It goes without saying that the Chicago Bears hold one of the richest traditions’ in theNFL– and football – history. Back in the day, they set the standard for toughness and excellence around the league, winning 9 NFL Championships and one Super Bowl in their 100 years of existence.
Sadly for their loyal fanbase, they haven’t been able to replicate the success from the good-old-days recently, but they’re still one of the top-notch markets in the league. Today, we’re going to honor those legends that paved the way for this franchise to be as important as it is nowadays, lets take a look at the top 25 greatest players in Chicago Bears history.
Honorable Mention: Matt Forte,Olin Kreutz, George Trafton,Joe Stydahar,Harlon Hill,Ken Kavanaugh, Bill Hewitt, Neal Anderson, Ed Healey, Red Grange
25. Charles Tillman – CB
Tillman is currently an FBI agent. (Getty)
Stats: 912 Total Tackles, 44 Forced Fumbles, 9 Fumble Recoveries, 140 Pass Deflections, 38 Interceptions, 9 Defensive Touchdowns Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, All-Pro Championships: 0
While he was never able to win a Super Bowl, Charles ‘Peanut’ Tillman played a major part in the Chicago Bears’ team that made it to the XLI edition. He was an agile and athletic playmaker with a feel for forcing turnovers at a high rate, including 10 forced fumbles in the 2012 season alone.
24. George McAfee – HB
McAfee was the 2nd overall pick of the 1940 NFL Draft. (Getty)
Stats: 1,685 Rushing Yards, 21 Rushing Touchdowns, 1,359 Receiving Yards, 11 Receiving Touchdowns, 4 Return Touchdowns, 25 Interceptions Accolades: NFL All-Star, All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 3
George McAfee is one of the most versatile players of all time. He was adynamic half-back with a great pass-catching ability at the time that could also make a huge impact as a punt returner and even as a defensive back. He still holds the record for the highest punt-return average in NFL history (12.8).
23. Jay Hilgenberg – C
Hilgenberg retired in 1993. (Getty)
Stats: 188 Games Played, 152 Games Started, 4 Fumbles Recovered Accolades: 7x Pro-Bowl, 5x All-Pro Championships: 1
While centers don’t get much credit for their team’s success, it’s pretty safe to saythat the Chicago Bears wouldn’t have been able to win Super Bowl XX without Jay Hilgenberg’s help. He was a huge force and the anchor of theiroffensive line and an example of durability, as he started in 130 of his 134 final games.
22. Lance Briggs – LB
Briggs was drafted in the third round. (Getty)
Stats: 1,173 Tackles, 15.0 Sacks, 16 Interceptions, 19 Forced Fumbles, 6 Defensive Touchdowns Accolades: 7x Pro-Bowl, 3x All-Pro Championships: 0
Lance Briggs‘ presence helped the Chicago Bears be among the better-tackling teams in the NFL for almost a decade. He was an outstanding defender that could turn the corner in any second and shake off offensive linemen as if they were kids. As a matter of fact, the only year when he had fewer than 71 combined tackles was in his final year before retirement.
21. Steve McMichael – DT
McMichael attended the University of Texas. (Getty)
Stats: 838 Tackles, 95 Sacks, 2 Interceptions Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, 5x All-Pro Championships: 1
Steve McMichael was an example of hard work and durability throughout his career, never missing a game in 12 straight seasons with the Chicago Bears. He was a bulldozer not many players could get past, especially in his prime. To this day, he still holds the record for most safeties (3) in the same game.
20. Joe Fortunato – LB
Fortunato (#31) chasing Johhny Unitas. (Getty)
Stats: 16 Interceptions, 22 Fumbles Recovered, 2 Defensive Touchdowns Accolades: 5x Pro-Bowl, 6x All-Pro Championships: 5
While his career stats could be somewhat unimpressive, there’s absolutely no doubt that Joe Fortunato is one of the greatest players in Chicago Bears history. He helped anchor a defense through 5 NFL Championships and was one of the most durable, hard-nosed defenders of his time, missing just 1 game in 12 years.
