), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (93-99), Jacksonville Jaguars (2000-01), Green Bay Packers (02) 1994 Walter Payton Man of the Year 1969 Defensive Player of the Year He's also already made six All-Pro teams, six Pro Bowls and banked almost $100 million in career earnings. Much like Chicago Bears linebacker Joe Fortunato, Randy Gradishar doesn't have the legacy he should be because of the player he directly preceded. The Top 10 NFL Linebackers of All Time - Bleacher Report 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. Forester died in 2007 after a long illness. Bill Bergey went from being a star at Arkansas State to a star with the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFL until owner Paul Brown leveraged him for a pair of first-round draft picks and a second-round pick from the Philadelphia Eagles. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Ken Norton Jr., Dallas Cowboys (1988-93), San Francisco 49ers (1994-2000) However, it is often looked past how important the middle linebacker position is to the defensive side of the ball with many teams using this position to help command the defense. Nobis played in relative anonymity for his entire NFL career but still put up monster numbers on some really bad teams. 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. 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. The Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams middle linebacker, Bill George is the one single man that is known for creating the middle linebacker position. ", Died: June 12, 2010 (age 79, Riverside, California), High school: Fresno High School (Fresno, California), Career highlights: Eight-time Pro Bowl (1954-61), seven-time All-Pro (1955-60), Pro Football Hall of Fame (2011). That was the first of five consecutive seasons with at least 120 tackles.
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