The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest and most iconic professional football teams in American history. Founded in 1920 as a charter member of the National Football League, they have been competing for over 100 years.
Over that time, they’ve earned nine NFL Championships and hold numerous records including being home to the most enshrined players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and having retired more jersey numbers than any other team. Their famous fan base is known for their passionate support during both good times and bad, making them truly one of America’s favorite sports franchises.
1. Dick Butkus
Linebacker
Career
- 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1969, 1970)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1965, 1968–1970, 1972)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1966, 1967, 1971)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1965–1972)
- George Halas Award (1974)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Chicago Bears No. 51 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- UPI Lineman of the Year (1964)
- Big Ten Most Valuable Player (1963)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1963, 1964)
- Illinois Fighting Illini No. 50 retired
Dick Butkus was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1965 to 1973. He won two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards and was selected to nine Pro Bowls.
Butkus is most renowned for his ferocious tackling and intimidating size, which helped him win many games in his career. In 1974, he received the George Halas Award, given annually to the best player in Chicago Bears' history.
After retiring from football, Butkus worked as an analyst on various NFL shows before passing away at age 80 in 2016 Butkus was known for his ferocious tackling and punishing hits on opposing players. Butkus is the Bear's all-time leader in career tackles (931) and sacks (57).
He also holds the Bears record for most consecutive games with an interception, with 11 from 1965 to 1970. In 1969, he became only the second player ever to win both the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award and The Associated Press Athlete of the Year award.
Butkus was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, making him one of the very few players to be enshrined in both hallowed halls simultaneously.
Dick Butkus Day is celebrated annually at Halas Hall on November 12th, in honor of this legendary Chicago Bear.
Also Played For: chicago bears, chicago bears best defensive players
2. Walter Payton
Running back
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1977)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1977)
- NFL Man of the Year (1977)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1976, 1977, 1980, 1984, 1985)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1978, 1979, 1986)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1976–1980, 1983–1986)
- NFL rushing yards leader (1977)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1977)
- 4× NFL rushing attempts leader (1976–1979)
- Bert Bell Award (1985)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Chicago Bears No. 34 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- First-team Little All-American (1974)
- Second-team Little All-American (1973)
Walter Payton was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He helped lead the Chicago Bears to five Super Bowl titles and earned numerous accolades, including three consecutive NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards from 1977-1979.
Payton also holds several rushing records, including the most yards and touchdowns scored in a career. His stellar play helped him become one of the most beloved players in league history. Payton tragically passed away at age 46 after suffering a heart attack while on vacation with his family.
He will forever be remembered as one of football's all-time greats. Walter Payton was an all-time great running back in the NFL. He won multiple awards, including the Bert Bell Award and a record five Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremonies.
After his playing career ended, he became a beloved figure in Chicago, where he spent his final years before passing away at age 63 in 1999.
Payton is one of only two players ever to have scored over 2,000 points and rush for over 10,000 yards in their career - achieving both feats twice.
3. Mike Ditka
Tight end
Career
- Super Bowl champion (VI)
- NFL champion (1963)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1961)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1963–1964)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1962, 1965–1966)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1961–1965)
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Chicago Bears No. 89 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Unanimous All-American (1960)
- Pittsburgh Panthers No. 89 retired
Ditka is one of the most successful and well-known tight ends in NFL history. He played for the Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and New Orleans Saints over his career.
Ditka was a key player on three Super Bowl championship teams (VI, VII, VIII). He also won two NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Awards (1961) and was twice named to first-team All-Pro squads (1963–1964).
After retiring as a player in 1992, Ditka spent several years as an assistant coach with the Chicago Bears before taking over as head coach of the New Orleans Saints in 1997. In 1999 he left coaching to become president/CEO of FOX Sports Net Southwest.
Ditka has written five books about football including "Play Like You Mean It" which was published in 2009 and became a bestseller soon after its release.
Mike Ditka was a dominant player in the NFL for over 20 years. He coached the Chicago Bears to two Super Bowl victories and was also named NFL Coach of the Year twice.
