The Best Green Bay Packers Linebackers of All Time
Big fan of Green Bay football? Then check out this list of Green Bay Packers linebackers. It includes every starting linebacker from throughout Green Bay Packers history, including current linebackers and past ones. An important part of the Green Bay defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers, outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers, and edge rushers in the 3-4 defense.
Featuring some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best Packers LBs include Ray Nitschke, Dave Robinson, A. J. Hawk, Clay Matthews, and Nick Barnett.
Who are the best linebackers in Green Bay Packers history? Vote below and help decide the best Packers LB of all time!
Packers Seasons: 1958-1972
Ray Nitschke reigned supreme during the Vince Lombardi era, often credited as the heart and soul of the vaunted Packers defense. Drafted in the third round from the University of Illinois in 1958, he quickly became an anchor for the team and a fan favorite with his unyielding determination and ferocious play. Over his 15-year career, Nitschke was honored with five NFL championships, two Super Bowl victories, and the accolade of being selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. His relentless style of play lives on in the memories of those who witnessed number 66 patrolling the field.
Packers Seasons: 1963-1972
Dave Robinson, a fearsome presence in the legendary 1960s Packers linebacking corps, was drafted 14th overall out of Penn State in 1963. Standing tall at 6'3", his size and agility contributed to his effectiveness both in pass coverage and run stopping. Over the course of his career, Robinson collected three NFL championships, two Super Bowl titles, and three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1966 to 1968. A true embodiment of the championship mentality that defined the Packers, Robinson was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.
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Tony Bennett
Packers Seasons: 1990-1993
Arriving in Green Bay as a first-round draft pick in 1990, Tony Bennett demonstrated unyielding work ethic and an innate ability to wreak havoc on opposing offenses. During his five seasons with the team, Bennett consistently showcased his skills as both a deft pass rusher and stout run stopper, which enabled him to record 36 sacks and 112 tackles. His relentless pursuit and dedication to the game garnered him a First-Team All-Pro in 1991. Spending the majority of his career in Green Bay, Bennett's intensity and versatility cemented his place as one of the Packers' all-time great linebackers.
Packers Seasons: 2009-2018
Clay Matthews III stormed onto the scene as the 26th overall selection by the Packers in the 2009 NFL Draft, where his legendary bloodline and standout college career at USC signified the arrival of a promising talent. Adept at rushing the passer or dropping into coverage, Matthews quickly earned a reputation as one of the most feared outside linebackers in the league. Honors piled up for Matthews, including six Pro Bowl selections, three All-Pro nods, and perhaps most notably, a championship ring from Super Bowl XLV. With a menacing sack dance, flowing blonde locks, and unparalleled intensity, Matthews became an icon of Green Bay's defensive prowess.
Packers Seasons: 1968-1977
Fred Carr, a standout athlete from the University of Texas at El Paso, was chosen fifth overall by the Packers in the 1968 NFL Draft. Carr's unique combination of size, speed, and athleticism made him a force to be reckoned with, terrorizing opposing offenses for a decade on the shores of Lake Michigan. The versatile linebacker earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1970 to 1972, etching his name among the elite players during his era. While individual awards were numerous, the most lasting aspect of Carr's legacy remains his unwavering determination and punishing play style.
Packers Seasons: 1974
Though his tenure in Green Bay was brief, Ted Hendricks made a significant impact on the Packers' defense during the 1974 season. Acquired through a trade, the 6'7" linebacker known as "The Mad Stork" quickly established himself as a disruptive force, amassing five interceptions and seven sacks in his singular campaign with the team. Though he would go on to greater acclaim and championships elsewhere, Hendricks' impactful play during his short stint in Green Bay remains a testament to his extraordinary talent.
