Ray Lewis retiring after season-best lb ever?

[T-Dubs82]

Ray Lewis has announced he is retiring after the season. is he the best linebacker in NFL history?
12 Pro Bowls
2 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
only player in history with at least 40 sacks and 30 ints

 

[Mortis]

Nah.. Derrick Thomas = Best linebacker in NFL history

9 Pro Bowls in 11 seasons
Defensive Rookie of the year & 1993 Walter Payton Man of the Year
126 sacks, 3 Safeties & 1 INT

Dude was a QB's worst nightmare

 

[TIMNILES44]

my vote for best of all time would have to be Jack Lambert

 

[A2345Razz]

It's LT and not very close....LT revolutionized the position and was the first Uber athletic LB who could play the run, cover and rush the passer.

Guy was out there running 4.4s when the fastest guys on most teams where 4.3 or 4.4....except most of those guys were 5-10.5 175lbs flankers/corners and LT was a legit 6-3 245lbs.

 

[Zin]

The best pure linebacker
1.Jack Lambert
2.Ray Lewis
3.Mike Singletary
4.Jr. Seau

Best linebacker/lineman
1.LT

 

[MediaBLITZ]

If Dick Butkus is not on your list, you haven't been following football long enough.

And Mortis - you're being a homer.
Ray Lewis - should be in the top 3 of anyones list.

 

[Kenzie 96]

Nah.. Derrick Thomas = Best linebacker in NFL history

9 Pro Bowls in 11 seasons
Defensive Rookie of the year & 1993 Walter Payton Man of the Year
126 sacks, 3 Safeties & 1 INT







Dude was a QB's worst nightmare

Coure I'm an old fart, Jason, but DT ranks third on my alltime Chiefs list behind, in whatever order you prefer, Willie Lanier & Bobby Bell. :icon_chee

Mr. Taylor #1 alltime IMO.

 

[DaveE]

It's LT and not very close....LT revolutionized the position and was the first Uber athletic LB who could play the run, cover and rush the passer.

Guy was out there running 4.4s when the fastest guys on most teams where 4.3 or 4.4....except most of those guys were 5-10.5 175lbs flankers/corners and LT was a legit 6-3 245lbs.

Coure I'm an old fart, Jason, but DT ranks third on my alltime Chiefs list behind, in whatever order you prefer, Willie Lanier & Bobby Bell. :icon_chee

Mr. Taylor #1 alltime IMO.

LT for sure...the man was scarygood.

 

[IraqUrChips]

People forget how sick some of the older players were, but then u have to factor in the game has changed and evolved so much over the years...Many of the greatest players from back in the day would be fined out of the league now. Ronnie Lott, Deacon Jones, Lambert, Steve Atwater etc. To answer the OP question tho, i would say Ray Lewis is defo Top 3 of all time, he was a sick motivator and basicly another coach on the field. Thanks for the memories Ray!

 

[Cdub512]

Ray Lewis is a great leader and is Ravens football.

 

[DaveE]

Ray Lewis has announced he is retiring after the season. is he the best linebacker in NFL history?
12 Pro Bowls
2 NFL Defensive Player of the Year
only player in history with at least 40 sacks and 30 ints

Ray Lewis is a great leader and is Ravens football.

Do you guys know each other

 

[bubbasbestbabe]

I'm partial to Howie Long. But LT is number one.

 

[DaveE]

Yup, scary wingspan and if he got one hand on you you'wr usually toast.

As above LT was the same ...except if you got away he'd chase you down

 

[MediaBLITZ]

I'm partial to Howie Long. But LT is number one.

Howie is going to be pretty shocked to find out he is in a discussion of best NFL linebackers.