Top 10 Linebackers in NFL History: Who Was the Greatest—LT, Ray Lewis, or Dick Butkus?

The linebacker position has always been one of the most prestigious roles on a football team. Today, we dive into the legacy of the greatest linebackers in NFL history, all of whom are true legends of the game. Ranking them is no easy task, but there’s little debate that each of these ten players has earned their place in the conversation.

Criteria: What sets apart legendary linebackers is their ability to dominate the game, and every player on this list exemplifies that dominance. While statistics and championships matter, this ranking is based on the impact each player had on the game. It’s worth noting that stats, like sacks, were not officially tracked until the late 1970s, adding complexity to evaluating some players’ contributions.

10) Derrick Thomas

Derrick Thomas set numerous NFL records before his untimely death in 2000. In just 11 seasons, he recorded 126.5 sacks and set an NFL record with 41 forced fumbles. Throughout his career, Thomas consistently delivered, never recording fewer than seven or eight sacks per season. He also ranks third all-time in safeties and fumble return touchdowns, showcasing his knack for creating game-changing plays.

As one of the greatest pass-rushing linebackers in NFL history, Thomas was the definition of a game-changer, regularly altering the course of games with his explosive, big-play ability.

9) Derrick Brooks – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Derrick Brooks is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished linebackers in NFL history. With 11 Pro Bowl selections, 9 All-Pro honors, and a Defensive MVP award in 2002, Brooks’ career was defined by excellence. He also won Super Bowl 50 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where his skills in the cover-two defense were crucial to the team’s success.

Brooks’ impact on the field is reflected in his impressive statistics, including 25 interceptions (three of which he returned for touchdowns), 1,301 tackles, and 25 forced fumbles. His ability to excel both in pass coverage and against the run made him an All-Pro and a true game-changer in every sense.

8) Jack Lambert – Pittsburgh Steelers

Jack Lambert had his finest season in 1976, earning the Defensive Player of the Year award while helping the Pittsburgh Steelers secure four Super Bowl titles. As a key member of the “Steel Curtain,” Lambert excelled not only as a fierce tackler but also as a top-notch coverage linebacker. Over his career, he accumulated 28 interceptions and 1,045 tackles, showcasing his versatility and defensive prowess.

Lambert was the foundation of the Steel Curtain defense, leading the Steelers to dominance in the 1970s. Despite being considered undersized for a linebacker, his exceptional play and leadership defied expectations, solidifying his place among the all-time greats.

7) Junior Seau – Chargers, Patriots

Junior Seau was the epitome of consistency. Not the fastest player on the field, Seau made up for it with relentless work ethic and a keen ability to be involved in every play. He finished his career with 1,524 tackles, more than any other linebacker on this list.

Seau’s leadership was pivotal in helping the underdog San Diego Chargers reach Super Bowl XXIX, where they ultimately fell short. Later in his career, he joined the New England Patriots and contributed to their Super Bowl run. Seau’s football IQ and instincts for the ball made him a true standout throughout his career.

6) Mike Singletary – Chicago Bears

Mike Singletary earned Defensive Player of the Year honors in both 1985 and 1988, cementing his legacy as one of the most dominant linebackers in NFL history. In Super Bowl XX, as part of the Chicago Bears’ 46-10 victory, Singletary recovered two fumbles, showcasing his sharp instincts, leadership, and toughness—qualities that earned him comparisons to legends like Ray Lewis and Junior Seau.

As the heart and soul of the Bears’ defense, Singletary helped lead one of the greatest defensive units in NFL history. The 1985 Chicago Bears defense is often remembered as a hallmark of dominance, and Singletary’s role as its leader is unforgettable. His play was so exceptional that it sometimes overshadowed other key players like Otis Wilson and Wilbur Marshall. Singletary was the driving force behind that legendary defense, with his leadership and playmaking ability making a lasting impact.

5) Ted Hendricks – Colts, Packers, Raiders

Ted Hendricks made an impressive mark on the NFL, earning his first Pro Bowl selection at 24 in 1971 and his final one at 36 in 1983 with the Green Bay Packers. In 1974, Hendricks finished third in Defensive Player of the Year voting, after a remarkable season in which he intercepted five passes, blocked seven kicks, and even scored a safety.

