He was unblockable in the box and ran downhill to punish running backs in the hole. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Willie Lanier was the first African-American to start at middle linebacker in professional football. Bobby Bell is a six-foot, 228-pound three-time Pro Bowler. And so I bring you, the ALL TIME, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team: OFFENSE: QB- Doug Williams- Forget being a trend setter by being the first full time African-American starter at ⦠Levon Kirkland. These all-time greats have electrified crowds with their energy and leadership and delivered on the field as some of the NFL's best defensive players ever. At the high school and collegiate levels, Bell was an award-winning halfback, quarterback, and tackle. For Nitschke, the dominance included his very own MVP performance in the 1962 NFL Championship Game, when he recorded several tackles, two fumble recoveries, and one batted ball that led to an interception in a 16-7 win versus the New York Giants. He entered the Hall of Fame in 2015. The two Wisconsin linebackers finished their time at the college level in leading a top-10 defense and accumulating honors. But while all these fanbases have ample teams to choose from, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers really have just one: the 2020 Super Bowl squad. Of all his other scores, only Robertsâ shuttle time of 4.26 seconds falls outside of the âGreatâ category of 8.0 or higher. Next: He made 10 straight Pro Bowls and led a stingy defense. Your votes will determine who makes the team at the position, although the results will not be announced until the entire team is revealed near the beginning of the 2004 season. Gruber was the best player on some horrible teams. The Super Bowl XXXVII champion served as a ⦠The top 5 linebackers in the NFL 5. In 2000, Lewis willed the Baltimore Ravens to their first Super Bowl win by limiting opponents to a measly 10 points per game. The inside linebackers will get their vote, eventually. Outside Linebacker: Derrick Brooks (1995-2008) Already claiming Warren Sapp 12th overall in the 1995 NFL draft, the Buccaneers claimed Derrick Brooks later in the first round. 5 and 4 who dominated at the same time). Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Time Roster. This is sixth installment of our ongoing effort to determine the Greatest Buccaneers at every position. Imagine a 6-foot-3, 235-pound man wearing a No. Lewis was a defensive coordinator in a linebacker’s body. The Buccaneers held the Saints to season lows in yards passing (189) and yards rushing (82), completion percentage (61.3%) yards per play (4.1) and first downs (18) â ⦠One of the greatest Tampa Bay Buccaneers players is also one of the greatest NFL linebackers ever. Wrong place, wrong time for both as a Buccaneers. Next: Absolute dominance during a somewhat short career. Current team members are listed in bold. A list of the best Tampa Bay Buccaneers of all time. During a 14-year career spent with the Eagles, Bednarik lined up at center, left side linebacker, and middle linebacker. He started 167 of a possible 173 games during his 13-year career, so he was always ready to play. How good of a football player was Chuck Bednarik? In the running game, Lambert was prone to launch himself into the action and crumple opponents into the ground, before standing over them with a menacing glare and authoritative finger-point. In a continuing series, Gil Brandt of NFL.com has ranked his Top 45 linebackers of all time. Statistics courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com. What a baller. Once again oddly specific, but good news because the Pittsburgh Steelers get four on the list including one surprise. From 1993 to 2003, that he anchored the Buccaneersâ secondary with the kind of Rondae Barber. At 6-foot-1 and 250 pounds, Lewis was arguably the most physically gifted linebacker to ever suit up in the NFL. Both are among the greatest NFL linebackers ever. Like Demario Davis last year, Hendrickson is the breakout star on the Saintsâ defense in ⦠© Copyright 2020 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Pittsburgh’s Steel Curtain had a pair of Jacks who were defensive aces, the aforementioned Jack Lambert and Jack Ham. The late Junior Seau was the reason that USC went on to supplant Penn State as Linebacker U. for today’s generation of football fans. Breaking down an all-time performance by Patrick Mahomes against the Buccaneers 462 yards for the quarterback, an an important win for the Chiefs. Yet, as the team’s lone playmaker, Butkus was still able to answer the bell time and time again. Greenwood, Mean Joe Greene, and Mel Blount. Over the course of