Ranking the 10 finest NFL linebackers of all time
When someone thinks of football in the modern day and age, they think of quarterbacks. And without hesitation, too. They think of wizards like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen creating magic out of nothing, making the impossible seem like a breeze. But once upon a time, the NFL was viewed differently. When people thought about football, they thought about linebackers, indefatigable defensive field generals who struck fear into the hearts of those “pretty boy” offensive players on the other team.
Even if they’re technically less important now — depending on whom you ask anyway — linebackers are still important NFL fulcrums we can’t quite overlook just yet.
READ MORE NFL:
- The 10 most dominant defensive tackles ever
- The 10 greatest edge pass-rushers in NFL history
- The 10 most exceptional tight ends of all time
The linebacker conversation in 2024 starts and ends with names like the San Francisco 49ers’ Fred Warner and the Baltimore Ravens’ Roquan Smith. But all-around defensive dynamos like them never get to where they are without the legendary linebackers who paved their path. Men who gave names like Warner and Smith a thoroughway to changing the game in their own right.
Below is a ranking of the greatest off-ball linebackers ever to play professional football. They were merciless intimidators. They were remarkable playmakers. Most of all, they were steadfast leaders, never wavering in the face of adversity.
Note: While I did not discriminate between inside or outside linebackers, those who were primarily known for rushing the passer off the edge were not included because that is a different position with different responsibilities.