19. George Connor – LB/OT
Connor was the 5th overall pick of the NFL Draft. (Getty)
Stats: 7 Interceptions, 10 Fumbles Recovered Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 5x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 0
George Connor was one of those rare ’60-minute men’, those guys that could perform at a high level in defense and offense and rarely missed a snap. While his job as an offensive tackle was remarkable, he was one of the most feared linebackers in the game during his prime and is one of the few players to be named an All-Pro at offense and defense.
18. Stan Jones – G/DT
Jones also played for the Redskins. (Getty)
Stats: 7 Fumbles Recovered Accolades: 7x Pro-Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 1
Another 60-minute man makes our list. This time, we have to talk about Stan Jones, one of the most influential players of all time because of his work as a pioneer in physical preparation and weight-training. He was a standout guard and tackle during the early years of his career before shifting to a full-time defender towards his sunset years, helping the Bearswin the NFL Championship in 1963.
17. Devin Hester – WR
Hester was originally drafted as a cornerback. (Getty)
Stats: 255 Receptions, 3,311 Receiving Yards, 16 Receiving Touchdowns, 11,028 Return Yards, 20 Return Touchdowns Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 4 xAll-Pro, 3x NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year Championships: 0
You do not punt when Devin Hester is waiting to return the kick unless you make sure it’s a touchback. Punters learned that lesson the hard way after Hester made a reputation for being the greatest kick returner of all time. He holds the record for most return touchdowns in a season (6), most punt-return touchdowns (14), and most total return touchdowns (20). Once he saw a tiny gap of space, it was over, he was off to the races.
23. George Musso – OT/OG
Musso spent his entire career with the Bears. (Getty)
Stats: 128 Games Played, 84 Games Started Accolades: 3x Pro-Bowl, Hall of Famer Championships: 4
When a legend like George Halas calls you ‘the best guard in football’, then you must be pretty good. George Musso was the face of the offensive line in one of the most successful tenures in Chicago Bears’ history. Thanks to his intimidating presence both as a tackle or a guard, the Bears made it to 7 NFL Championship games, winning 4.
15. Jimbo Covert – OT
Covert was drafted out of Pittsburgh University. (Getty)
Stats: 111 Games Played, 110 Games Started, 6 Fumbles Recovered Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, 3x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 1
It’s sad to think that Jim Covert’s impressive career could’ve been even better if it wasn’t for injuries. Still, he was the leader of Mike Ditka’s offensive line and their captain for more than half a decade. More impressively, he made a name for himself for holding Lawrence Taylor without a sack every time they faced off.
14. Danny Fortmann – G
Fortmann only played 8 seasons in the NFL. (Getty)
Stats: 8 Interceptions Accolades: 3x Pro-Bowl, 7x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 3
Even though his career was brief, Danny Fortmann still left his mark in football history. He was one ofthe greatest tacklers to ever play the game and made it to 7 straight All-Pro teams over an 8-year tenure. On a side note, he alternated his NFL career withmedical school and became a surgeon after retirement.
13. Bill George – LB
George retired with the Rams. (Getty)
Stats: 18 Interceptions, 17 Forced Fumbles Accolades: 8x Pro-Bowl, 8x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 1
Bill George was a great all-around player. In fact, besides being the first true ‘middle-linebacker’, he was also a solid kicker (14/15 XP attempts, 4 field goals). George wasn’t as athletic as some of the players from his time, but he made up for it with an unprecedented understanding of the game. He changed the way defensive schemes were planned, paving the way for the birth of the 4-3 defense.
12. Doug Atkins – DE
He’s also a member of the College Football Hall of Fame. (Getty)
Stats: 3 Interceptions Accolades: 8x Pro-Bowl, 10x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 2
Throughout his entire career, Doug Atkins was the true definition of a pass rusher. He was stronger, faster, bigger, and more athletic than his peers and rivals and made a living out of scaring the living hell out of opposing quarterbacks. He was also quite agile for a guy his size, which helped him stay dominant even when he lost his first step with age.
