The Best San Francisco 49ers Linebackers of All Time

Updated January 15, 2020 2.6k votes 465 voters 13.9k views71 items

Big fan of San Francisco football? Then check out this list of San Francisco 49ers linebackers with photos and seasons as starters. It includes every starting linebacker from throughout San Francisco 49ers history, including current linebackers and past ones. An important part of the San Francisco defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. Featuring 2018-2019 SF 49ers and some of the greatest NFL linebackers of all time, the best 49ers LBs include Mike Walter, Dave Wilcox, Keena Turner, Willie Harper, and Julian Peterson.

Who are the best linebackers in San Francisco 49ers history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of San Francisco 49ers starting linebacker.

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1
259
37
Patrick Willis
Seasons: 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007

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#10 of 26 NFL Players Whose Careers Ended Too Soon#10 of 143 Athletes Whose Careers Ended Too Soon
2
181
31
NaVorro Bowman
Seasons: 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
3
118
34
Charles Haley
Seasons: 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988

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#143 of 1,323 The Best Football Players Ever#41 of 432 The Greatest Defenders in NFL History
4
110
31
Ken Norton, Jr.
Seasons: 2000, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
5
89
24
Fred Warner
Seasons: 2018
6
79
31
Aldon Smith
Seasons: 2014, 2013, 2012
7
67
25
Ahmad Brooks
Seasons: 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, 2010
8
58
18
Julian Peterson
Seasons: 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 , 2001, 2000
9
47
9
Dave Wilcox
Seasons: 1974, 1973, 1972,1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967, 1966, 1965, 1964

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#33 of 98 The Best Oregon Ducks of All Time#3 of 25 The Best NFL Players From Oregon
10
54
17
Keena Turner
Seasons: 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980
11
44
9
Jeff Ulbrich
Seasons: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 , 2001
12
37
12
Mike Walter
Seasons: 1993, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985
13
36
13
Jack Reynolds
Seasons: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981

14
52
31
Chris Borland
Seasons: 2014
15
31
10
Derek Smith
Seasons: 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002 , 2001
16
30
11
Lee Woodall
Seasons: 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
17
25
8
Takeo Spikes
Seasons: 2010, 2009, 2008
18
25
8
Gary Plummer
Seasons: 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
19
22
6
Willie Harper
Seasons: 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978, 1977, 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973
20
23
7
Frank Nunley
Seasons: 1976, 1975, 1974, 1973, 1972,1971, 1970, 1969, 1968, 1967
21
19
6
Jim Fahnhorst
Seasons: 1989, 1988, 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984
22
20
7
Milt McColl
Seasons: 1987, 1986, 1985, 1984, 1983, 1982
23
20
7
Elijah Lee
Seasons: 2018, 2017

24
23
11
Dan Bunz
Seasons: 1984, 1983, 1982, 1981, 1980, 1979, 1978
25
23
11
Aaron Lynch
Seasons: 2016, 2015, 2014