5 Best Linebackers of All-Time, Ranked

Linebackers are the heart of any NFL defense, asked to stop the run, drop into coverage, and blitz the quarterback. 

Ranking the best linebackers in NFL history means evaluating players based on tackles, sacks, interceptions, versatility, and impact on championship defenses. 

Several LBs are worthy of consideration, but these five players stand in as the best linebackers of all-time.

1. Lawrence Taylor

• Career: 1981 to 1993 (Giants)
• Career Stats: 132.5 sacks, 1,088 tackles, 9 interceptions
• Accolades: 2× Super Bowl Champion, NFL MVP (1986), 3× Defensive Player of the Year, 8× First-Team All-Pro

Lawrence Taylor didn’t just dominate the game; he changed it. Before the man best known as “LT”, linebackers were primarily run-stoppers or coverage players, but his rare blend of speed, power, and aggression turned the edge rush into an offensive nightmare. 

His relentless pursuit of quarterbacks forced teams to redesign their blocking schemes, invent the concept of the “blind side,” and elevate the importance of offensive tackles. 

In 1986, Taylor recorded 20.5 sacks, won NFL MVP (the only linebacker ever to do so) and led the Giants to a Super Bowl title. His impact transcended stats, redefining how defense is played and valued in the NFL.

2. Ray Lewis

• Career: 1996 to 2012 (Ravens)
• Career Stats: 2,059 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 31 interceptions
• Accolades: 2× Super Bowl Champion, Super Bowl MVP (XXXV), 2× Defensive Player of the Year, 7× First-Team All-Pro

Ray Lewis was the heart and soul of the Baltimore Ravens for nearly two decades, embodying intensity, preparation, and passion on every snap. 

A fierce competitor and inspirational leader, Lewis set the tone for one of the most feared defenses in NFL history. His unique combination of instincts, athleticism, and intelligence allowed him to dominate both against the run and in coverage, making him the only player ever to record over 40 sacks and 30 interceptions. 

Beyond his stats, Lewis’s fiery pregame speeches, trademark dance, and relentless energy elevated everyone around him. He ultimately led the Ravens to two Super Bowl championships and cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defensive leaders the league has ever seen.

3. Dick Butkus

• Career: 1965 to 1973 (Bears)
  
• Career Stats: 22 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries
  
• Accolades: 5× First-Team All-Pro, Hall of Fame inductee

Dick Butkus redefined what it meant to play middle linebacker in the NFL. Known for his bone-rattling hits and unrelenting pursuit of the ball, he brought an unmatched level of aggression and intimidation to the field. 

Opponents often spoke of fearing his presence as much as his tackles; a testament to his aura and physical dominance. Butkus had a remarkable ability to strip the ball and create turnovers, often single-handedly shifting momentum in games. 

Despite his career being cut short by injuries, his impact was so profound that he became the gold standard for toughness and intensity at the position, shaping how future generations of linebackers would play the game.

4. Jack Lambert

• Career: 1974 to 1984 (Steelers)
• Career Stats: 1,479 tackles, 28 interceptions, 23.5 sacks
• Accolades: 4× Super Bowl Champion, NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1976), 6× First-Team All-Pro

Jack Lambert was the fearless enforcer at the heart of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense. Undersized for his position but overflowing with grit and intensity, Lambert played with a ferocity that perfectly reflected the hard-nosed identity of 1970s Pittsburgh football. 

His fiery demeanor, toothless snarl, and uncompromising toughness made him one of the most intimidating figures in NFL history. Beyond the attitude, Lambert backed it up with elite production and instinct, earning multiple All-Pro selections and the 1974 Defensive Rookie of the Year award. 

Lambert’s leadership and playmaking anchored a defense that powered the Steelers to four Super Bowl titles and helped define one of the league’s most dominant dynasties.

5. Derrick Thomas

• Career: 1989 to 1999 (Chiefs)
• Career Stats: 126.5 sacks, 41 forced fumbles
• Accolades: 9× Pro Bowler, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1989), Hall of Fame inductee

Derrick Thomas was a game-wrecking force off the edge and one of the most electrifying defensive players the NFL has ever seen. 

Blessed with explosive speed, flawless technique, and a relentless motor, Thomas made life miserable for opposing quarterbacks throughout the 1990s. In 1990, he set an NFL record with seven sacks in a single game (a mark that still stands today), showcasing just how dominant he could be. 

More than just a pass rusher, Thomas had a knack for creating momentum-shifting plays, forcing fumbles, and turning defense into instant offense. Over his career with the Kansas City Chiefs, he became the cornerstone of their defense and a perennial Pro Bowl presence. 

Though his life and career were tragically cut short, his legacy as one of the premier sack artists and leaders of his era remains untouchable.

Honorable Mentions

• Mike Singletary – 2× Defensive Player of the Year, leader of the 1985 Bears defense
• Junior Seau – 12× Pro Bowler with over 1,800 tackles
• Jack Ham – Integral part of the Steelers’ dynasty with 32 interceptions
• Brian Urlacher – 2005 Defensive Player of the Year and Hall of Fame inductee

Mike Singletary was the fiery leader of the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears defense, earning two Defensive Player of the Year awards with his intensity and intelligence. 

Junior Seau combined unmatched energy with incredible range, amassing over 1,800 tackles and 12 Pro Bowls as the heart of every defense he played on. 

Jack Ham brought rare versatility to Pittsburgh’s “Steel Curtain,” excelling in coverage with 32 interceptions — a remarkable number for a linebacker. 

Brian Urlacher blended elite athleticism with instincts and toughness, capturing the 2005 Defensive Player of the Year award and securing his place among the NFL’s all-time greats.

Defining Linebacker Greatness

The best linebackers in NFL history brought a combination of production, leadership, and intensity that defined their defenses. 

Lawrence Taylor redefined the position, Ray Lewis elevated his team with leadership, Butkus set the standard for intimidation, Lambert anchored a dynasty, and Thomas changed games with his pass rushing. These linebackers represent the pinnacle of defensive excellence.