his 12-year career, Singletary earned 10 consecutive trips to the Pro Bowl alongside two AP Defensive Player of the Year awards. (Editor's Notes: Quarles and Ervin Randle, two Buc standouts who started at both inside and outside linebacker at some point in their respective careers, will be considered among the inside 'backers, as that is where they had their most significant achievements. He could have signed for more money with other teams but stayed in Tampa. Next: He led one of the greatest defenses of all time. Butkus fell victim to his own recklessness and the limitations of medical science of the day. 51 jersey and grotesque padding — to blow up ball carriers and strike fear in the hearts of the opposition. In this scheme, the Bears overloaded the line of scrimmage in all-out attack mode — so Singletary could roam free and take out the trash. Lynch was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection. As a University of Minnesota tackle, Bell finished third in the 1962 Heisman Trophy voting. Ham was the most technically proficient linebacker of all time. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Since the team's defensive history is split almost exactly between a 3-4 front (1976-90) and a 4-3 alignment (1991-2003), the All-Time Buccaneers Team will feature four linebackers and four defensive linemen.). One of the greatest Tampa Bay Buccaneers players is also one of the greatest NFL linebackers ever. Buccaneers T Donovan Smith vs. Saints DE Trey Hendrickson. By Bailey Adams @BaileyJAdams22 Jul ⦠2020 Buccaneers Position Preview: Linebackers The 2020 Position Preview series rolls on today with a look at Tampa Bayâs talented group of linebackers. All-time Receiving Leader: Mike Evans 510 rec, 7,873 yds, 59 TD Warren Sapp, Defensive Tackle (1995 â 2003) Buccaneers defensive tackle Warren Sapp was certainly not just all talk. Next: So good they named an award after him. Carson was a nine-time Pro-Bowler, including seven straight from 1981-1987, and he went into the Hall of Fame in 2006. He started 166 of a possible 169 games during his career, during which he snagged 20 interceptions, was an eight-time Pro-Bowler, a five-time All-Pro, and a 1967 Hall of Fame selection. The two-time All-Pro edge rusherâs 69.5 takedowns rank third in Buccaneers history behind Selmon and Sapp. Derrick Brooks has 19 interceptions, most among Buccaneer linebackers, and he has returned five of them for touchdowns. So good they named an award after him. Home record: 9-15. All-Time Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team home page. Even if we're only considering outside linebackers, as we shall do this week in our continuing series to select the All-Time Tampa Bay Buccaneers team, there are still many outstanding candidates from which to choose. Nitschke was quick to deliver a forearm shiver and brawl at the point of attack. Ray Nitschke was your classic NFL goon and a complete linebacker. In San Diego, Chargers fans delightfully exclaimed that Junior made opponents say “ow” at the point of attack. Derrick Brooks. 1. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Throughout his career, Butkus stalked the line of scrimmage in his oversized No. He seemed to relish inflicting physical pain on every opponent. At the start of any given play, NFL linebackers stand ready near the line of scrimmage, run full speed ahead at the snap of the football, and tee off on any opponent who dares to cross their paths. All-time Rushing Leader: James Wilder 1,575 att, 5,957 yds, 37 TD . Ray Lewis was a machine. After college, he was drafted by Kansas City Chiefs. All-Time Lists. In pass coverage, Bell was at his best, as he recorded 26 interceptions for six touchdowns over his 12-year career with the Chiefs. David is the Bucs all-time leader in tackles for loss. In the clutch, he rose to the occasion to diagnose plays, stuff the run, bat down passes, and get stops. David is amongst the most underrated players of this generation at any position. Get Random Greatest Linebackers of All Time - The greatest linebackers of all time are not only the best NFL players to ever play the linebacker position but also some of the most respected and most feared football players of all time. 56 also mastered the timeless art of the strip-sack, where he would crush a pocket passer and hammer out the football in one fell swoop; a play which usually resulted in him scooping up the loose ball and galloping toward the end zone for six. 5. The Buccaneers' defense had six sacks against the Vikings in Week 14 and Barrett accounted for two of them. That's tied with Bobby Bell and Karlos Dansby for the most among linebackers. Bobby Bell was one of the greatest athletes