Hendricks’ dominance continued throughout his career, as he placed second in DPOY voting in both 1980 and 1982 while playing for the Raiders. His durability was also exceptional, as he appeared in 215 consecutive regular-season games, seven AFC Championship Games, and four Super Bowls—winning all of them by a combined score of 113-46. Hendricks’ postseason success was also remarkable, boasting a 17-4 record in 21 playoff appearances.

4) Ray Lewis – Ravens

Ray Lewis quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier players and remained a dominant force throughout his career. He led the 2000 Super Bowl-winning Baltimore Ravens, who are often considered one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, alongside legendary defenses like those of the 1985 Bears and the ’70s Steelers.

Lewis is one of only three players on this list to have won Defensive Player of the Year honors twice, in 2000 and again in 2003. Over his illustrious career, Lewis recorded 1,349 tackles, 36.5 sacks, and 28 interceptions—impressive statistics for any linebacker, let alone one of his caliber.

3) Jack Ham – Steelers

Jack Ham is often regarded as the greatest coverage linebacker in NFL history. With 32 career interceptions, he leads all linebackers in that category, including a remarkable seven interceptions in one season—matching only Tom Jackson in that feat. Ham’s exceptional speed, notably faster than all but two players on his team, John Stallworth and Lynn Swann, made him a standout on the field.

Ham’s greatness lies not only in his athleticism but also in his intelligence. While Jack Lambert often steals the spotlight, Ham was the better all-around linebacker. His legacy is cemented as a legend at Penn State, where he remains an all-time great.

2) Dick Butkus – Chicago Bears

Dick Butkus was a force to be reckoned with, even during a time when his team, the Chicago Bears, struggled. Despite finishing the 1969 season with a dismal 1-13 record, Butkus received recognition, ranking as high as sixth in MVP voting. Over his career, he consistently placed among the top defensive players, finishing in the top ten in MVP voting from 1967 to 1970.

Unfortunately, Butkus’s career was cut short by a knee injury at the age of 28 in 1970, a setback that limited his career longevity. Had he played in a later era with medical advancements, he might have achieved even greater success and higher standing on this list.

1) Lawrence Taylor – Giants

Lawrence Taylor changed the game of football, not just on the defensive side, but across the entire field. His impact was so immense that teams began using extra linemen and tight ends just to block him. Taylor was the most disruptive force in NFL history, and when he joined the New York Giants, they were a struggling team. By the end of his rookie season, however, the Giants were playoff contenders.

Taylor finished his career with 142 sacks, averaging nearly 11 sacks per season. If we exclude his last three seasons, where his production declined, his average jumps to an incredible 12.4 sacks per season—truly remarkable.

Honorable Mentions

Robert Brazile

Brazile was drafted out of Jackson State and revolutionized the linebacker position in the NFL. In many ways, he was the Lawrence Taylor of his time. Though official sack and tackle statistics weren’t recorded early in his career, Brazile was an outstanding pass rusher and a versatile linebacker. He played every aspect of the game at a high level. Brazile was a key player for the “Luv Ya Blue” Houston Oilers, leading them to three straight playoff appearances, including two AFC Championship games. He earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first seven seasons.

Chuck Bednarik

A World War II veteran, Chuck Bednarik played for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1949 to 1962. He was the last full-time two-way player in NFL history, excelling as both a center and linebacker, earning the nickname “The Sixty-Minute Man.” Much like baseball’s Shohei Ohtani today, Bednarik’s versatility and dominance in both roles made him an exceptional player of his era.

Andre Tippett

Tippett had two incredible seasons in 1984 and 1985, recording 18.5 and 16.5 sacks, respectively. Over his career, he finished with 100 sacks, never recording fewer than seven sacks in a single season. In the mid-80s, Tippett was nearly on par with Lawrence Taylor and played a major role in the New England Patriots’ first Super Bowl appearance in 1985. Tippett was a consistent and dominant linebacker throughout his career.

Rickey Jackson

Rickey Jackson finished his career with 128 sacks, but his most impressive stat was his 40 forced fumbles, just one shy of the NFL record. Jackson also tallied 1,173 tackles and was considered one of the fastest and hardest-hitting linebackers in the game. He was especially unstoppable in goal-line situations. Jackson was part of one of the greatest linebacker corps in NFL history, alongside Sam Mills and Vaughn Johnson, leading the New Orleans Saints to their first playoff appearances and earning lasting admiration from the New Orleans fan base.

Source: https://www.americanfootballinternational.com/top-10-linebackers-in-nfl-history-who-was-the-greatest-lt-ray-lewis-or-dick-butkus/