London Fletcher The Durable Legend...

May 19, 1975—Cleveland, Ohio—London Fletcher, the standout John Carroll University linebacker from 1995 to 1997, was born. The NFF tells us that Fletcher was a two-time First-Team All-American and the Football Gazette’s 1997 Division III Linebacker of the Year.

College Career

London Fletcher attended John Carroll University, a Division III school in Ohio, from 1995 to 1997. Despite playing at a smaller college, Fletcher was a dominant force. In his senior season of 1997, he recorded a school-record 202 tackles and was named the Division III National Linebacker of the Year by Football Gazette. A two-time First Team All-American, Fletcher also set school records for tackles in a game (29) and helped John Carroll win their first-ever Division III playoff game. He amassed 386 tackles, 37 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, and three interceptions during his Blue Streaks career. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Road to the Pro Game

Despite his stellar college career, Fletcher went undrafted in the 1998 NFL Draft. However, he signed as an undrafted free agent with the St. Louis Rams. He made the team and by his second season, 1999, he was a starting linebacker on the Super Bowl XXXIV championship team. Fletcher went on to play for the Buffalo Bills (2002-2006) and the Washington Redskins (2007-2013), establishing himself as one of the most durable and productive linebackers in the league.

Football Legacy

London Fletcher carved out a remarkable 16-year NFL career, never missing a single game due to injury and starting a record 215 consecutive games at linebacker. Known for his intelligence, leadership, and exceptional tackling ability, Fletcher was a tackling machine, finishing his career with over 2,000 total tackles, ranking among the all-time leaders. He was the anchor of the Redskins' defense for many years and earned respect across the league for his consistent high level of play and durability. He was inducted into the Washington Commanders Ring of Fame in 2019.

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Super Bowl Champion (XXXIV)

✦ 4-time Pro Bowl selection (2009-2012)

✦ 2-time Second-team All-Pro selection (2011, 2012)

✦ NFL Combined Tackles Leader (2011)

✦ Bart Starr Man of the Year Award (2012)

✦ Washington Commanders Ring of Fame

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2019)

✦ 2-time First Team All-American (D-III)

✦ Division III National Linebacker of the Year (1997)

✦ Career NFL Stats (256 games): 2,032 Tackles (1,379 solo), 39 Sacks, 23 Interceptions, 19 Forced Fumbles, 12 Fumble Recoveries, 92 Passes Defended, 3 Touchdowns.

From Division III standout to NFL ironman, the story of London Fletcher is one of relentless determination. This series will explore his journey from John Carroll University, where he set tackling records, to his remarkable 16-year NFL career with the Rams, Bills, and Redskins. We'll delve into his Super Bowl victory, Pro Bowl selections, and his incredible streak of never missing a game, showcasing the intelligence and leadership that defined his enduring legacy as a tackling machine.

Learn more about this legend of the game through our collections of posts, podcasts, and video excerpts.