Mike Ditka is one of only four players ever inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Also Played For: nfl europe, chicago bears best current players
4. Mike Singletary
Linebacker
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1988)
- NFL Man of the Year (1990)
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1984–1989, 1991)
- Second-team All-Pro (1990)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1983–1992)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Bart Starr Award (1991)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- 2× SWC Player of the Year (1979, 1980)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1979, 1980)
- 2× Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy (1979, 1980)
Mike Singletary was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1992. He became the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers in 2009 and led them to two playoff appearances before he was fired in 2010.
In 2011, he joined the Minnesota Vikings as their defensive coordinator but was sacked after one season. He then served as assistant head coach with the Baltimore Ravens until being let go following their Super Bowl victory in 2016.
Singletary has since been hired by Memphis Express and TSL Generals as their respective defensive coordinators Mike Singletary was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1992.
He is best known for his time with the team as its head coach, during which he led them to five division titles and two Super Bowl championships.
As an NFL player, Singletary was widely considered one of the league's top defenders. He won seven First-team All-Pro honors and was named NFL Man of the Year in 1990.
After retiring from football, Singletary served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2001 to 2003 before being fired after a poor start to the 2004 season.
In 2007, he returned to coaching as linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens until 2013 when he became their defensive coordinator under John Harbaugh.
Mike Singletary passed away on November 25th, 2017 at age 60 after a long battle with cancer.
5. Richard Dent
Career
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XX, XXIX)
- Super Bowl MVP (XX)
- First-team All-Pro (1985)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1984, 1988, 1990)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1984, 1985, 1990, 1993)
- 2× NFL forced fumbles leader (1984, 1985)
- NFL sacks leader (1985)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Dent was a dominant defensive end in the NFL for over a decade, playing for the Chicago Bears, San Francisco 49ers, and Indianapolis Colts. He is best known for his performance in Super Bowl XXIII when he helped lead the Bears to victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Dent has also been inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. Dent was a two-time Super Bowl champion and three-time Second Team All-Pro.
Dent was one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL and led the league in forced fumbles twice.
He is also one of only six Bears to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining Mike Ditka, Lee Roy Selmon, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton and Dan Hampton.
Also Played For: 1983 nfl draft
6. Brian Urlacher
Linebacker
Career
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2005)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2005, 2006)
- Second-team All-Pro (2010)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2000–2003, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2000)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Consensus All-American (1999)
- New Mexico Lobos Jersey No. 44 retired
Brian Urlacher was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2012. He made four consecutive first-team All-Pro teams and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.
Brian was born on May 25, 1978, in Pasco, Washington. He played high school football at Lovington High School in Lovington, New Mexico before attending college at New Mexico State University where he played for the Aggies from 1998 to 2002.
In 2001, after playing just one season with the Bears and being an undrafted rookie free agent out of New Mexico State University, Urlacher became one of only two players in NFL history (along with Lawrence Taylor) to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors as well as Defensive Player of the Year awards within a single season.
After six seasons with Chicago (2000–2006), Urlacher signed with the San Francisco 49ers during the 2007 offseason but retired following that year's Super Bowl after suffering multiple injuries throughout his career including a torn ACL which ended his 2011 campaign prematurely.
He then returned to play 11 games for Chicago during 2013 season before retiring again after that year's regular season due to another injury sustained against Detroit Lions in late November).
As of 2018 Brian is currently an analyst on Fox Sports 1′s weekly pregame show "NFL GameDay Morning" alongside Jay Glazer & Daryl Johnston along with former Bear teammate Mike Singletary Brian Urlacher was a dominant linebacker during his 13-year career in the NFL.
He won eight Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro seven times. Urlacher played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 to 2011, helping them reach the Super Bowl each time they made it to the playoffs. After retiring from football, he started working as a commentator for Fox Sports 1 and CBSSN.
7. Gale Sayers
Running back
Career
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1969)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1965)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1965–1969)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1965–1967, 1969)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1966, 1969)
- NFL scoring leader (1965)
- George Halas Award (1970)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Chicago Bears No. 40 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- 2× Consensus All-American (1963, 1964)
- 3× All-Big Eight (1962–1964)
- Kansas Jayhawks No. 48 retired
Gale Sayers was an American football halfback and return specialist who played for the Chicago Bears, Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Oakland Raiders, and Cleveland Browns of the National Football League (NFL) from 1965 to 1971.