11. Gale Sayers – RB
Sayers only played 7 years. (Getty)
Stats:4,956 Rushing Yards, 39 Rushing Touchdowns, 3,172 Return Yards, 8 Return Touchdowns Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 5x All-Pro, NFL Comeback Player of the Year, NFL Rookie of the Year, 2x NFL Rushing Yards Leader, Hall of Famer Championships: 0
“Just give me 18 inches of daylight, that’s all I need,” Gale Sayers said once. Sayers was so good, so flashy, so explosive, so dominant that it only took him 7 years to become the youngest player to ever be enshrined into the Hall of Fame. He scored 48 touchdowns during his first 50 career games and was a walking highlight reel every time he was out there as a runner or in special teams. Sadly, a knee injury took a toll on his career, but he still holds the franchise records for most rushing touchdowns (22), touchdowns in a game (6), and many more.
10. Richard Dent – DE
Dent was drafted in the eighth round. (Getty)
Stats: 677 Total Tackles, 137.5 Sacks, 8 Interceptions, 2 Defensive Touchdowns Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 4x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 2 (1 With the Bears)
While he also played for the 49ers, Colts, and Eagles, Richard Dent made a name for himself during his 11-year stint with the Bears. He clearly outplayed his draft stock, and was one of the most intimidating backs in the league, logging a franchise-record 124.5 sacks. He also set the Bears record for most sacks in a season (17.5) and was named the MVP of the only Super Bowl they’ve won thus far.
9. Dan Hampton – DE/DT
He played 12 seasons with the Bears. (Getty)
Stats: 79 Sacks, 1 Safety Accolades: 4x Pro-Bowl, 6x All-Pro, Hall of Famer Championships: 1
Dan Hampton was so physically dominant and talented for the game of football that he made the Pro Bowl both as a defensive end and as a tackle. He could lineup at both sides of the line and was the main reason behind the Bears’ famous ’46 defense’. He was a massive disruptor and a nightmare in the running game, and also blocked 7 kicks throughout his career.
8. Brian Urlacher – LB
Urlacher was a consensus All-American. (Getty)
Stats:1,354 Tackles, 41.5 Sacks, 22 Interceptions, 90 Pass Deflections, 2 Defensive Touchdowns Accolades: 8x Pro-Bowl, 5x All-Pro, NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year, NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Hall of Famer Championships: 0
Brian Urlacher was just unstoppable. He was agile, fast, quick, and had a great feel for beaking tackles to sack the quarterback. Throughout his career, he logged 1,046 solo tackles, setting the franchise record for most tackles in a season with 153. He successfully made the transition from safety to linebacker to become one of the most dominant defenders of all-time.
7. Bulldog Turner – C/LB
Turner’s only rush was a 46-yard touchdown. (Getty)
Stats: 17 Interceptions, 5 Fumbles Recovered Accolades: 2x Pro-Bowl, 8x All-Pro, 2x NFL All-Star, NFL Interceptions Leader Hall of Famer Championships: 4
Clyde ‘Bulldog’ Turner’s name has to be near the top of the conversation when we talk about the best all-around football players of all time. He dominated both sides of the game as a center and a linebacker and was a big-play specialist as a defender. He was a fierce blocker and a standout athlete that just made the game look easy, leading the Bears to 4 NFL Championships.
6. Mike Singletary – LB
Singletary is currently the defensive coordinator of the TSL Generals. (Getty)
Stats: 1,488 Tackles, 19.0 Sacks, 7 Interceptions Accolades: 10x Pro-Bowl, 9x All-Pro, NFL Man of the Year, 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year, 3x NFC Player of the Year, Hall of Famer Championships: 1
Not only was Mike Singletary one of the strongest hard-hitters in the league during his 12-year career, but he was also one of the most durable, missing just 2 games. He was the anchor of the ‘Monsters of the Midway’ historically great defense and one of the most physically dominant players of all time, as he was a master of going through blocks to make plays as a ‘free’ defender.
