Linebackers are the heartbeat of any defense, combining power, intelligence, and instinct to stop the toughest offenses. The National Football League (NFL) has seen some true legends in this position, players whose leadership and game-changing abilities set them apart. While it would be impossible to recognize all the incredible talents in the linebacker position, here are the 15 greatest linebackers in NFL history.
Lawrence Taylor
Popularly recognized as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, Lawrence Taylor made a name for himself for revolutionizing the defensive position with his aggressive pass rush and ability to disrupt offenses. As a New York Giants defender for 13 years, Taylor won two Super Bowls and was named NFL MVP in 1986.
Ray Lewis
After appearing in college football for the Miami Hurricanes, Ray Lewis went on to become a dominant force for the Baltimore Ravens over a 17-year career. He set an NFL record for accumulating 2,059 combined tackles and 1,568 solo tackles. Then, he became a two-time Super Bowl champion and two-time Defensive Player of the Year.
Jack Lambert
At the heart of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” defense, Jack Lambert was known for his tenacity, toughness, and leadership. Over his 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Lambert won four Super Bowl titles with the Steelers and earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in 1976.
Mike Singletary
Mike Singletary, the leader of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears defense, was known for his incredible football instincts. As a two-time Football League Defensive Player of the Year, Singletary was a key reason the Bears won Super Bowl XX. Moreover, in 1998, Mike was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Derrick Thomas
Football league lovers will forever remember Derrick Thomas as one of the most feared pass rushers. While with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was admired for his explosiveness off the edge. Before his tragic passing in 2000, Thomas held the record for most sacks in a single game (seven). Plus, his ability to disrupt opposing offenses earned him a Hall of Fame recognition.
Jack Ham
It’s impossible not to include another legendary Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker on this list: Jack Ham. Back in the 1970s, Ham was known for his versatility and intelligence. He was equally adept at stopping the run, dropping into coverage, and rushing the passer. Ham’s ability to read offenses earned him eight Pro Bowl selections and four Super Bowl titles.
Junior Seau
In a career that spanned 20 seasons, Junior Seau was adored for his energetic and passionate play. He was a 12-time Pro Bowler and the leader of the San Diego Chargers defense for over a decade. Seau’s speed and tenacity allowed him to make plays across the field, and he was later awarded a Hall of Fame induction in 2015.
Brian Urlacher
When it comes to productivity, Brian Urlacher had no competition in the defensive line. He was the centerpiece of the Chicago Bears’ defense for 13 seasons. He could drop into coverage, rush the passer, and stop the run with equal effectiveness. Urlacher was an eight-time Pro Bowler who claimed the Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005.
Bobby Bell
Bobby Bell was incredibly athletic and versatile while playing for the Kansas City Chiefs. Bell was a six-time AFL All-Star and helped the team win Super Bowl IV against the Minnesota Vikings. He was an NFL Pro Bowler for three consecutive years. His ability to play multiple positions on defense made him one of the most unique linebackers in history.
Chuck Bednarik
Nicknamed “Concrete Charlie,” Chuck Bednarik played both linebacker and center for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was a key figure in the Eagles’ 1960 NFL Championship team. Also known as the “60 Minute Man,” Bednarik’s tackles were famously called “The Hit.” Chuck Bednarik’s hard-hitting style earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Willie Lanier
Willie Lanier was one of the first African-American linebackers to dominate the NFL. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs from 1967 through 1977. Lanier’s intelligence and physicality on the field of play made him a key part of the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV victory. For eight straight seasons, Lanier won postseason honors and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
Ted Hendricks
We wouldn’t have done justice to this list without remembering “The Mad Stork” by Ted Hendricks. The Guatemalan-American was a versatile linebacker who played for the Colts, Packers, and Raiders. Known for his height and ability to block passes, Hendricks was an eight-time Pro Bowler and won four Super Bowl titles.
Harry Carson
A cornerstone of the New York Giants’ defense alongside Lawrence Taylor, Harry Carson helped the Giants win Super Bowl XXI and was selected for nine Pro Bowls. His ability to dominate the middle of the field made him one of the greatest inside linebackers of all time. Thus, it’s no surprise that he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
James Harrison
A feared pass rusher and hard-hitting linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Harrison became a fan favorite for his toughness and ability to make clutch plays. He played a major role in the Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIII victory, highlighted by his memorable 100-yard interception return for a touchdown.
Sam Huff
Concluding this amazing list of legendary NFL linebackers is Sam Huff, who was one of the first linebackers to gain national attention for his hard-hitting style of play. Between 1956 and 1969, Huff played for the New York Giants and Washington Redskins. He had the ability to diagnose plays and also helped lead the Giants to six NFL Championship matches.
Remembering the NFL’s 15 Greatest Linebackers of All-Time