Ray Lewis and Linebackers with the Most Interceptions in NFL History

Ray Lewis Has 31 Career Interceptions, More Than Any Linebacker in 30 Years

Ray Lewis is arguably one of the best linebackers to ever play football.

Following Lewis’ retirement announcement last week, he, Lawrence Taylor and Dick Butkus have been frequently cited as the all-time holy trinity of NFL linebackers.

No LB charged the quarterback or changed the game more than Lawrence Taylor.

“Lawrence Taylor, defensively, has had as big an impact as any player I’ve ever seen,” former Raiders coach John Madden said. “He changed the way defense is played, the way pass-rushing is played, the way linebackers play and the way offenses block linebackers.” (ESPN)

Meanwhile, Butkus was “the blueprint for the linebacker position.  He was flat-out nasty, with the size and power to compete in any era.” (FOXSports)

Straight out of Taylor’s backyard, though, nj.com called Ray Lewis the “best linebacker ever.”

However you tackle it, these three will forever be mentioned in any discussion of not only the greatest linebackers to play the game, but also the greatest defensive or all-around players to hit the grid.

One thing to note about Lewis that he had on the other two. He covered the field better than both of them.

First, Lewis has the second most tackles of all time.

Secondly, he’s one of only six linebackers in NFL history with at least 30 interceptions, and the only one after 1982, as evinced by today’s list.

Thirdly, as the Boston Herald points out, “he’s started more games at middle linebacker than anyone in NFL history and is the only member of a club having 40 sacks (41and 1⁄2) and 30 interceptions (31).”

Thanks to pro-football-reference‘s play index, where I posted this query.

Photo: eyeofthehurricane.net