411's NFL Round Up 6.10.08: The Top 10 Linebackers of All Time

Posted by Emmett Wilks on 06.10.2008

A look around the happenings in the NFL this week. The release of Bears running back Cedric Benson, the retirement of the great Michael Strahan, and the Round Up's Top 10 lists continue with linebackers. All this and more in this weeks NFL Round Up!

What's going on everyone, and welcome to this weeks' edition of NFL Round Up! Training camps are now only weeks away, and many teams are gearing up for the 2008 campaign. And I guess like the rest of the football world, I just can't wait for the new season to get started. Now, on with the Round Up!

QUICK NOTES

The Oakland Raiders agreed to terms with 1st round pick Darren McFadden, in a deal worth an estimated $60 million. This make McFadden among the highest paid backs in the NFL, which has finally started to make more vocal critics of the NFL's continuing problem of 1st round contracts. The Raiders were simply trying to avoid another 1st round hold out that plagued them with last year's pick, JaMarcus Russell. Though the money is absurd, the signing is not, as hold outs hurt both the player and teams today.

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones removed a giant headache for himself by resigning WR Terrell Owens last week. The 4 year, $35 million deal was a perfect reward for Owens, whose 28 TD catches the last two seasons top the NFL. Many feel Owens will not play the entire contract, as he will be 39 by the time it expires, I disagree. Few have ever kept themselves in better shape than Owens, and his game has not taken any noticeable regressions in the past few seasons. A very smart move by the Cowboys that will hopefully keep Owens the choir boy he has been thus far in Dallas. As for Owens' missed drug test, it is too early to tell if this is even a story of just what it seems, a simple miscommunication between two parties. That is why the NFL did not and will not take action in the matter.

In what will certainly be circling NFL locker rooms this entire season, former Michigan Wolverine and current Colts rookie Mike Hart made the comment that the NFL mini camps have not been so tough and "more laid back," than he thought they would be. Just going on a limb here when I think the first time he comes into contact with Albert Haynesworth of the Titans, he's going to learn first hand about how "laid back" they can be in the NFL.

The release of Bears running back Cedric Benson cannot come as too great a surprise. Benson was cited for a DUI this week, his second offense in the span of a month (though his first offense has been seen as somewhat dubious), it proved to be the final straw for the disappointing running back. The Texas native never seemed to fit in well in Chicago with his teammates, coaches, or media. At the end of the day, his release was a signal regarding his play more than off the field matters. If there is no major problem regarding possible alcohol, I see him getting one more chance in the NFL.


STRAHAN STRAIGHT TO THE HALL?


After 15 seasons, Michael Strahan has called it a career

Many, including myself, are rather surprised about the retirement of New York Giants DE Michael Strahan. With a simple statement, "It's time, I'm done," Strahan ended one of the greatest careers in Giants history. The leader of the Giants defense for the past several seasons, Strahan was still among the better defensive lineman playing today. While surprised, I cannot believe anyone is shocked. Strahan was involved in a contract dispute, in which he was seeking around $8 million to return next season. The assumption was he would settle for something in the neighborhood of $5 million and return for his 16th NFL season. But there were other reasons as well. Topping the list was likelihood that Strahan had nothing left to prove, coming off a Super Bowl win and already holding the Giants all-time sack record. And despite a championship, the relationship between Strahan and coach Tom Coughlin has never been a sweet one, yet another reason to quit will at the top of the mountain. Never at a lose for words, Strahan had many a well documented run-ins with the media, which ironically he will be joining shortly.

While Strahan is almost certainly a Hall of Fame player, I am going to question whether he will be a first ballot selection. A six time All-Pro and seven time Pro Bowler (but let's face it, the Pro Bowl does not mean what it used to mean in pervious decades), Strahan also has 141.5 career sacks (5th all-time) and the NFL single season record 22.5 sacks. I still do not put him in my top 10 greatest list, but I am changing my position about his Hall of Fame credentials and will say that he deserves first ballot entry. But there will be reservations about Strahan. He made very little impact his first four season in the league, and even during All-Pro seasons in 1997 and 1998, was never really regarded as one of the leagues elites. That changed in 2000, and from then until 2005, he was among the best. While I have said there is a big difference between being good for a long period and being great, Strahan demonstrated greatness during his career, twice garnering AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 2001 and 2003. The last two seasons, he has served as almost a player-coach for the Giants, and they would not have made the Super Bowl this previous year without him. The verdict: a sure fire Hall of Famer with first ballot credentials, but if he shouldn't get the nod his first year eligible, it won't be scandalous.

