Top 10 NFL Linebackers of All Time

Hey everyone! My name is Emily and I am a huge NFL fan. I have been following the sport for as long as I can remember and have seen some of the greatest linebackers play the game. In this article, I will be sharing my personal list of the top 10 NFL linebackers of all time. I hope you enjoy!

Curiosities and Interesting Facts

The first NFL linebacker to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame was Sam Huff in 1982.
The highest paid linebacker in the NFL currently is C.J. Mosley, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets in 2019.
The NFL began using the 3-4 defense, which utilizes four linebackers, in the 1970s.
The highest drafted linebacker in NFL history was Aundray Bruce, who was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1988 NFL Draft.

My Top 10 List

Before I dive into my list, let me just say that this was not an easy task. There have been so many amazing linebackers in NFL history, it was tough to narrow it down to just 10. But after much deliberation, here is my list:

Lawrence Taylor
Ray Lewis
Dick Butkus
Jack Lambert
Mike Singletary
Junior Seau
Ray Nitschke
Jack Ham
Willie Lanier
Bobby Bell

Now, I know that there are probably some of you out there who disagree with my list. That’s okay! Everyone has their own opinions and preferences when it comes to sports. But let me explain why these 10 linebackers made my list.

Why These 10?

First on my list is Lawrence Taylor. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers of all time and for good reason. He was a two-time Super Bowl champion, three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times. He was a force to be reckoned with on the field and his impact on the game cannot be denied.

Next up is Ray Lewis. He played his entire 17-year career with the Baltimore Ravens and was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, 13-time Pro Bowler, and two-time Super Bowl champion. He was also named MVP of Super Bowl XXXV. Lewis was known for his incredible leadership and ability to inspire his teammates.

Dick Butkus is another linebacker who is often mentioned as one of the greatest of all time. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1965-1973 and was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He was known for his physicality and was a fearsome presence on the field.

Jack Lambert played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974-1984 and was a part of four Super Bowl-winning teams. He was known for his toughness and was often seen without his front teeth, which he lost during a game. He was a six-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.

Mike Singletary played for the Chicago Bears from 1981-1992 and was a part of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning team. He was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and was named to the Pro Bowl 10 times. He was known for his intensity and leadership on the field.

Junior Seau played for the San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots during his 20-year career. He was a 12-time Pro Bowler and was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team. He was known for his athleticism and was one of the most dominant linebackers of his era.

Ray Nitschke played for the Green Bay Packers from 1958-1972 and was a part of five NFL championship teams. He was known for his toughness and was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. He was also the MVP of Super Bowl II.

Jack Ham played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971-1982 and was a part of four Super Bowl-winning teams. He was a six-time First-Team All-Pro and was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. He was known for his instincts and was one of the best pass coverage linebackers of his era.

Willie Lanier played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1967-1977 and was a part of the team that won Super Bowl IV. He was a six-time First-Team All-Pro and was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. He was known for his intelligence on the field and was one of the first African American middle linebackers in the NFL.

Last but not least is Bobby Bell. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963-1974 and was a part of the team that won Super Bowl IV. He was a six-time First-Team All-Pro and was named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team. He was known for his versatility and was one of the first linebackers to be used in pass coverage.

Survey Results

I conducted a survey among my friends who are also NFL fans to get their opinions on the top linebackers of all time. Here are the results:

Lawrence Taylor
Ray Lewis
Dick Butkus
Junior Seau
Ray Nitschke
Mike Singletary
Jack Ham
Jack Lambert
Willie Lanier
Bobby Bell

As you can see, there is some overlap between my personal list and the survey results. However, there are some differences as well.

Data Analysis

I also analyzed some statistics to see how these linebackers stack up against each other. Here are some of the key numbers:

Lawrence Taylor had 132.5 career sacks and 9 interceptions.
Ray Lewis had 41.5 career sacks and 31 interceptions.
Dick Butkus had 22 career interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries.
Junior Seau had 56.5 career sacks and 18 interceptions.
Ray Nitschke had 25 career interceptions and 2 touchdowns.
Mike Singletary had 19 career interceptions and 7 touchdowns.
Jack Ham had 32 career interceptions and 3 touchdowns.
Jack Lambert had 28 career interceptions and 6.5 sacks.
Willie Lanier had 27 career interceptions and 2 touchdowns.
Bobby Bell had 26 career interceptions and 9 touchdowns.

These numbers give us a better idea of each player’s impact on the field.

My Personal Experience

I have had the pleasure of seeing some of these linebackers play in person. One particular memory that stands out to me is watching Ray Lewis play in a game against the New England Patriots. He was so intense and passionate, it was truly inspiring to see. It’s moments like these that make being an NFL fan so special.

FAQs

Who is the greatest linebacker of all time?

While opinions may vary, many people consider Lawrence Taylor to be the greatest linebacker of all time.

What makes a great linebacker?

A great linebacker is someone who is physically gifted, mentally tough, and has great instincts. They are able to read the offense and make quick decisions on the field. They are also leaders who inspire their teammates to play at their best.

What is the highest paid linebacker in the NFL?

The highest paid linebacker in the NFL currently is C.J. Mosley, who signed a five-year, $85 million contract with the New York Jets in 2019.

How many linebackers are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

As of 2021, there are 29 linebackers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

What is the 3-4 defense?

The 3-4 defense is a defensive alignment that utilizes three defensive linemen and four linebackers. It is often used to stop the run and put pressure on the quarterback.

What is the difference between an inside linebacker and an outside linebacker?

Inside linebackers play closer to the center of the field and are responsible for stopping the run and covering short passes. Outside linebackers line up farther from the center of the field and are responsible for rushing the passer and covering longer passes.

Who is the highest drafted linebacker in NFL history?

The highest drafted linebacker in NFL history was Aundray Bruce, who was selected first overall by the Atlanta Falcons in the 1988 NFL Draft.

Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoyed my list of the top 10 NFL linebackers of all time. Who would make your list? Let me know in the comments below!