The Top 10 White Weakside Linebackers of All Time: Masters of Speed and Strategy on Defense
In the storied history of the NFL, white weakside linebackers have left an indelible mark, blending skill with tactical savvy. From Jack Ham’s era-defining plays to the leadership and consistency of Chad Greenway, each athlete carved a unique path, shaping the very nature of the linebacker position.
The Top 10 White Weakside Linebackers of All Time showcases players who exemplified excellence and dedication on the field. Whether it was their ability to make clutch tackles or their influence as defensive leaders, these players consistently stood out in the league.
What qualities made legends like Shane Conlan excel in such a dynamic position? Their remarkable contributions didn’t just define their teams but helped evolve the role of the weakside linebacker in the NFL.Â
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Table of Contents
#1. Jack Ham
- Position: Weakside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 225 lbs
- Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1971–1982)
Jack Ham, a pivotal force on the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ legendary “Steel Curtain” defense, was renowned for his exceptional intelligence and adaptability on the field. Standing at 6’1″, he possessed the ideal blend of size, speed, and skill that made him one of the most effective outside linebackers in NFL history.
Ham’s rare ability to excel at both weakside and strongside linebacker makes him the only player featured not only on this list but also on Sortie Sports’ Top 10 White Strongside Linebackers of All Time, a testament to his unmatched versatility and greatness.
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Ham’s ability to read opposing offenses and disrupt plays was central to the Steelers’ dominance throughout the 1970s, contributing to four Super Bowl victories. His versatility allowed him to excel in both run defense and pass coverage, establishing a legacy as one of the greatest linebackers of all time.
- Accolades:
- 4× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- 8× Pro Bowl selection (1973–1980)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1974–1979)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, 1988
- 53 career interceptions, a record for a linebacker at retirement
#2. Andy Russell
- Position: Weakside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 225 lbs
- Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1963–1976)
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Andy Russell was a pivotal figure in the Pittsburgh Steelers‘ defense during the formative years of their dynasty in the 1970s. Known for his exceptional leadership and agility, Russell excelled at covering sideline-to-sideline, making him integral to the team’s success.
His keen instincts and ability to read plays set him apart, and he was a vital element in helping the Steelers secure two Super Bowl titles. Russell wasn’t only an anchor on defense but also a respected team captain, whose influence extended off the field as one of the mentors for younger players.
- Accolades:
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (IX, X)
- 7× Pro Bowl selection
- Pittsburgh Steelers MVP (1971)
- Member of the Pittsburgh Steelers All-Time Team
- Inducted into the Steelers Hall of Honor
#3. Chad Greenway
- Position: Weakside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’2″/242 lbs
- Teams: Minnesota Vikings (2006-2016)
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Chad Greenway was a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings‘ defense during his 11-year NFL career. Known for his exceptional instincts and tackling prowess, Greenway played with a high motor and intelligence that helped him excel at reading plays and making significant stops.
A leader both on and off the field, Greenway was named a team captain and was respected for his work ethic.
His ability to perform under pressure was evident in numerous important matches, where his presence on the field often tilted the scales in the Vikings’ favor. Greenway retired as one of the team’s most productive and beloved linebackers.
- Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012)
- NFL tackles leader (2010)
- Second-team All-Pro (2012)
- NFC Defensive Player of the Month (October 2013)
- Ranked in the top 10 for tackles in Vikings history
#4. Sean Lee
- Position: Weakside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 245 lbs
- Teams: Dallas Cowboys (2010-2020)
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Sean Lee was a standout linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, bringing agility, intelligence, and tenacity to the field. Known for his exceptional play recognition and instinctive decision-making, Lee was often described as a “coach on the field.”
Despite being hampered by injuries throughout his career, Lee was a force when healthy, consistently leading the defense with his outstanding tackling ability and leadership.
His determination and work ethic made him a fan favorite and a respected figure in the locker room. Lee’s legacy is defined by his dedication and his ability to inspire teammates through both actions and words.
- Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl selection (2015, 2016)
- 2016 First-team All-Pro
- 798 total tackles in his career
- 14 career interceptions
- Multiple team captainciesÂ
#5. Scott Studwell
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 240 lbs
Teams: Minnesota Vikings (1977–1990)
Scott Studwell was a tackling machine and a cornerstone of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense for over a decade. Known for his relentless motor and hard-nosed playstyle, Studwell became the franchise’s all-time leading tackler, a record that still stands today.
