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Pittsburgh Steelers: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history

By Samuel Teets

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Devin Bush of Michigan reacts after being chosen #10 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - APRIL 25: Devin Bush of Michigan reacts after being chosen #10 overall by the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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2 Aug 1997: Defensive end Greg Lloyd #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Steelers 28-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport
2 Aug 1997: Defensive end Greg Lloyd #95 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the Steelers 28-14 win over the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Dunn /Allsport /

4. Greg Lloyd (1987-97)

In an era where the game was less regulated than it is now, Greg Lloyd was a monster. He was selected by the Steelers in the sixth round of the 1987 NFL Draft. While injuries held him off of the field for all of his rookie season and most of 1988, Lloyd exploded onto the scene in his third season, recording seven sacks. He retained his starting role until he left the team following the 1997 season.

While Lloyd became a starter in his third season, he became recognized as one of the greatest players in the game in 1991. That’s when Lloyd made the first of five consecutive Pro Bowl appearances. He also strung together three straight First Team All-Pro selections from 1993 through 1995.

Unfortunately, the prime of Lloyd’s career was ended by an injury that limited him to one game in 1996. He returned as a starter in 1997, but it was his age-32 season and he failed to return to prominence. It was Lloyd’s final season in Pittsburgh.

Lloyd developed into a feared and fierce leader for the Steelers. He was a crucial member of the 1995 Steelers that went on a run to the Super Bowl. That year, he combined forces with Chad Brown, a young Jason Gildon, Kevin Greene and Levon Kirkland to form one of the greatest linebacking corps of all-time. If you ever want one picture that sums up Lloyd, check out the famous one of him wearing a shirt that says, “I wasn’t hired for my disposition”.

During his 10-year run with the Steelers, Lloyd recorded 53.5 sacks, ten interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries. I can’t give you precise tackle or forced fumble data, but Pro Football Reference credits Lloyd with 727 combined tackles and 34 forced fumbles as a Steeler. It’s important to remember that these numbers are unofficial though.

Another website, NFL Football Journal, claims Lloyd only tallied 684 combined tackles but confirms the 34 forced fumbles. ESPN’s tackle and forced fumble data, which began in 1993, does not line up with the numbers posted by Pro Football Reference.

It may be impossible to pin down the exact statistical dominance Lloyd produced, but you’ll get the idea if you take the time to watch some of his highlights.

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