Editorial Review

“The illustrated “Greatest of All Time” series offers readers with an interest in professional sports an opportunity to learn more about some of the finest athletes of all time. Each title in the series focuses on a particular position and then offers readers mini-biographies of the top ten players to fulfill that role during their careers. In this way, young sports fans can learn about the top ten football, baseball, soccer or basketball players who played a specific position on their team. Each book is filled with statistics, profiles, and biographical information about some of the finest professional athletes ever to play their chosen sports. This selection focuses on one of football’s most aggressive positions: linebackers. Linebackers are part of the frontline of any football team’s defense. Inside linebackers are part of a team’s central defense and are often charged with stopping running plays. Outside linebackers sometimes rush the opposing quarterback and must also cover receivers who are attempting to catch passes. Linebackers must combine strength, speed, and quick wits as they try to stop their opponents from making yardage or scoring touchdowns. In this concise look at National Football League (NFL) linebackers, readers will be introduced to ten of the most efficient players ever to fill that valued position. In Ray Lewis of the Baltimore Ravens, readers will meet a man who was among the most feared tacklers of his era. Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary of the Chicago Bears both played at a high level and led their defenses to be among the greatest of all time. Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs was so fast that he could easily cover pass receivers while always being a threat to blitz opposing quarterbacks. Jack Lambert of the Pittsburgh Steelers was a feared tackler who helped his team win four Super Bowls in six years. But it is Lawrence Taylor of the New York Giants that heads this list of all-time linebackers, primarily because of his uncanny ability to sack quarterbacks or catch running backs from behind. In addition to the top ten list, author Lowe provides an honorable mention list of ten additional star linebackers who played at a very high level in the NFL. Readers will also find additional resources for further study of the men who have been leaders in this violent position. Young sports enthusiasts will enjoy this look back at some of the players who became among the most feared and inspiring linebackers ever to participate in the NFL. Reviewer Rating: 4" —Children’s Literature