5 players with the most tackles in NFL history
Linebackers account for the majority of tackles in NFL history. The top 12, as well as 17 of the top 20, in all-time tackles, all primarily played as linebackers, and most of them spent the majority of their NFL snaps in the middle linebacker position. Here are five players who have recorded more combined tackles, which accounts for being solo and assisted, than any other player of all time.
NFL career tackles leaders
#5 - Zach Thomas - 1,734 tackles
Zach Thomas played 12 seasons for the Miami Dolphins as their starting middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense before ending his career with the Dallas Cowboys for one season as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He eclipsed 125 tackles in ten different seasons throughout his career while also surpassing 150 tackles six times.
@FanDuel Zach Thomas https://t.co/Al7cIMCxkV
Among Zach Thomas' many accomplishments are being selected to seven Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pros. He is yet to be selected into the Hall of Fame, though many around the NFL believe he clearly deserves to be there. He was one of the most productive linebackers of all time and was one of the best defensive players of his generation.
#4 - Jessie Tuggle - 1,805 tackles
Jessie Tuggle spent all 14 seasons of his NFL career with the Atlanta Falcons. He played the majority of his defensive snaps as a 4-3 middle linebacker but also logged time as an inside linebacker in a 3-4 system. His career peak was as consistent and solid as any other middle linebacker of all time.
In a nine-year stretch from the 1988 season to the 1996 season, Tuggle exceeded 100 tackles every season while eclipsing 150 six times and recording more than 200 tackles twice.