Jack Follman’s All-Time Linebackers based on NFL Success

Linebacker is one of the better groups of former players from current Pac-12 schools

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Posted on June 10, 2022


  By Jack Follman, SuperWest Sports

Our rankings of players from current Pac-12 schools by position based on success in the NFL rolls on with a group filled with Hall of Famers as well as current and recent stars—linebackers.

Linebacker is one of the better groups of Pac-12 alums and loaded with names most football fans will know and a good group of players for various conference schools.

Let’s get started with one of the best players to ever play the position…

1. Junior Seau, USC

The late great Seau is one of the undisputed greatest linebackers of all time and one of the greatest Pac-12 alums at any position in NFL history.

2. Terrell Suggs, Arizona State

The Sun Devil great was one of the best defenders in the league for a lot of his super long career. He was a leader of two Super Bowl teams and a Defensive MVP in 2011.

3. Dave Wilcox, Oregon

The former Duck is a Hall of Famer for his stellar play with the 49ers in the 60s and 70s. He made several All-Pro Teams and Pro Bowls and was one of the best linebackers of his time.

4. Les Richter, Cal

Richter starred for the Rams in the 50s and 60s, making seven All-Pro Teams and eight Pro Bowls. An extremely tough player, he also played multiple positions at different times.

Clay Matthews | Mike Roemer/Associated Press

5. Clay Matthews III, USC

Matthews recently wrapped up a fantastic career mostly with the Packers. He won a Super Bowl and took home several All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors while consistently being one of the best linebackers in the league.

6. Lance Briggs, Arizona

Briggs was one of the best linebackers in the league year after year with the Bears and one of the greatest Bears of all-time. He finished with more than 1,100 tackles and made seven Pro Bowls.

7. Ken Norton Jr., UCLA

The Cowboy and 49er great won three Super Bowls and took home some All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors in his career. He finished his career with more than 1,200 tackles.

8. Chad Brown, Colorado

Brown was a star for the Steelers and the Seahawks in the 90s, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. He finished his career with more than 1,000 tackles and nearly 80 sacks.

9. Ken Harvey, Cal

The former Bear was a star in the league in the 90s, taking in several All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He finished his career with more than 80 tackles and 80 sacks.