5. Bronko Nagurski – FB/LB/DT
Nagurski was also a pro wrestler. (Getty)
Stats: 2,778 Rushing Yards, 25 Rushing Touchdowns, 474 Passing Yards, 7 Passing Touchdowns Accolades: 7x All-Pro, NFL Rushing Touchdowns Leader, Hall of Famer Championships: 3
Bronko Nagurski could literally do it all on the field. He was the strongest player in the league during his prime, retiring as the franchise’s leader in rushing yards, while also throwing 7 touchdown passes. He left the NFL to become a world champion in pro wrestling before coming back to help a depleted Bears team as a defensive tackle and linebacker. It doesn’t get any better than that.
4. Mike Ditka – TE
Ditka later coached the Bears. (Getty)
Stats: 427 Receptions, 5,812 Receiving Yards, 43 Receiving Touchdowns Accolades: 5x Pro-Bowl, 6x All-Pro, NFL Rookie of the Year, Hall of Famer Championships: 3 (2 as a player, 1 as a coach)
Mike Ditka is perhaps the most iconic person in Chicago Bears’ history. Besides becoming one of the first elite pass-catching tight ends ever, he later became one of the greatest coaches in franchise history, leading them to another Super Bowl win after helping them win 2 as a player. He was toughness personified and made a habit of playing through injuries, and he made sure that his players lived up to that standard as well.
3. Dick Butkus – LB
Butkus was drafted in the NFL and AFL. (Getty)
Stats: 22 Interceptions, 27 Fumbles Recovered Accolades: 8x Pro-Bowl, 8x All-Pro, 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year, Hall of Famer Championships: 0
Dick Butkus was mean. Period. The guy was a bully, but we don’t mean that in a bad way. There haven’t been many players with the toughness and physicality that Butkus had during his playing days. Once he took off to tackle you, there was just nothing you or anything can do. Throughout his entire career, Dick Butkus set the standard for hard-hitting linebackers and hard-nosed defenders.
2. Sid Luckman – QB/DB
Luckman was later a coach and executive for the Bears organization. (Getty)
Stats: 14,686 Passing Yards, 137 TD, 132 INT, 51.8% Completion Percentage, 17 Defensive Interceptions, 2 Defensive Touchdowns Accolades: 6x All-Pro, 3x NFL All-Star, MVP, 3x NFL Passing Touchdowns Leader, 3x Passing Touchdowns Leader, 3x NFL Passer Rating Leader, Hall of Famer Championships: 5 (4 as a player, 1 as a coach)
Up to this day, Sid Luckman still holds the record (tied) for most touchdown passes in a game (7). He was the most dominant quarterback in the league – by a long stretch – and the master of the T-Formation. In fact, some still consider Luckman to be the greatest deep-pass quarterbacks to ever do it, breaking countless records during his prime. Oh, and he was also a standout defenderand wasn’t even allowed to practice with the team during his 2-year tenure with the Marines.
1. Walter Payton – RB
Payton spent his entire career with the Bears. (Getty)
Stats: 16,726 Rushing Yards, 110 Rushing Touchdowns, 492 Receptions, 4,538 Receiving Yards, 15 Receiving Touchdowns, 8 Passing Touchdowns Accolades: 9x Pro-Bowl, 8x All-Pro, NFL Man of The Year, MVP2x NFC Offensive Player of the Year, NFL Offensive Player of the Year, NFL Rushing Yards Leader, NFL Rushing Touchdowns Leader, 4x NFL Rushing Attempts Leader, Hall of Famer Championships: 1
To this day, Walter Payton is still considered by some as the greatest all-around running back of all time and for very good reasons. ‘Sweetness’ was elusive between the tackles thanks to his lateral quickness and ability to change directions. He was strong, fast, athletic, and just had a nose for the endzone. He had 10 1,000+ rushing yards seasons in 13 years and only missed 1 of his 199 career games. His work ethic, talent, and impact make him the greatest player in Bears’ history.