Sayers led the NFL in scoring three times (1965–1967), was a two-time rushing yards leader (1966, 1969), and won Comeback Player of the Year honors in 1969 after returning from a career-threatening injury.
He also played one season with the Southern Illinois Salukis as their head coach before retiring at age 33 due to knee problems.
After his playing days ended, Sayers became an administrator with SIU Edwardsville and Tennessee State before being named interim AD at Southern Illinois in 1981 following Don McClain's resignation.
He served until 1986 when he left for Knoxville as athletic director there. On September 23rd, 2020 Gale Sayer died aged 77 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's disease Gale Sayers was an all-around superstar during his time in the NFL.
He was a dominant running back, and also had success as a returner. Sayers is one of only two players ever to win three consensus All-American honors (1963, 1964), and he holds several NFL records still standing today.
Gale Sayers retired from the NFL after the 1971 season with nearly 4,000 rushing yards and 38 touchdowns on his resume alone.
8. Bronko Nagurski
Fullback
Career
- 3× NFL champion (1932, 1933, 1943)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1932–1934, 1936)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1932)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Chicago Bears No. 3 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Consensus All-American (1929)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers No. 72 retired
Bronko Nagurski was a dominating fullback, linebacker and offensive tackle in the NFL. He won three championships with the Chicago Bears and was an All-Pro four times.
Nagurski died at 81 after a long career in professional football. Bronko Nagurski was a dominant player in the NFL during the 1930s. He led the league in rushing touchdowns and yards per carry, and was named an All-American.
Nagurski is one of only two players to be inducted into both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame. He played for the Chicago Bears throughout his career, retiring after the 1946 season.
Nagurski is widely considered to be one of the greatest athletes in history, and he has been honored with numerous awards over his lifetime including induction into both the Pro Football and College Football Halls of Fame.
9. Steve McMichael
Career
- NCAA All-American (1979)
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1987)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1986, 1991)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1986, 1987)
- Top 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
After playing college football at the University of Texas, McMichael was drafted by the New England Patriots in 1980.
He spent his entire 13-year career with the Chicago Bears, making six Pro Bowl appearances and winning a Super Bowl championship in 1986.
After retiring from playing football, McMichael transitioned into coaching and became head coach of the Chicago Slaughter in 2007. He left this position after two seasons to pursue other interests.
Steve McMichael was a very successful NFL player who also had a long and successful professional wrestling career.
He is best known for his time in the National Football League (NFL) where he played for several teams over a period of 15 seasons, winning two Super Bowls along the way.
In addition to his footballing exploits, McMichael was also quite popular as a wrestler, notably during his stint with World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
After retiring from football in 1999, Steve Mc Michaels continued to work in professional wrestling until 2003 before eventually passing away at the age of 47 due to heart disease complications.
Also Played For: texas longhorns football
10. Roquan Smith
Linebacker
Career
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2020, 2021)
- Pro Bowl (2022)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2018)
- Unanimous All-American (2017)
- Butkus Award (2017)
- SEC Defensive Player of the Year (2017)
- First-team All-SEC (2017)
Roquan Smith was drafted eighth overall by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2018 NFL Draft. Roquan is an inside linebacker who played college football at Georgia.
He has been a two-time Second-team All-Pro and has been a key player for the Baltimore Ravens over the past few seasons.
Roquan's career highlights include being named to both the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LII, where he helped lead his team to victory against the New England Patriots Roquan Smith is a highly decorated SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-team All-SEC athlete.
Roquan was drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft with many predicting he would be a top pick. Smith has been labeled as one of, if not the best linebacker prospect to enter into professional football in years.
With his athleticism, speed, and instincts, Smith is sure to make an impact on both sides of the ball from day one in the NFL.
Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football
11. Justin Fields
Quarterback
Career
- Chicago Tribune Silver Football (2020)
- 2× Graham–George Offensive Player of the Year (2019, 2020)
- 2× Griese–Brees Quarterback of the Year (2019, 2020)
- Second-Team All–American (2019)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (2019, 2020)
Fields were one of the most highly anticipated quarterbacks in this year's NFL Draft and he didn't disappoint. He played for three different teams during his college career but made a name for himself with the Chicago Bears.
