On defense, the team's leading tackler and sacks leader was linebacker Zane Zandler. In 2006, Tillman was the Bears' leading tackler among defensive backs, recording eighty tackles. He is the Broncos' leading tackler of all time with 1152 recorded tackles. He retired as the Dallas Cowboys' all-time leading tackler with 813 career tackles. Thomas is also the seventh all-time tackler in Chiefs' history with 642 career tackles. As a redshirt freshman, Allen was the Red Raiders' second-leading tackler with 87 stops. He was also known as an outstanding tackler and blocker. Riggins instead gained by running through would-be tackler Don McNeal and getting the go-ahead touchdown. They also stated that he was a good tackler with good footwork and durability. He was the leading tackler for the Red with seven and had 1.5 sacks. He was a powerful tackler and good at anticipating an opponent's moves. Fending is the action by the ball carrier of repelling a tackler using his arm. He is the fourth leading tackler in franchise history with 1,046. In 2009, the NFL Network named Butkus the most feared tackler of all time. Neither man was Nebraska's leading tackler, however.