The line backer

A Linebacker (LB) is a position in football that was invented by football coach fielding yost of the University of Michigan . Linebackers are members of the defensive team, and line up approximately three to five yards (4 m) behind the line of scrimmage, behind the defensive linemen. Linebackers generally align themselves before the ball is snapped by standing upright in a "two point stance" (as opposed to the defensive linemen, who put one or two hands on the ground for a "three point stance" or "four point stance" before the ball is snapped). three point stance or 4 point stance

In our countdown to the greatest linebacker we have 5. The top five begins with, in fifth place, Mke Singletary. Mike was a second round draft pick for our own Chicago Bears in 1981. He played for an amazing 11 seasons. He finished his career at the top of his team with an impressive 1,488 career tackles, 885 of which were solo efforts. A constant force on defense, he missed playing just two games, both in 1986. He also recorded 7 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries.

Next in our countdown of the top five we have the great Jack Lambert. He was soon recognized as the premier linebacker of his era. Lambert had all the necessary ingredients – intelligence, intensity, speed, quickness, range, durability – and he used them all to his best advantage. Even though he was the youngest starter on the Pittsburgh defensive unit, many felt that Lambert's presence was the final ingredient needed to turn that unit into a dominant one. Intimidating, he helped to shape and reinforce Pittsburgh’s famed “Steel Curtain.” Lambert amassed 28 career interceptions, 1,479 career tackles (1,045 solo), and (officially) 23½ sacks
Lambert was handed the starting middle linebacker job as a rookie and never relinquished it until he retired following the 1984 season. Lambert was smart and fast.

The next amazing player in our fantastic countdown to the top is, 4th in the countdown is Ray Lewis. He was a second round selection of the Steelers in 1974.At the conclusion of the 2009 season, Lewis has career totals of 1,770 total tackles (1,349 solo), 14 forced fumbles, 105 passes defended, 94.5 tackles for loss, 36.5 sacks, 16 fumble recoveries, 28 interceptions, one safety and two touchdowns in 194 games. Lewis has been selected to eleven NFL pro bowl games, a record for an Inside/Middle Linebacker, in his fourteen seasons and led the NFL in tackles five times (1997, 1999, 2001, 2003 and 2004).

Next in our countdown at second to last place we have Dick Butkus. Butkus was drafted in the first round by both the denver Broncos and his hometown team, the Chicago Bears. He signed with the Bears and did not play professionally with any other team. He was selected to eight Probowls and was all-league six times. In his rookie season, Butkus led the Bears in tackles, interceptions, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries, and regularly led the team in these categories throughout his career. Butkus recovered 27 fumbles in his career, a NFL record at the time of his retirement. He was one of the most feared players of his era and even appeared on the cover of Sports illustrated in 1970 with the caption "The Most Feared Man in the Game." He had one of his most productive seasons in 1970 with 132 tackles, 84 assists, 3 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. He was forced to retire after multiple knee injuries in 1973.

Now we have the best, the greatest, the king of linebackers Lawrence Taylor.
Taylor recorded 142 sacks, 1,088 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries, and nine interceptions during his career and was selected to play in 10 Pro Bowls. However, statistics can never justify the impact Lawrence Taylor made on professional football. He literally changed the game and the way the outside linebacker position would be played forever more. Off the field issues aside - and he had plenty - Taylor is hands-down the best linebacker in NFL history. He was a truly amazing player when it comes to the linebackers.