The middle linebacker once was the most famous position on an NFL defense. Think of Butkus, Nitschke, Bednarik, Lambert, Buoniconti, Schmidt.
They are Hall of Famers with tough-guy names to go with their crushing style of play.
Welcome to the modern NFL, where the “Mike” linebacker has given way to the dual inside linebackers in the proliferating 4-3 defenses, where coaches prefer speed and athletic talent over the old days that required brute strength and the ability to crush runs and receivers over the middle.
The Steelers boast the perfect examples of 21st century inside linebackers.