His ability to diagnose plays quickly and close gaps made him one of the most reliable weakside linebackers of his era.
As a team captain and leader, Studwell helped stabilize the Vikings’ defense during a transitional period. His consistency, toughness, and loyalty to the Vikings organization ensure his legacy among the op 10 white weakside linebackers of all time.
Accolades:
- 2× Pro Bowl Selection (1987, 1988)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- All-Time Leading Tackler for the VikingsÂ
#6. Mike Vrabel
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’4″, 261 lbs
Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers (1997–2000), New England Patriots (2001–2008), Kansas City Chiefs (2009–2010)
Mike Vrabel was a versatile linebacker who made a significant impact during his time with the New England Patriots, becoming a key figure in their dynasty years. Known for his football IQ, pass-rushing ability, and knack for clutch plays, Vrabel excelled in both defensive and offensive roles, famously catching touchdown passes in goal-line situations.
His leadership and adaptability made him an invaluable asset to the Patriots’ defense, helping the team secure three Super Bowl championships. Vrabel’s contributions as a weakside linebacker and his reputation for delivering in high-pressure moments solidify his place among the top white linebackers in NFL history.
Accolades:
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 1× Pro Bowl Selection (2007)
- First-team All-Pro (2007)Â
#7. Greg Bieker
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 250 lbs
Teams: Los Angeles/Oakland Raiders (1993–2001), Minnesota Vikings (2002–2003)
Greg Biekert was a steady presence on the Raiders’ defense, earning a reputation for his football intelligence and reliable tackling. Known for his ability to read offenses and make key adjustments, Biekert was often the leader of the defensive unit, calling plays and anchoring the linebacker corps.
His standout performances, including a critical fumble recovery in the famous “Tuck Rule Game“, solidified his place in Raiders lore.
Biekert’s work ethic and leadership made him an invaluable contributor, and his consistency over a decade-long career cements his place among the in Raiders history.
Accolades:
- Defensive Captain for the Raiders
- Played in 2 AFC Championship Games
- Over 1,000 Career TacklesÂ
#8. Brian Noble
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 242 lbs
Teams: Green Bay Packers (1985–1993)
Brian Noble was a stalwart for the Green Bay Packers, providing stability and toughness on the weakside throughout his career. Known for his rugged play and ability to stop the run, Noble excelled in both coverage and gap control, making him a vital part of the Packers’ defensive efforts during the late ’80s and early ’90s.
His blue-collar mentality and consistent performance earned him respect from teammates and fans alike.
Noble’s ability to adapt to different schemes and lead by example cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable and impactful linebackers of his era
Accolades:
- Green Bay Packers Defensive Leader
- Led Packers in Tackles Multiple Seasons
- 9-Year NFL Career with Over 800 TacklesÂ
#9. Shane Conlan
Position: Linebacker
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 237 lbs
Teams: Buffalo Bills (1987–1992), Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams (1993–1995)
Shane Conlan was a key contributor to the Buffalo Bills‘ dominant defenses during their run of four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. Known for his instincts and versatility, Conlan thrived as a weakside linebacker, consistently delivering big hits and timely tackles.
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He was a pivotal force in helping the Bills shut down opposing offenses and make deep playoff runs year after year. Conlan’s combination of athleticism and leadership made him a standout player and an integral part of the Bills’ defensive identity.
- Accolades:
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- 3× Pro Bowl Selection (1988–1990)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1987)
- Member of Four Super Bowl Teams
#10. Kiko Alonso
- Position: Weakside Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’3″ / 239 lbs
- Teams: Buffalo Bills (2013–2014), Philadelphia Eagles (2015), Miami Dolphis (2016–2018), New Orleans Saints (2019-2020), San Francisco 49ers (2020)
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Kiko Alonso began his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, where he quickly established himself as a force on defense with his exceptional athleticism and instincts. He later played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Miami Dolphins, making notable contributions to each team’s defensive prowess.
Alonso was particularly known for his aggressive tackling and ability to read the opposing team’s plays, making him a valuable asset on the field.
One of his most memorable moments was the vital interception in his rookie year, underscoring his knack for game-changing plays. He left a lasting impact on his teams, fostering respect for his tenacity and skill.
- Accolades:
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2013)
- 140 total tackles in his rookie season
