Top 10 NFL careers of Tennessee football LBs

Ed Beard – 1965-1972

Ed Beard technically finished his career with the U.S. Army, but he did letter with Tennessee football in 1961, so he counts. After that, he entered the pros and spent eight years with the San Francisco 49ers, picking up three career interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Reggie McKenzie, 1985-1990, 1992

The brother of Raleigh McKenzie and tather of Kahlil McKenzie, Reggie McKenzie is a current NFL executive played for the Vols from 1981 to 1984. He then spent four years in the pros with the Los Angeles Chargers and two with the Phoenix Cardinals. After a year off, he spent a seventh year wih the San Francisco 49ers, starting in 40 games and appearing in 60 for his career.

Keith DeLong, 1989-1993

Following in the footsteps of his father, UT Outland Trophy winner Steve DeLong, Keith DeLong earned All-American honors for the Vols in 1988 and played with them from 1985 to 1988. He then spent five years with the San Francisco 49ers and helped them win their fourth Super Bowl title as a rookie.

Tracy Hayworth, 1990-1995

A teammate of Keith DeLong’s, Tracy Hayworth played for the Vols from 1986 to 1989 and won an SEC title. He then went to the place that loves UT linebackers, the Detroit Lions, where he enjoyed a six-year career with 113 career tackles, 10 sacks, 1 forced fumble, an interception and four fumble recoveries, one for a touchdown.

Raynoch Thompson, 2000-2004

Playing alongside Al Wilson, Raynoch Thompson started on the 1998 national championship Tennessee football team and then earned All-American honors in 1999. He then left early and joined the Arizona Cardinals, and in five years, he had seven and a half career sacks, another 25 tackles for a loss, two forced fumbles a fumble recovery and 345 tackles, 253 of which were solo.