Oakland Raiders All-50 team: Linebackers

July 8, 11:49 PMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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Over the years, the Raiders have had some great ones in their linebacking corps. These were guys that one the whistle blows for the game to start became nothing but bringers of destruction and mayhem.

Dan Connors: He was a member of the Raiders fabled 11 angry men defense that wrought destruction upon the offenses of the AFL. He was a three time AFL All-Star and was named to the second team All-AFL team.

Ted Hendricks: The Mad Stork was known for being crazy off the field, and nearly psycho on the field. At 6'7" he was a force to be accounted for in the passing and running games. He finished his career with the honors of being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and being named to the NFL's All-75 team.

Phil Villapiano: He lined up on the other side of The Stork and wreaked as much havoc as his better known teammate. He was a fierce competitor and had his best performance against the Vikings in Super Bowl XI.

Monte Johnson: He was an inside linebacker for the Raiders during the late 70s. He is overshadowed by his more famous teammates, but makes this list by playing nearly the entire Ghost to the Post game with a broken neck, and still making the plays.

Matt Millen: Millen was a vocal leader of the Raiders linebacking corps starting with his rookie year in 1980. He was a dominant inside and middle backer for his long career in Silver and Black.

Rod Martin: Three interceptions in Super Bowl XV gets his name thrown into the mix. He played for the Raiders for 12 years and was named to two Pro Bowls.

Greg Biekert: Biekert was a reliable presence in the middle of the Raiders defense during some of the off years. His biggest highlight came during the 2001 season when he deciphered Peyton Manning's audibles and led the Raiders defense to power a come from behind victory over the Indianapolis Colts.