Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

brush

(57,086 posts)
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 06:10 PM Jul 2024

My top, all-time NFL linebackers. I go back a ways so if you don't regconize the names, google them.

1. Lawrence Taylor.

2. Dick Butkus

3. Ray Nitschke

4. Ray Lewis.

5. Willie Lanier

DU footbal fans, dispute, substitute add others for consideration.

19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
My top, all-time NFL linebackers. I go back a ways so if you don't regconize the names, google them. (Original Post) brush Jul 2024 OP
Mr. Diamond says your list is a good one. Diamond_Dog Jul 2024 #1
Yeah, I was thinking of Lambert too Raven123 Jul 2024 #2
OK. I like. A Steelers fan I take it? Well let me, a Raiders fan, add... brush Jul 2024 #3
Mr. Diamond is a Browns fan Diamond_Dog Jul 2024 #4
My next 5: Derrick Thomas, Mike Singletary, Derrick Brooks, Ted Hendricks, Bobby Bell. Marcuse Jul 2024 #5
I like all of them. Forgot about Bobby Bell from the Hank Stram Chiefs. brush Jul 2024 #6
Pretty good list, but mostly middle linebackers. rsdsharp Jul 2024 #7
Yeah, those two guys defined what it meant to be middle linebackers. brush Jul 2024 #8
Chuck Bednarik was for the Eagles; he played center and linebacker. George was just defense for the Bears, I think, rsdsharp Jul 2024 #12
He had one of the best nicknames. "Concrete" Charlie. brush Jul 2024 #14
Cause that was his side gig. He worked for a concrete company. rsdsharp Jul 2024 #15
I didn't know about the side gig. I thought the nickname was because of his concrete-like wall he put up... brush Jul 2024 #18
I go back far enough to remember a guy named Lee Roy Jordan. House of Roberts Jul 2024 #9
I remember him. From Tom Landry's great Cowboy teams. brush Jul 2024 #10
Add Sam Huff and Chuck Bednarik to the rabbit ears division. Marcuse Jul 2024 #11
Sam Huff of course. And who can forget "Concrete" Charlie Bednarik? brush Jul 2024 #13
I'm going to add Tommy Nobis of the Falcons y'all. Island Deac Jul 2024 #16
Yep. He was a top backer back in the day. brush Jul 2024 #17
Tommy "hit 'em in the gizzle" Nobis. rsdsharp Jul 2024 #19

brush

(57,086 posts)
3. OK. I like. A Steelers fan I take it? Well let me, a Raiders fan, add...
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 06:20 PM
Jul 2024

the "Mad Stork" Ted Hendricks.

rsdsharp

(10,053 posts)
7. Pretty good list, but mostly middle linebackers.
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 06:40 PM
Jul 2024

I’d suggest Dave Robinson, and the two guys who really invented middle linebacker in the 4-3: Sam Huff and Bill George (I probably go back farther than you).

brush

(57,086 posts)
8. Yeah, those two guys defined what it meant to be middle linebackers.
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 06:44 PM
Jul 2024

Wasn't George even a two-way player?

rsdsharp

(10,053 posts)
12. Chuck Bednarik was for the Eagles; he played center and linebacker. George was just defense for the Bears, I think,
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 07:00 PM
Jul 2024

although he started out as middle guard in the 5-2.

rsdsharp

(10,053 posts)
15. Cause that was his side gig. He worked for a concrete company.
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 07:34 PM
Jul 2024

After practice, he’d go out and estimate jobs.

brush

(57,086 posts)
18. I didn't know about the side gig. I thought the nickname was because of his concrete-like wall he put up...
Tue Jul 16, 2024, 01:38 AM
Jul 2024

in stopping runners.

House of Roberts

(5,660 posts)
9. I go back far enough to remember a guy named Lee Roy Jordan.
Mon Jul 15, 2024, 06:51 PM
Jul 2024

Put him where you will on any list, he's still the first one that comes to mind for me.

Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»Football»My top, all-time NFL line...