TOP DOGS

This week, we examine the Top 10 linebackers of all-time. No other defensive position holds most mystique than that of linebacker. In assessing the list, as was important with all the previous lists (defensive lineman, running backs, wide receivers) was that stats are not the be all, end all measure of greatness. This is a list of impact as much as numbers. As with the defensive lineman, which were divided by the different roles of defensive end and interior lineman, I did have a tough time trying to keep a balance between inside and outside linebackers, as they are the somewhat different, but still the same beast. As we have it, there are six inside and four outside linebackers on the list. The 1970's were clearly the best era for the position, as four of the top 10 had their best years during that time period.

Derrick Brooks, Mike Webster, Bill George, Bobby Bell, Chuck Bednarik, Joe Schmidt, Zach Thomas,Derrick Thomas, Brian Urlacher (I thought about adding him in top 10 tie, but in good conscience, I can't. Give him two or three more seasons playing at his level, he makes the list, but not until then).

10.) Ted Hendricks Baltimore Colts (1969-1973) Green Bay Packers (1974) Oakland/ LA Raiders (1975-1983)

The term "we'll never see another one like him" is one of the most overused in sports. But when it comes to Ted Hendricks, it could not be more appropriate. The "Mad Stork" or "Kick ‘em in Head Ted" was like no other player before or since. Standing 6-7 and weighing a light 220 lbs, Hendricks changed the perception of what a football player is supposed to look like, and became one of the most dominate linebackers of the 1970's. Through a sometimes bumpy career that saw him traded twice, once from the Colts to Green Bay, then to Oakland for two first round draft picks, Hendricks always performed at a high level. It would be with the Raiders that Hendricks legacy would be cemented. Hendricks could do it on defense and special teams. 60.5 sacks, 26 interceptions (with 95 deflections), 4 safeties, and an unofficial NFL record 25 blocked kicks, Hendricks dominated everywhere. An eleven time All-Pro and eight time Pro Bowl participant, Hendricks was one of the few players in NFL history to maintain a high level of play his entire career, which was capped off with a Super Bowl XVIII win, the fourth title of his career. Following the 1979 season, the Raiders coaching staff unanimously agreed to release Hendricks. Owner Al Davis refused, and Hendricks rewarded Davis by finishing his career with three additional All-Pro and Pro Bowl seasons to cap off a brilliant 15-year career.

9.) Willie Lanier Kansas City Chiefs (1967-1977)

One look at Willie Lanier and it easy for someone to say "Yeah, that guy, he's a middle linebacker." At 6'1" and 245 lbs of muscle, Lanier was the defensive leader for Hank Stram's AFL powerhouse team that help make the NFL-AFL merger the mega-success it has become. The easy going Lanier was a fan and media favorite, a bright personality in an era of no-nonsense defensive players. On the field however, he would rather give you his right arm than give up an inch on defense. An eight time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection, his crowing achievement came during the Chiefs Super Bowl season in 1969, when in the divisional playoff game against the New York Jets on a 1st and goal at the one, Lanier recorded 2 of the three tackles keeping the Jets out of the end zone. A resulting field goal would only tie the game before the Chiefs offense scored the winning touchdown. Lanier would finish his career with 27 interceptions and 2 defensive touchdowns.

8.) Jack Ham Pittsburgh Steelers (1971-1982)

While teammate Jack Lambert was the steak of the Pittsburgh Steelers "Steel Curtain" of the 1970's, Ham was the sizzle. The Penn State product was the Steelers second round draft pick in 1971 (34th overall) and was another piece of coach Chuck Noll's building process in the early 70's. By 1973, Ham was began a streak of eight consecutive Pro Bowls, seven All Pro selections and four Super Bowl championships. He had a knack for big plays, as demonstrated with his 32 career interceptions and 25 sacks. Make no mistake; Ham was far, far from a finesse player. He could hit like charging bull, and few linebackers have ever been better in pursuit. His anticipation, patience, and discipline disrupted as many offensive game plans as Lambert's and Joe Greene's animal like ferocity.

