Middle linebackers are the tone-setting, emotional leaders of NFL defenses.
People often refer to linebackers as the quarterback of the defense, such is their importance. Linebackers play at the second level of the defense, behind the defensive line, and in front of the defensive backs. Most linebackers in the NFL communicate and call defensive plays and are responsible for leading the defense.
Throughout the 100-year history of the NFL, linebackers have defined toughness, physicality, and defensive ferocity. Responsible for defending the run and the pass, linebackers are supremely important. They display ferocious tackling, high-level agility when defending space, and a relentless desire to win.
Each of the last ten decades has featured era-changing linebackers, and many players are unlucky to miss out on this list. Brian Urlacher, Luke Kuechly, and Ray Nitschke do not make this list. There are many more to name, but DAZN looks at the greatest five middle linebackers ever.
Dick Butkus (1965 - 1973)
The original middle linebacker, Dick Butkus, was the gold standard. The legendary Chicago Bear struck fear into his opponents and led his defense with a remorseless intensity. Butkus tallied 1,020 tackles in his career, was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year, and earned All-Pro honors five times. Butkus made the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility and had his jersey number 51 retired by the Chicago Bears. Butkus passed away in October of this year, and the universal reaction of respect and reverence underlined how much he meant to the game. The NFL named Butkus in the NFL 75th and NFL 100th anniversary teams. While other middle linebackers played for longer or won Super Bowls, they all followed the template set by Butkus.
Ray Lewis (1996 - 2012)
When Nelly's 'Hot in Herre' reverberated around Baltimore, it signaled the arrival of Baltimore Ravens superstar Ray Lewis. A career Raven, Lewis played 17 years in the NFL, and his brand of physical intimidation and intelligence made him the best of his generation. The Florida product led the NFL in tackles in three seasons, was an All-Pro seven times, won two Defensive Player of the Year awards, and was a Super Bowl MVP. During his career, Lewis destroyed ball-carriers and pummelled running backs in the run game. Furthermore, Lewis holds the record for most career solo tackles and most tackles in a single season. His tenacity and inspiring leadership made Lewis the heartbeat of the Ravens' organization. Add all that to two Super Bowl wins, and Lewis' place on this list was a given.
Jack Lambert (1974 - 1984)
Jack Lambert was the glue that held the dynastic Pittsburgh Steelers together during their dominant run in the 1970s. A four-time Super Bowl winner, Lambert was an athletic, heavy-hitting linebacker renowned for his energy and aggression. Lambert was agile enough to defend pass-catchers while retaining the physical power to shackle running backs. A six-time All-Pro and 1976 Defensive Player of the Year, Lambert was integral to Pittsburgh's 'Steel Curtain' and rightly went down in history as a legendary Steeler. Lambert is an era-defining middle linebacker with nearly 1,500 tackles and 23.5 career sacks.
Joe Schmidt (1953 - 1965)
A late-round draft pick turned nine-year captain. Joe Schmidt was one of the final cogs in the Detroit Lions' team of the 1950s. A two-time NFL champion, Schmidt was a peerless communicator and athlete. He routinely led the Lions in tackles made and was a tone-setter for one of the league's best defenses. Schmidt made 10 Pro Bowls, was an eight-time All-Pro, and a Hall of Famer. The NFL named Schmidt to their 100th anniversary team, and the Lions retired his jersey number. Schmidt's leadership and football intelligence made him a standout among his peers.
Mike Singletary (1981 - 1992)
This list started with a Chicago Bear. Therefore, it feels right that it ends with a Chicago Bear. 'Samurai' Mike Singletary captained the NFL's greatest defense. The 1985 Chicago Bears demolished opponents as they rampaged their way to the Super Bowl title, and Singletary was the best player. Singletary recorded 109 tackles, three sacks, and one interception for that season. The Bears ranked as the number-one defense that season. The speedy linebacker won Defensive Player of the Year in 1985 and 1988. Pair that with 10 Pro Bowl appearances and seven All-Pro nominations, Singletary was the linebacker of the 1980s. His play speed and game recognition made him seem steps ahead of other players. In 1999, Sporting News named Singletary one of the best 100 football players ever.
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