Linebackers are a vital part of a football team. They prevent big plays from happening and prevent passes over the middle of the football field. Often, the key to a good defense is to have some good linebackers. These guys know how to play the position better than anyone and have the stats to prove it.5. Ernie Sims, a 6'0" 230 pound linebacker, has played four seasons with the Detroit Lions from 2006-2008. In 48 games, he has 371 total tackles, 249 solo tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception for 5 yards. Sims has reached a super bowl. 
4. Joey Porter, 6'3" 255 pounds, has played 11 seasons in the NFL, 9 with the Pittsburg Steelers, and 2 with the Miami Dolphins. In 154 games, he has 488 total tackles, 362 solo tackles, 83 sacks, and 12 interceptions for 233 yards. Joey Porter earned a super bowl ring with the Steelers in Super Bowl XL.
3. Tedy Bruschi, 6'1" 257 pounds, has played 14 seaons with the New England Patriots (1996-2008). In his 189 games, he has had 735 total tackles, 448 solo tackles, 30.5 sacks, and 12 interceptions for 187 yards. Tedy Bruschi has won 3 super bowl rings with the Patriots. 2. Brian Urlacker, 6'4" 258 pounds, has played 10 seaons with the Chicago Bears (2000-2008). In 137 games, he has 931 total tackles, 703 solo tackles, 37.5 sacks, and 17 interceptions for 271 yards. Urlacker has never won a super bowl.
1. Ray Lewis, 6'1", 250 pound, has played with the Baltimore Ravens since 1996. In 178 career games, he has 991 total tackles, 659 solo tackles, 33.5 sacks, and 28 interceptions for 464 yard. Ray Lewis led his team to a super bowl victory in 2004.
Today's top 5 NFL linebackers are some of the most feared and eccential defensive players of the game. These linebackers were chosen according to their stats, team success and overall influence to the team.