Fields is known as having an excellent arm and great accuracy on passes. He also has good mobility and can run if necessary, which makes him dangerous in his pocket.
Fields is expected to compete with veteran quarterback Mitchell Trubisky for starting position in Chicago next season.
If he succeeds, he could be a superstar in the league - watch out. Fields were one of the most highly touted quarterbacks in college football and is expected to be a top pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Fields led Georgia to an SEC Championship and a berth in the College Football Playoff, where they lost to Alabama.
Fields have excellent arm strength and can make all the throws necessary for an NFL quarterback, including deep passes downfield. However, Fields also has some issues with accuracy which need improvement if he wants to become a successful pro player.
For now, Fields will likely spend his rookie season on the bench behind better-known starters like Drew Brees or Tom Brady before claiming starting duties later on in his career.
Also Played For: ohio state buckeyes football
12. Jim Covert
Tackle
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1986)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Consensus All-American (1982)
- Walter Camp Alumni of the Year (1995)
- Pittsburgh Panthers No. 75 retired[1]
Jimbo Covert was an offensive tackle who played for the Chicago Bears from 1983 to 1991. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro and twice made the Pro Bowl.
Jimbo Covert is most famous for his time with the Bears during their Super Bowl championship run in XX, but he also had success earlier in his career with them.
After playing eight years of professional football, including three seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, Jimbo Covert retired in 1991 at age 36 due to injury. He currently resides in Pennsylvania and works as a financial advisor.
Jim Covert was a standout player at the University of Pittsburgh where he won four varsity letters. He was selected in the first round (13th overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears and went on to play eleven seasons with them, winning three titles ('84-'85, '88-'89).
After retiring from football in 1992, Covert went into coaching and led his alma mater (the University of Pittsburgh) to two consecutive Big East championships before being fired after just one season as head coach in 2001.
Jim Covert is now an athletic director at his alma mater and has overseen several renovations to Alumni Stadium including a new video board that features footage from all Pitt sports teams.
Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football
13. Sid Luckman
Career
- 4× NFL champion (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1943)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1941–1944, 1947)
- Second-team All-Pro (1946)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1940–1942)
- 3× NFL passing yards leader (1943, 1945, 1946)
- 3× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1943, 1945, 1946)
- 3× NFL passer rating leader (1941, 1943, 1946)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1941)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 42 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- American Association champion (1939)
Sid Luckman was a four-time NFL champion and MVP. He played for the Chicago Bears from 1939 to 1950, winning three Pro Bowls along the way. After retiring as a player, he became the team's quarterback coach and vice president before passing away in 1998 at age 81.
Sid Luckman was a professional football player who served in the United States Merchant Marine during World War II. In 1941, he led the NFL with an 88.5 passer rating and helped the Chicago Bears win their first championship.
He also won three passing titles in 1943, 1945 and 1946, as well as being named to three All-Decade Teams in the 1940s.
After ending his playing career, Luckman became a successful coach, leading both the Bears and Philadelphia Eagles to championships during his time in charge.
Sid Luckman is one of only two players (the other being Dan Marino) ever inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his status as one of American football's greatest legends.
14. Dan Hampton
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- First-team All-Pro (1984)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1982, 1985, 1986, 1988)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1980, 1982, 1984, 1985)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1979)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- George Halas Award (1991)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time #11
Dan Hampton was a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL for over a decade, winning two Super Bowls with the Chicago Bears. He is most famous for his role in helping stop Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers' dynasty in 1984.
After leaving the NFL, he became an ordained minister and served as pastor of churches around the country until his retirement in 2008. Dan Hampton was a dominant defensive player in the NFL during the 1980s. He was named to 4 All-Pro teams and 3 Pro Bowl teams.
In 1991, he won the George Halas Award, given to the best Bears player of the year. After his playing career ended, he became an executive with the team and served as general manager from 1993 until his retirement in 2007.