7.) Junior Seau San Diego Chargers (1990-2002) Miami Dolphins (2003-2005) New England Patriots (2006-Present)

The greatest linebacker of the 1990's, Junior Seau was a man of unparalleled drive and desire. His demonstrated an almost machine like work ethic that laid waste to opposing offenses. A remarkable 12 straight Pro Bowl selections (1991-2002) and 7 All-Pros, Seau had recorded 1809 tackles, 56.5 career sacks, and 18 interceptions. But numbers cannot even begin to define his impact on the field. His heart, determination, the way in which he gave up his body to achieve victory, all of this has made Seau one of the greatest players ever at his position. At 6'3, 240 lbs, Seau brought, and continues to bring a fire, an inner passion for the game that is rarely seen. A championship still eludes him, having played well in for two Super Bowl runner-up teams. But championship or not, there is no denying Seau's has demonstrated himself to be among the elites of the linebacker position.

6.) Ray Nitschke Green Bay Packers (1958-1972)

No other player, with the exception of Brett Favre, is more directly associated with the Green Bay Packers than Ray Nitschke. The leader of Vince Lombardi's defense for over a decade, Nitschke was a member of five NFL championship teams and the first two Super Bowl teams. Known as one of the hardest hitters the game has ever seen; fast, intelligent, and tough, he did everything Lombardi asked of him and so much more. Off the field, he might have been mistaken for your accountant, with his tall, balding and simple demeanor. Once the pads were strapped though, Nitschke became a tornado with cleats, laying waste to whatever came in his path. He would not become a starter until 1962 season, which began a string of seven consecutive All-Pro seasons. Strangely, he was named to only one Pro Bowl, despite being recognized as the games best year in and year out. But time is the best measure of greatness, a test that no one can hide from. Few have passed the test of time with more propensity for greatness than Nitschke.

5.) Mike Singletary (1981-1992)

His was the unquestioned leader of some of the greatest defenses ever assembled. A man of superior dedication, intellect, desire, and passion, Mike Singletary led the Chicago Bears for 12 marvelous seasons. A ten time Pro Bowler and nine time All-Pro, Singletary was never accused of being the biggest (6'0", 230 lbs") or the fastest. He was simply known as the best middle linebacker of the 1980's. In a career that amassed 1,488 tackles, 19 sacks, and 7 interceptions, Singletary was the leader of the pack, running the ultra-successful Bears defenses of the mid-80's that many argue were the best ever assembled. Twice named the Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year, he would miss only two games during his career, remarkably durable for a player who delivered such punishment. He will forever be linked to the Bears Super Bowl season in 1985, considered the best single season of a defense ever, where he led the Bears to a 15-1 record and allowed just 9 points in three playoff games. Today, Singletary is assistant head coach of the San Francisco 49er's and will likely be a head coach for an NFL team in the near future

4.) Jack Lambert Pittsburg Steelers (1974-1984)

No other player has better exemplifies the pure passion and rage of football better than the great Jack Lambert. Measuring 6'3" and a very generous 220 lbs, Lambert would become the face of the greatest defensive unit ever assembled, Pittsburgh's "Steel Curtain". He was a ballistic missile disguised as a football player. Once he was locked on to the ball carrier, it was all over. The Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1974, Lambert rotated in the starting role his rookie year, the first Steelers title team. He would take the starting role in 1975, when the Steelers repeated as Super Bowl champs. Lambert would finish his career with over 1400 tackles, 23.5 sacks, and 28 interceptions. From 1975, he made nine straight Pro Bowls and nine All-Pro teams, while winning another two Super Bowls with the Steelers to end the 1970's. What is often forgotten about Lambert, like many of the more intense, violent players was his keen intelligence about the game, an ability to understand opponents' schemes and disrupt them.