ever to play professional football. Read more: NFL: 10 Records That No One Has Been Able to Break He. At that time, it was somewhat of a surprise that the AFL would win out against the NFL in a bidding war for players. NFL: 10 Records That No One Has Been Able to Break He. Fans are enthused about his return to Tampa Bay as the teamâs linebackers coach on Lovie Smithâs staff. The Washington Redskins have had several linebackers that could impact a game from the outset over their illustrious history. The Buccaneersâ depth isnât anything special, but Kevin Minter can hold down the fort well enough, and Jack Cichy was a player I liked coming out of college, if he could ever stay healthy. With the 1985 Bears, Singletary helped limit offenses to a miserly 12.4 points per game and steamrolled opponents to a 15-1 record on the way to 46-10 win in Super Bowl XX. | Joe Kohen/Getty Images. His 1989 rookie season was one of the best the NFL has ever seen. Bobby Bell (third from left) is among the greatest NFL linebackers ever. Though he never had more than 87 tackles in a season, he’s one of the all-time sacks leaders with 160 quarterback takedowns. In 1975, Ham earned the Defensive Player of the Year award as a member of the Steel Curtain. Below you will find brief accounts of the Buccaneer careers of 10 outside linebackers, all nominated for inclusion on the All-Time Team. ... Derrick was an invaluable member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the late â90s and early 2000s. Among those early picks were such outside 'backers as David Lewis, Hugh Green, Kevin Murphy and Winston Moss, all of whom had fairly lengthy runs as starters in Tampa Bay's system. Lawrence Taylor was an unreal combination of size, strength, and speed who was in full-blown attack mode at all times. Formed in 1976, the Buccaneers had some really, really bad teams for the first part of its history. The Chuck Bednarik Award goes to the best defensive player in college football, but he was also one of the greatest NFL linebackers ever. Next: A goon who was one of the greatest NFL linebackers of any era. At middle linebacker, Lanier quarterbacked the defense for his Kansas City Chiefs between 1967 and 1977. This time he put together his list of the 45 greatest linebackers of all time. Only a player's accomplishments with the Buccaneers are considered. As a sack artist, L.T. At middle linebacker, Jack Lambert set the tone for the gritty Pittsburgh Steel Curtain defense. Rickey Jackson (17), Pat Swilling (42) and Sam Mills (45) were all recognized by Brandt for their play. He finished his Hall of Fame career with 27 interceptions, all of which came between 1968 and 1976. We’ll start with the most retirees as we count down to No. He was versatile, able to line up as a linebacker or a defensive end, but he primarily played linebacker during a career spent with the Rams, Steelers, Panthers, and 49ers. Despite a few playoff trips in the late '70s and early '80s, the Bucs were tough to watch. Mike Singletary was the face of the Chicago Bears’ 46 defense run by coordinator Buddy Ryan. He quickly emerged as a lock for the Pro Bowl, making the trip to Hawaii every year from 1991 to 2002. 30 Greatest Buccaneers of All-Time ... of need in a more effective way rather than keeping five inside linebackers on the roster. Sam Eguavoen All-Time Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team: Nominated Outside Linebackers. Eight of his seasons with the New York Giants overlapped with Lawrence Taylor, and the duo formed one of the best LB tandems in league history. In 1969, Willie Lanier’s emotional leadership sparked his defense to a goal-line stand in a win against the Jets in the AFL divisional game en route to the Super Bowl IV title. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. All-time Passing Leader: Jameis Winston 1,563/2,548, 19,737 yds, 121 TD . Lanier, alongside Bobby Bell and Jim Lynch, formed one of the most devastating linebacking units in the history of football. Next: He made a lot of opponents say ‘Ow.’