Dan Hampton is considered one of Chicago's most beloved athletes and is cherished by fans throughout the city for his contributions on and off the field.
15. Bill George
Career
- NFL champion (1963)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1955–1961, 1963)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1954–1961)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 61 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Wake Forest Demon Deacons No. 47 retired
Bill George was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1952 to 1965. He won an NFL championship with the team in 1963. After playing with the Bears, Bill George played for the Los Angeles Rams from 1966 to 1972.
He also had stints with the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles during his career. Bill George passed away in 1982 at age 52 after a long battle with cancer. Bill George was one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL during the 1950s and 1960s.
He was a three-time first-team All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowl selection, which speaks to his overall skills as a player. George is also notable for being part of the Chicago Bears' dynasty during that era, winning three championships (1955–1959).
Bill George passed away in November 2016 at the age of 87 after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Also Played For: wake forest university football
16. Doug Atkins
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1954, 1963)
- First-team All-Pro (1963)
- 6× Second-team All-Pro (1957–1960, 1965, 1968)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1957–1963, 1965)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame
- New Orleans Saints No. 81 retired
- Tennessee Volunteers No. 91 retired
Doug Atkins was an NFL defensive end who played for the Cleveland Browns (1953-54), Chicago Bears (1955-1966), and New Orleans Saints (1967-1969). He won 2 championships with the Browns in 1954 and 1963 and was a first-team All-Pro selection twice.
Doug Atkins passed away on December 30th, 2015 at the age of 85. Doug Atkins was a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL for many years.
He started his career with the Bears and became one of their most important players. He later played for the Saints, Titans and Packers before retiring in 1972.
Doug Atkins is now considered one of the greatest linemen to ever play in the NFL and he has been inducted into several Halls of Fame.
Also Played For: defensive end
17. Bulldog Turner
Career
- 4× NFL champion (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946)
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1941-1944, 1946-1948)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1940-1941, 1950-1951)
- NFL interceptions leader (1942)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 66 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- First-team Little All-American (1939)
Bulldog Turner was a powerful and respected center in the NFL for over 20 years. He played for four different teams during his career, including two stints with the Chicago Bears.
Turner also coached for several years after retirement from playing, most notably at Baylor University. Turner was a star player for the Chicago Bears during their 1940s dynasty. He led the NFL in interceptions in 1942 and was named to the Pro Bowl that year.
Turner also played college football at Illinois before entering the pros, where he won four championships with Chicago. He is one of only six players in history to win 4 titles with three different teams, and his number 66 has been retired by the Bears organization.
In 2009, Turner was inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame and Professional Football Hall of Fame as part of an elite group of athletes from both sports disciplines.
18. Devin Hester
Wide receiver
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2006, 2007, 2010)
- Second-team All-Pro (2011)
- 4× Pro Bowl (2006, 2007, 2010, 2014)
- 2× NFL kickoff return yards leader (2013, 2014)
- 3× NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year (2006, 2007, 2010)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2006)
- 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
Devin Hester was a three-time first-team all-pro and two-time pro bowl player with the Chicago Bears. In 2013, he became the NFL's leader in kickoff return yards and helped lead the Bears to an NFC North title.
He signed with Atlanta Falcons in 2014 but only played one season before signing with Baltimore Ravens in 2016.
After playing for Seattle Seahawks for one year, Devin retired from professional football at age 36 in September of 2017 Devin Hester is a 3-time NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year and 2010s All-Decade Team member.
Devin Hester was one of the most electrifying return men in NFL history, setting numerous league records along the way.
After leaving the Bears in 2013, Hester signed with Atlanta Falcons where he continued to be an effective return man for them before retiring after the 2017 season.
Also Played For: 2010 chicago bears season
19. George Connor
Career
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1950–1953)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1949, 1955)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1950–1953)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- 2× National champion (1946, 1947)
- Outland Trophy (1946)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1946, 1947)
- Second-team All-American (1943)
George Connor was an offensive tackle and linebacker for the Chicago Bears. He was selected in the first round of the 1946 NFL draft and played with the team from 1948 to 1955.
Connor was a four-time First-team All-Pro, two-time Second-team All-Pro, and three-time Pro Bowl player during his career.
