From Lambert to Lewis: 20 Best Linebackers Of All Time 

James Harrison is a powerhouse linebacker who dominated the NFL from 2002 to 2017, primarily with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s a four-time All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowler, showcasing his incredible talent.

His career tally of 84.5 sacks for the Steelers remains unmatched, cementing his legacy. In 2008, he was honored as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, a testament to his exceptional skills.

Sam Huff, a renowned linebacker, commanded the field from 1956 to 1969, notably with the New York Giants and later with Washington. His impact was immense, earning him six All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl appearances.

Huff played a pivotal role in the Giants’ 1956 NFL championship victory, showcasing his defensive prowess. His influence extended beyond the field, becoming the first NFL player featured on Time magazine’s cover.

He further solidified his presence with a CBS television special titled The Violent World of Sam Huff in 1960, emphasizing his tenacity and dominance in the game. 

Kevin Greene was a dominant force in the NFL, showcasing his prowess from 1985 to 1999 with several teams. As an outside linebacker, he made a profound impact, earning three All-Pro nods and five Pro Bowl selections.

His standout year in 1996 led to him being named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Greene’s legacy is deeply tied to his incredible sack record of 160, the most by any linebacker in NFL history and ranking him third overall.

His remarkable feat as the oldest player to lead the league in sacks, securing 14.5 at the age of 34 in 1996, highlighted his enduring skill and determination.

Patrick Willis, a standout linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers from 2007 to 2014, had a career that sparkled with excellence. He has garnered a variety of achievements which include:

• 6-time All-Pro, 7-time Pro Bowler
•  NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2007
• 2009 Butkus Award winner (Professional)

His achievements extended beyond accolades. Despite a relatively short NFL tenure, his impact was undeniable, evident from his consistent Pro Bowl appearances in seasons where he played more than four games.

Rickey Jackson’s impact on the NFL is significant, despite being somewhat underrated. He spent most of his career with the New Orleans Saints from 1981 to 1993 before joining the San Francisco 49ers for a brief period.

His 6 All-Pro selections and Pro Bowl appearances reflect his exceptional talent and contributions to the game. Winning Super Bowl XXIX with the 49ers further solidified his legacy.

Jackson’s prowess as a pass-rushing is remarkable, evident in his 128 career sacks, ranking him 16th all-time and fifth among the Linebackers.

Ray Nitschke’s impact on the Green Bay Packers and the NFL as a whole is monumental. From 1958 to 1972, he was the cornerstone of the Packers’ defense, showcasing unparalleled leadership and skill.

He had a sound career culminating in different recognitions which include:

• 7-time All-Pro, 1964 Pro Bowl selection
• Won the NFL championship five times within a span of 1961-62 and ’65-67.
• Secured victories in Super Bowl I and II.
• Recognized as the MVP of the 1962 NFL Championship Game.

DeMarcus Ware was a defensive juggernaut during his tenure in the NFL, notably with the Dallas Cowboys from 2005 to 2013 and later with the Denver Broncos from 2014 to 2016.

His impact on the field was immense, evident in his seven All-Pro selections and nine Pro Bowl appearances. Ware’s crowning achievement came with a Super Bowl 50 victory while playing for the Broncos.

In 2008, he earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Year award and clinched the Butkus Award twice (in 2008 and 2011) in the professional category. His 138.5 sacks, ranking ninth all-time, solidify his place among the defensive greats.

During his tenure with the Detroit Lions from 1953 to 1965, Joe Schmidt epitomized excellence in football. His career sparkled with achievements, boasting different types of accolades win which:

• He was recognized nine times as an All-Pro and selected for the Pro Bowl on ten occasions.
• He Won the NFL championship twice in 1953 and ’57.
• Included in the prestigious NFL 100 All-Time Team in 2019.

In 2008, he earned the NFC Defensive Player of the Year award and clinched the Butkus Award twice in the same year and in 2011. 

Harry Carson’s impact on the New York Giants from 1976 to 1988 was immense. Garnering six All-Pro selections and participating in the Pro Bowl nine times, he exemplified excellence on the field.

As part of the Giants, Carson secured a Super Bowl XXI victory. His partnership with Lawrence Taylor formed a formidable duo, contributing significantly to the Giants’ defensive prowess.

His contributions to the Giants’ defense and his consistent, exceptional play earned him a well-deserved spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006. 

Terrell Suggs, an NFL linebacker, made a lasting impact during his time with the Baltimore Ravens from 2003 to 2018, later playing for Arizona and Kansas City in 2019.

He earned two All-Pro selections and participated in the Pro Bowl seven times. Suggs played pivotal roles in securing Super Bowl victories, winning XLVII with the Ravens and LIV with the Chiefs.