Jack Lambert was the not so pretty face of the "Steel Curtain" defense

3.) Ray Lewis Baltimore Ravens (1996-present)

The greatest linebacker of this era, Lewis is among the greatest all-around defensive players in NFL history. He has been the unquestioned leader of the Baltimore Ravens defense for a decade, a unit consistently at the top of NFL defenses ever year. A first round selection in 1996, Lewis fell to the 26th pick, as many teams deemed him "too small" for the NFL game (a recurring theme on this list). By 1997, no one thought too little of anything in Lewis' game. His animated, loud, and theatrical style has made him both beloved and reviled by fans across the country. A nine times Pro Bowl and seven times All-Pro selection, Lewis led the 2000 Baltimore Ravens to a Super Bowl. That season, Lewis would be named AP Defensive Player of the Year and Super Bowl MVP. He would go on to claim another Defensive MVP award in 2003, having a brilliant season after the Raven switched their defense from a 4-3 to a 3-4, where Lewis still was able to thrive. Currently, his career numbers stand at 1,520 tackles, 11 forced fumbles, 90 pass deflections, 30 sacks, 13 fumble recoveries, and 25 interceptions. In 1999, Lewis dealt with a murder trial in early 2000, which his two accomplices were later acquitted, has forever stained his legacy. His game has also taken a step back in the last few seasons. Though he remains among the better linebackers in the league, gone are the truly dominate days of the late 90's and early 2000's. During that period, Lewis was the most important and game-breaking defensive player in the entire NFL.

2.) Dick Butkus Chicago Bears (1965-1973)

His name has risen to an almost mythical status in NFL lore. A player so driven, intense, punishing, and complete, it would be easy to mistake him as a creation of Greek mythology, a creature of the gods created to wreak havoc. For countless Bears opponents during his storied nine season career, many offensive players wish he was a product of such fiction. Dick Butkus was, is, and will forever be the measure of greatness at the middle linebacker position. He played the game with a rage, pure animalistic rage, that inspired both fear and awe among those who watched him. At 6'3, 245 lbs, Butkus intimated more with a stare than most men could do with any array of weapons. His unmatched intensity to the game was the catalysis to his simple goal, being the best player on the field, period. His was faster, stronger, and smarter than all of his peers, with an ability to wrestle even the quickest or strongest runners to the ground. Eight times an All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, Butkus pushed his body to the absolute limits every play of every game, finishing his career with 25 fumble recoveries and 22 interceptions. Injuries would shorten his legendary career, but his reputation only grew following his retirement in 1973.


1.) Lawrence Taylor New York Giants (1981-1993)

"Lawrence Taylor, defensively, has had as big an impact as any player I've ever seen. He changed the way defense is played, the way pass-rushing is played, the way linebackers play and the way offenses block linebackers." - John Madden (NFL Coach and Broadcaster)

"When God created an outside linebacker, he created Lawrence Taylor." - Johnny Roland (NFL assistant coach)

He changed the face of defensive football. With an never before seen combination of speed, strength, ferocity, and football intelligence, Lawrence Taylor stormed his way through a brilliant 13-year career to become the greatest linebacker in the history of the NFL. He would toss men 70 lbs. his weight throw the air, and pursue ball carriers with a controlled rage that made players question whether they really wanted to play football. Quarterbacks made it a priority to locate him on every play, or suffer the consequences. Like Merlin Olsen did for defensive lineman, Taylor helped develop new techniques still taught and practiced today. These included chopping at footballs during sacks to force fumbles (simply tackling the quarterback had been the standard) and the speed rush techniques, where he would avoid contact almost entirely to procure a sack. Before Taylor, offensive lineman would rarely, if ever, block outside linebackers. But because of his unequalled abilities, coaches began to do just that, a practice still utilized today.
From his rookie year in 1981 to 1990, he was named to the All-Pro and Pro Bowl. While he was adept at every aspect of the game, Taylor will forever be remembered for redefining linebacker as a pass-rushing position. Three times he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and his 135.5 career sacks still ranks first among linebackers. His 1986 season ranks among the greatest single seasons in all of sports. During that campaign, Taylor made a then NFL record 20.5 sacks en route to leading the Giants to a Super Bowl XXI title. That season, he won the Associate Press, Football Writers of America, and the Sporting News MVP award, the two latter made him the only defensive player to win the award in those associations history.
He would further bolster his legacy with another Super Bowl title four years later in Super Bowl XXV against Buffalo. Taylor's well documented battle with drugs and alcohol threatened to prematurely end his life during the 1990's. But he would perceiver, being able to resurrect his life into being a community leader and film actor. He remains today in a company of his own, and the greatest linebacker in NFL history.


LT stands at the top of the mountain for linebacker greats


FUTURE CONSIDERATION- Shawn Merriman, Patrick Willis, Lofa Tatupu


That'll do it for this week. Leave one down below if you like. Have a good one.