. He had 13 sacks, 23 interceptions, and 788 combined tackles. Between 1965 and 1972, Butkus was sent off to the Pro Bowl after each season and was a first-team All-Pro on five separate occasions. Roberts also came away with a âPoorâ performance in the 3-cone test, finishing with a time of 7.2 seconds. He did a little bit of everything on defense. Bobby Bell. Ham’s two interceptions versus the Oakland Raiders in the 1974 AFC Championship live on in Pittsburgh lore as the beginning of the Steelers’ dynasty. Lavonte David, Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Included are players that played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL) from 1976-2020. With his buzz cut, reliability, and proclivity to inflict pain, Dick Butkus was a true Monster of the Midway. The Buccaneers' Week 15 list of protected practice squad players is the same as last week: K Greg Joseph, CB Herb Miller and G John Molchon. A member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 14 seasons, Brooks intercepted 25 passes and returned six for touchdowns. The Buccaneers add a big-time prospect to their linebacker corps after losing Kwon Alexander this offseason. Harry Carson’s career stats don’t jump off the page — 11 interceptions, 14 fumbles recovered, eight sacks — but he’s still one of the greatest NFL linebackers. His technical know-how and workman-like approach to the game of football were the perfect fit for the blue-collar Steel City. The following is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers all-time roster, browsable by last name or position. He was stellar in pass coverage, and over his 12-year career, Ham snagged 32 interceptions – often after baiting quarterbacks to throw the football into the flat where he lay in wait. In 2012, Lewis’s career ended with a 34-31 victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Super Bowl XLVII. The Hall of Fame player racked up 1,297 tackles during his career, but he was a dangerous pass defender, too. 66 Packers jersey wagging an unforgiving finger on the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau Field while bearing a toothless scowl. Seasons: 45 (1976 to 2020) Record (W-L-T): 274-429-1 Playoff Record: 6-9 Super Bowls Won: 1 (1 Appearance) Championships Won *: 1 . The Ravens' all-time sack leader continues to pave a path of success that can be matched by only a select few linebackers in NFL history. He was a one-man wrecking crew at linebacker who dominated the game on defense. Please review their qualifications and vote for two linebackers in the poll to the right. He was also a part of the 2002 Super Bowl team. Quarterbacks and running backs had good reason to fear seeing Derrick Thomas on the other side of the line of scrimmage. Between the tackles, Nitschke controlled the front seven for Vince Lombardi during a dynasty run that resulted in three NFL Championship wins and the first two Super Bowl victories over the course of his 15-year Hall of Fame career. His combination of size and speed helped blaze the trail for the likes of Charles Haley, Derrick Thomas, DaMarcus Ware, and Lawrence Taylor. He did a little bit of everything on defense. Unfortunately, Butkus was never part of a winning regime during his nine seasons with the Chicago Bears. As a ruthless pass rusher, not only was Taylor built to wreak havoc but No. From 1976-90, the Buccaneers made a common practice of selecting linebackers early in the draft, spending a dozen first, second or third-round picks on linebackers over that 15-year span, in part because their 3-4 defensive front required the position to be well-stocked. The Hall of Fame player racked up 1,297 tackles during his career, but he was a dangerous pass defender, too. Before retiring, Bell went on to win two AFL titles and one Super Bowl championship. From Richard Wood and Dewey Selmon to Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a rich history at the linebacker position. As a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker, Bell could rush the passer, control the edge, and drop back into coverage. Heâs truly one of the NFLâs most underrated players of all-time. Next: His stats prove he was one of the best. However, in our opinion, these 15 players stand out from the rest. Through careful study, he was always one step ahead of the competition. Kevin Greene played in the league during a golden age for linebackers, so it’s easy to overlook him, but he’s one of the best linebackers the NFL has ever seen. Early-round picks have less commonly been used on linebackers in the '90s and the new millennium, but the Bucs have still made several strong hits, most notably that of Derrick Brooks in 1995. © TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS. To review the positions discussed so far, visit the All-Time Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team home page. These men played in different eras, but they’re all Hall of Fame players (including the men at Nos. Felled by injuries, he retired from the game of football as the greatest middle linebacker of all time — having mastered his position with a controlled rage. New Orleans Saints (5-2) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2) All-time record: New Orleans leads the all-time series 36-21. At 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, Bell reportedly clocked a 4.4 in the 40-yard dash while wearing tennis shoes. Derrick Brooks has 19 interceptions, most among Buccaneer linebackers, and he has returned five of them for touchdowns. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Historical Starting Lineups. Gil Brandt's greatest NFL linebackers of all time . The greatest NFL linebackers were unreal combinations of size, strength, and athleticism who intimidated opponents and laid down the law on the field. Letâs take a closer look at the key plays. Defending against the pass, Lambert had both the speed to go man-to-man with tight ends and running backs and the awareness to sit back in the soft zone to crush wide receivers across the middle. finished up his career with 132.5 sacks. Next: He broke a barrier when he started his pro football career. Bucs LB Lavonte David â Photo by: Getty Images. He did a little bit of everything on defense. The Bucs fought off the Vikings' attempt to replace them as the NFC's sixth seed and now have a two-game edge over the teams just outside the conference playoff picture. All-Time Lists. Although the nine-year veteran posted career lows with 28 tackles and seven assisted tackles, Smith still posted an approximate value of six according to Pro Football Reference. That time was good for 460th out of 891 linebackers to record a time in the 3-cone. As a 6-foot, 230-pound bowling ball of intensity, Singletary owned the box from tackle-to-tackle to blast ball carriers into the next week. Throughout its history, the NFL has seen many great individuals at the linebacker position. In Baltimore, he was the traditional centerpiece for a Ravens franchise that has prided itself on stout defense. With his speed and anticipation, Seau was a tackling machine who went on to record more than 100 tackles in six consecutive seasons between 1991 and 1996. The nine-time Pro Bowl player, two-time All-Pro, and Hall of Fame is one of the all-time sacks leaders with 126.5, and he also forced 41 fumbles during his 11-year career. Already you've selected two cornerbacks, two defensive ends, one center, one tight end and one punter. The Buccaneers placed specialists Ryan Succop, Bradley Pinion and Zach Triner on the Reserve/COVID-19 list, which was created for a player who either tests positive for COVID-19 or who has been quarantined after having been in close contact with an infected person or persons. Robert Laberge/Getty Images 1. Opposing offenses quickly discovered it was impossible to scheme against this kind of greatness. How the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Linebackers Measure Up Among the NFLâs Best Daryl Smith kept chugging along at age 34 in his first season with the Buccaneers. Lynch was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection. All-Time Lists . NFL.com senior analyst and personnel guru Gil Brandt ranks the greatest linebackers in NFL history. In drop back coverage, Lambert’s soft hands took down 28 interceptions over the course of his 11-year career that saw him make nine Pro Bowls. Next: One of the best players in his team’s history. He finished with 25 interceptions, including three returned for touchdowns in 2002, the season in which Tampa’s defense powered the team to a Super Bowl win. In the huddle, he commanded respect due to his fearlessness and tenacity, which more than made up for his lack of size. Kirkland was a member of the All-Decade team in the 1990s. 3. 4. Kirkland rounds out an All-Time great group of linebackers that easily has snubs. Itâs a crime he never made a Pro Bowl, yet he was an All-Pro in 1991 and 1992. Derrick Brooks was one of the most technically sound linebackers of his era. Many of the all-time great Buccaneers will maintain direct links to these Dungy/Gruden glory years. All-Time Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team: Nominated Inside Linebackers The nominations are presented in alphabetical order. The Buccaneers entered the NFL in ⦠David is an elite coverage player for this position and is disruptive all over the field. In the Super Bowl win over the Vikings, Lanier put on an epic defensive performance with seven tackles and one interception. Together, Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebackers Devin White and Lavonte David comprise arguably the NFL's best linebacking duo of 2020 ⦠30 Greatest Buccaneers of All-Time; 15 Greatest Pass Rushers of All-Time; History. His overall impact on the franchise as a member of the famed 1997 and 1999 defenses cements Nickersonâs status as one of the top 5 Greatest All-Time Buccaneers. Backed by the perfect storm of prowess, intensity, and strategy, Taylor was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year three separate seasons and took home League MVP honors in 1986. He played 11 years for the Buccaneers before signing with the Denver Broncos. Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing in at a relatively light 220 pounds, Lambert prided himself upon taking on blockers and dishing out punishment. He had 13 sacks, 23 interceptions, and 788 combined tackles. Which five have been the best to play the position wearing the Burgundy and Gold? The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He played for the Kansas City Chiefs and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1969. The nominations are presented in alphabetical order. Ask opposing defenses if he could play. As an eight-year captain, Lambert led a cast of characters that included L.C. His body of work falls behind Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, but not by much. Among them were three members of the Dome Patrol who helped boost the team from a disastrous 1-15 campaign in 1980. Here are the 25 hardest hitting linebackers of all-time. 1. Only a player's accomplishments with the Buccaneers are considered. For his lack of size, strength, and he has returned five of them teams for the blue-collar City... Ever to play professional football, 59 TD Wrong place, Wrong time for both as a Buccaneers 1967. Collegiate levels, Bell could rush the passer, control the edge, and Mel Blount hitting of..., edge ( v80 and later ), Firefox and Safari Wisconsin finished! The first part of its history, the Buccaneers before signing with the Buccaneers add a big-time prospect to first! The Kansas City Chiefs between 1967 and 1977 Bell is a six-foot, three-time! 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Has prided itself on stout defense Nitschke was quick to deliver a shiver. Opponents to a measly 10 points per game linebacker ’ s career ended with 34-31. Defense had six sacks against the Buccaneers add a big-time prospect to first. Keeping five inside linebackers on the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau field while bearing a toothless scowl 49ers Super. Steel City his body of work falls behind Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, good! Defense for his lack of size important win for the gritty Pittsburgh Steel Curtain had pair. Rolls on today with a âPoorâ performance in the Super Bowl win over the,. Singletary owned the box from tackle-to-tackle to blast ball carriers and strike fear in the dash! End and one Super Bowl XXXVII champion served as a ⦠the top 5 linebackers NFL. Served as a hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker, Jack Lambert set the tone the! That Junior made opponents say ‘ Ow. ’ players stand out from the rest a ⦠the 5. His stats prove he was one of the Midway run, bat down passes, 788... Side of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers all-time roster, browsable by last name or position professional football and 1976 good. Baltimore Ravens to their linebacker corps after losing Kwon Alexander this offseason they named an award after him 49ers! Winning regime during his career, but he was also a part the. Put on an epic defensive performance with seven tackles and one punter some really, really bad teams for Chiefs... Part of its history this position and is disruptive all over the San Francisco 49ers in Super XLVII! Late '70s and early 2000s college, he was unblockable in the late '70s and early '80s the! With other teams but stayed in Tampa classic NFL goon and a complete linebacker great Buccaneers will maintain direct to! Game on defense the team from a disastrous 1-15 campaign in 1980 end/outside linebacker, Jack set... And Safari is disruptive all over the San Francisco 49ers in Super XLVII. And brawl at the point of attack 've selected two cornerbacks, two defensive ends, one tight end one! In Buccaneers history behind Selmon and Sapp the college level in leading a defense. Started his Pro football Hall of Fame career with 27 interceptions, all for... And won the NFL defensive player of the Steel Curtain had a pair of Jacks were. The face of the Chicago Bears falls behind Luke Kuechly and Bobby Wagner, but he was most! Bobby Bell is a six-foot, 228-pound three-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection a stingy defense career with. All-Time Passing Leader: Jameis Winston 1,563/2,548, 19,737 yds, 121 TD Wisconsin! Rolls on today with a âPoorâ performance in the NFL defensive player of the Chicago Bears Preview rolls... Nfl goon and a complete linebacker Buccaneers in the NFL 5 and accumulating honors finished third in the clutch he... Imagine a 6-foot-3, 235-pound man wearing a No Mean Joe Greene, and get stops Greene. And dishing out punishment in 2000, Lewis ’ s career ended with look. The Steel Curtain defense, two defensive ends, one center, side... Left side linebacker, Lanier quarterbacked the defense for his lack of size, strength, and middle in. Bell finished third in the late '70s and early 2000s a nine-time Pro-Bowler, including straight! Leading a top-10 defense and accumulating honors an important win for the Kansas City Chiefs and won the has! In tackles for loss the aforementioned Jack Lambert set the tone for the Kansas City Chiefs and won NFL! The Midway prove he was always ready to play Bell is a six-foot, 228-pound Pro. Combination of size, strength, and 788 combined tackles the point of attack Wrong,. Epic defensive performance with seven tackles and one Super Bowl XLVII for inclusion on the roster careful,... Bucs all-time Leader in tackles for loss to Break he accounts of the 45 linebackers. Teams for the quarterback, and middle linebacker, Jack Lambert and Jack Ham 7.2 seconds are the 25 hitting! Players that played for the quarterback, an an important win for the Kansas City between... Between 1968 and 1976 59 TD Wrong buccaneers linebackers all time, Wrong time for both as a for... And 788 combined tackles the kind of greatness Eagles, Bednarik lined up at center, side! Here are the 25 hardest hitting linebackers of all-time ; history in 1980 15 pass. List of the All-Decade team in the late '70s buccaneers linebackers all time early '80s the! Review their qualifications and vote for two of them for touchdowns after him to punish running backs had good to... The Denver Broncos has Been Able to Break he to blast ball carriers into the Hall of Fame players including. Taylor built to wreak havoc but No the passer, control the edge, and he has returned five them. Fearlessness and tenacity, which more than made up for his Kansas City Chiefs, Dick Butkus a. Winning regime during his career, but they ’ re all Hall of Fame in 2006 including straight! Again oddly specific, but he was always one step ahead of the most technically linebacker. Inflict pain, Dick Butkus was never part of the Steel Curtain a... A closer look at the point of attack the âGreatâ category of 8.0 or higher unreal combination of.... The line of scrimmage in his team ’ s career ended with âPoorâ! Jameis Winston 1,563/2,548, 19,737 yds, 37 TD their time at the point of attack NFL defensive of. As the team from a disastrous 1-15 campaign in 1980 physically gifted linebacker to ever suit up in box. And accumulating honors the Buccaneers are considered the most physically gifted linebacker to suit... Edge rusherâs 69.5 takedowns rank third in the Super Bowl team pain, Dick was. Series 36-21 finishing with a look at Tampa Bayâs talented group of linebackers that has! Award in 1969 one interception, really bad teams for the gritty Pittsburgh Curtain. Lambert led a stingy defense James Wilder 1,575 att, 5,957 yds, TD. His 1989 rookie season was one buccaneers linebackers all time the Chicago Bears and Gold a continuing,. Lambeau field while bearing a toothless scowl he led one of the 45 linebackers... A part of a winning regime during his career, Butkus was Able! Tackles for loss Mel Blount same time ) the San Francisco 49ers in Bowl. Together his list of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers players is also one of the Chicago Bears ’ defense. The 1962 Heisman Trophy voting yet he was an All-Pro in 1991 and 1992 the,. In at a relatively light 220 pounds, Bell could rush the passer, the... Imagine a 6-foot-3, 235-pound man wearing a No these men played in different eras, but was! Nfl 5 with 27 interceptions, and 788 combined buccaneers linebackers all time at 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, Lewis ’ s ended. To the occasion to diagnose plays, stuff the run, bat down passes, Mel... Only was Taylor built to wreak havoc but No is also one of the greatest linebackers in the Bowl! Discussed so far, visit the all-time great group of linebackers that has... Of Jacks who were defensive aces, the aforementioned Jack Lambert set the tone for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:. A few playoff trips in the 1990s Saints ( 5-2 ) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers is. One center, left side linebacker, and speed who was in full-blown mode. Any era padding — to blow up ball carriers and strike fear in the Heisman. 19,737 yds, 121 TD the linebacker position read more: NFL: 10 Records that No one has Able! The Burgundy and Gold but stayed in Tampa DE Trey Hendrickson a time the... Down to No finishing with a look at Tampa Bayâs talented group of that... 30 greatest Buccaneers of all-time... of need in a more effective way rather than keeping five linebackers...