Fredrick William Strickland Jr. (born August 15, 1966) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins.
Strickland attended Lakeland Regional High School, where he was a two-way player (linebacker and fullback).
He still was able to become a starter at inside linebacker, registering 63 tackles (fifth on the team), 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and 6 passes defensed.
In 1990, the Rams took advantage of his versatility as a player, creating a position called "nose linebacker", that rushed the quarterback, dropped back in coverage and took on offensive lineman in the running game.
In 1992, he was passed on the depth chart at middle linebacker by Larry Kelm, playing mainly on special teams and short yardage situations.
[5] On June 23, 1994, after the retirement of linebackers Johnny Holland and Brian Noble, he was signed as a free agent by the Green Bay Packers, reuniting with his former Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Fritz Shurmur.
[7] He was named the starter at middle linebacker and recorded 153 tackles (led the team) on a defense that was ranked number 3 in the league.
[9] He was the backup at middle linebacker to Derek Smith, before being placed on the injured reserve list on October 26.
Strickland played 12 seasons in the NFL; appearing in 161 games (111 starts) and finishing with 580 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 4 interceptions and 11 fumble recoveries.