He is most commonly remembered for helping lead the Bears to their first championship in franchise history in 1951 when he helped block Joe Perry's punt that led to a touchdown by Johnny Lujack late in the game.
Connor retired after playing his final season with the Detroit Lions in 1955. After retiring from football, Connor worked as a television color commentator for several years before passing away at age 78 on March 31, 2003.
George Connor was a highly decorated player in the NFL during the 1940s. He was twice named an All-American and won two championships with the Bears.
George Connor also had a successful career after leaving the NFL, playing in both the CFL and USFL. He is one of only six players to have played in both leagues at any point in their careers.
George Connor passed away at age 89 due to complications from Alzheimer's disease, but his legacy lives on as one of Chicago's all-time great football players.
Also Played For: notre dame fighting irish football, university of notre dame
20. Stan Jones
Career
- NFL champion (1963)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1955, 1956, 1959)
- Second-team All-Pro (1960)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1955–1961)
- Sporting News 1950's All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- National champion (1953)
- Unanimous All-American (1953)
Stan Jones was a four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro during his 14 seasons in the NFL. He played for the Chicago Bears, Washington Redskins, Denver Broncos and Cleveland Browns.
In retirement, he served as an assistant coach with the Patriots and Scottish Claymores before passing away in 2010 at age 78. Stan Jones was one of the most successful Bears players in franchise history.
He won three NFL championships, and seven Pro Bowls and was a unanimous All-American in 1953. Jones also played college football at Northwestern and helped lead the Wildcats to their first-ever national championship in 1953.
After his playing career concluded, Jones became a coach for the Bears and led them to two more division titles before retiring after the 1988 season.
Stan Jones is currently a member of both the Chicago Bears Hall of Fame as well as the National Football League's Pro Football Hall of Fame.
21. Darnell Mooney
Wide receiver
Career
- Chicago Bears (2020–present)
Darnell Mooney was a standout receiver for the Chicago Bears in 2020. He finished the season with 54 receptions for 693 yards and five touchdowns. Mooney attended Tulane University where he played football and received All-American honors as a senior in 2019.
The 25-year-old is entering his fourth NFL season with the Bears, having spent time on their practice squad each of the previous three seasons.
Darnell Mooney is a talented receiver who has had success in the NFL. He was drafted by the Washington Redskins in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft.
In 2019, he played for the Cleveland Browns and recorded 68 receptions for 1,087 yards and 10 touchdowns.
He is currently injured and on IR with the Redskins, but his talent remains undiscovered and he could come back later this season to have an impact on their playoff run.
22. Jaylon Johnson
Career
- Chicago Bears (2020–present)
Jaylon Johnson was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2020, after playing his college football at Utah. Jaylon is a cornerback and has appeared in three NFL seasons.
He has played for the Bears (2020-present) and Carolina Panthers (2018). Jaylon has made an impact during his time in the league, earning accolades such as Second Team All-Pro honors in 2019.
Jaylon Johnson is an All-American linebacker and was a First Team selection in both 2018 and 2019. Jaylon Johnson has played for the Arizona Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and Washington Redskins throughout his career.
He has 125 total tackles in the NFL as well as 2 forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery. Jaylon Johnson is known for his speed and quickness on the field which helps him make a lot of plays defensively.
Also Played For: utah utes football
23. Joe Stydahar
Career
- 3x NFL champion (1940, 1942, 1946)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1937–1940)
- Second-team All-Pro (1936)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1938-1941)
- Second-team Little All-American (1934)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Joe Stydahar was an offensive tackle and kicker for the West Virginia University football team from 1936 to 1947. He was a three-time NFL champion, winning in 1940, 1942, and 1946.
Joe also served as a line coach with the Rams from 1947 to 1949 before becoming head coach of the Cardinals in 1953. However, he only lasted one season there before returning to Chicago where he coached defensive linemen until his retirement in 1965.
A native of Kaylor, Pennsylvania, Joe passed away at the age of 65 on March 23rd, 1977 after battling cancer for several years prior. Joe Stydahar was a four-time first-team All-Pro and played in four pro bowl games as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears during the 1930s.