He stood out early in his career, receiving the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2003 and later being named the 2011 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Suggs’ impressive sack tally of 139 ranks eighth all-time and second among the LB’s.

Bill George made an indelible mark on the NFL during his tenure with the Chicago Bears from 1952 to 1965, followed by a season with the Los Angeles Rams in 1966.

• Earned 8-time All-Pro and Pro Bowler
• Secured the 1963 NFL championship with the Bears.
• Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the 1974 class.

Credited as the first backer to drop back into pass coverage, George is regarded as the pioneer of the NFL’s true middle LB role and a key figure in developing the 4-3 defensive formation.

Brian Urlacher made an unforgettable mark during his time with the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. He was a standout middle linebacker, earning five All-Pro selections and participating in eight Pro Bowls.

Urlacher’s exceptional career began with him being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000. His impact on the field was undeniable, showcased by his 1,353 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and his role in creating 34 turnovers.

In 2005, he received the prestigious NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, solidifying his status as one of the game’s best.

Bobby Bell, was a Kansas City Chiefs linebacker from 1963 to 1974. Standing tall at 6-4 and weighing 230 pounds, Bell’s physical prowess and speed set him apart as one of the most imposing LBs in history.

Renowned for his exceptional speed, he outpaced many players of his time, regardless of position. His achievements include:

• He achieved 2-time All-Pro, 3-time Pro Bowler
• Earned six All-AFL honors and was selected for the AFL All-Star team six times.
• Achieved two AFL championships in 1966 and ’69 along with a Super Bowl IV victory.
• Named the 1969 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Chuck Bednarik, a Philadelphia Eagles icon from 1949 to 1962, left an indelible mark on the NFL. With an outstanding record of ten All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowl appearances, he stood among the league’s elite.

Bednarik was part of two NFL championship-winning teams in 1949 and 1960. His exceptional versatility was evident as he played both linebacker and center positions, never leaving the field during a game.

Chuck’s legacy extends beyond the gridiron; he served in World War II and remains honored not only as a Hall of Fame football player.

Ted Hendricks is a dominant force in the NFL, showcasing his prowess from 1969 to 1983 with several teams. Standing at an imposing 6-7, he earned the nickname The Mad Stork and remains the tallest linebacker in NFL history.

Hendricks’ career boasts an impressive nine All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowl appearances. His impact extended across multiple Super Bowl victories, securing wins in V with the Baltimore Colts and  XI, XV, and XVIII with the Los Angeles Raiders.

His stature, combined with his exceptional skill, makes him an iconic figure among linebackers, earning him a well-deserved spot on the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

Derrick Brooks, a standout linebacker for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1995 to 2008, left an enduring legacy in the NFL. He has gained a handful of accolades and recognitions from his career which include:

• Securing All-Pro recognition nine times and making eleven Pro Bowl appearances.
• Earning a Super Bowl championship in XXXVII
• Claiming the title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2002.
• Inducting into the esteemed Pro Football Hall of Fame in the Class of 2014.

Throughout his Hall of Fame career, he amassed over 1,700 tackles solidifying his reputation as one of the most complete and impactful linebackers in NFL history. 

Junior Seau was a standout linebacker, making his mark with the San Diego Chargers from 1990 to 2002, followed by stints with Miami and New England.

His career boasted an impressive 10 All-Pro selections and 12 Pro Bowl appearances, a testament to his exceptional talent and consistency on the field. Seau’s brilliance was evident, earning him the 1992 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award and the 1994 AFC Player of the Year award.

Known for his instinctual play, he was a reliable tackler, amassing a staggering 1,849 career tackles.

Jack Ham was a defensive stalwart for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1971 to 1982 and was a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. His career boasted an outstanding record of eight All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowl appearances.

Ham played a pivotal role in securing four Super Bowl victories for the Steelers in IX, X, XIII, and XIV. In 1975, he was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his exceptional skills and impact on the field.

His remarkable achievement of forcing 53 turnovers remains a record for linebackers, highlighting his defensive prowess.

Mike Singletary, a cornerstone of the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1992, embodied intense focus and dedication on the field. He has been recognized with different accolades and recognitions during his career including:

• nine times as an All-Pro and selected for the Pro Bowl ten times.
• Super Bowl victory in XX.
• The title of NFL Defensive Player of the Year twice in 1985 and ’88.

As a key leader and standout player, Singletary’s legacy as an intense and exceptional linebacker earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989, leaving an indelible mark on the sport’s history.

Dick Butkus, a dominant force for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973, epitomized the essence of a linebacker. His eight All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowl appearances underscore his unparalleled excellence in the sport.

Butkus left an enduring legacy, evident in his two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1969 and 1970. His impact is so profound that the award for the best high school, college, and NFL linebacker each year bears his name.