As head coach of the Bears from 1951 to 1963, Joe Stydahar led his teams to two NFL championships. After retirement from coaching, Joe Stydahar served as president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) until his death in 2003 at age 87.
The Joe Stydahar Athletic Complex at Northern Illinois University is named in his honor.
24. Dan Fortmann
Career
- 3× NFL champion (1940, 1941, 1943)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1938-1943)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1936-1937)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1940-1942)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Sports Illustrated 1940s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Dan Fortmann was a Hall of Fame-caliber player who won three championships with the Chicago Bears. He played linebacker and guard for the team and was an All-Pro six times over a ten-year period.
Dan Fortmann passed away in 1995 at the age of 79 after a long career in professional football. Dan Fortmann was one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history.
He is third all-time in sacks with 137, and he also recorded 134 tackles, five interceptions, and four fumble recoveries during his 12-year career.
Fortmann was a key member of the Bears teams that made three appearances in the Pro Bowl (1940-1942), and he won consecutive Second Team All-Pro honors from 1936 to 1937.
After retiring from football, Danfortman served as an assistant coach for several seasons with the Chicago Cardinals and New York Giants before returning to his home state of Minnesota to work as a high school football coach.
In 2002, Danfortman was named to the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, and he has been inducted into both the College Football Hall of Fame (1998) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990).
25. George Halas
Career
- 8× NFL champion (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963)
- 2× AP NFL Coach of the Year (1963, 1965)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Sporting News 1940s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 7 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
George Halas was one of the most successful football coaches in history, winning championships with five different teams. He is best known for coaching the Chicago Bears to six NFL Championships and creating what is now considered one of the greatest offenses in NFL history.
Halas also served as an executive with both the Decatur Staleys/Chicago Staleys/Chicago Bears and later the Chicago Bruins, owning both clubs during his career. In 1956, he received a Navy Distinguished Public Service Award for his contributions to American football.
George Halas passed away on October 31st 1983 at age 88 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease Halas was born in 1892 in Chicago, Illinois.
He played football at the University of Chicago and then entered the NFL with the Decatur Staleys as a player-coach in 1920. Halas became head coach of the Bears in 1922 and led them to eight league championships (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963).
He also won two AP NFL Coach of the Year Awards (1963 and 1965) during his tenure with Chicago. In 1970 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame alongside Bear teammates Red Grange and Sid Luckman.
Halas died on February 7th, 1989 at age 90 after a long illness.
26. Red Grange
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1932, 1933)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1930, 1931)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 77 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- National champion (1923)
- Chicago Tribune Silver Football (1924)
- 3× Consensus All-America (1923–1925)
- Illinois Fighting Illini No. 77 retired
Red Grange was one of the most dominant halfbacks in NFL history. He led the league in rushing five times and was an All-Pro nine times. Red also played for three different teams, including two stints with the Bears.
He retired as a coach after leading them to their first championship since 1933. Red Grange was one of the most famous and celebrated athletes in history. He was a dominant running back for both the University of Illinois and the Chicago Bears, winning two NFL championships as well as First-team All-Pro honors.
Red Grange is also notable for breaking many NCAA records while playing at Illinois, including rushing yards in a season (1,860) and touchdowns scored in a season (22).
After retiring from football, Grange went on to have an illustrious career in other areas of sports - he won three gold medals at the Olympics as part of the track team and became a world champion boxer before dying tragically young at only 43 years old due to heart failure.
Today, Red Grange is considered one of the greatest athletes ever and his legacy lives on through his accomplishments on the field and beyond.
27. Lance Briggs
Linebacker
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2005)
- Second-team All-Pro (2006, 2009)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2005–2011)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Lance Briggs is a linebacker for the Chicago Bears. He was drafted in 2003 and has been with the team ever since. Lance Briggs has won several awards, including two Super Bowl rings with the Chicago Bears.
He was named to the NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s and 2010s respectively. Lance Briggs is married and has 2 children. Lance Briggs was a dominant defensive lineman during his time in the NFL, amassing over 1,000 tackles and 15 sacks.
He played seven seasons with the Bears before joining the Detroit Lions in 2011. Briggs has been named to two All-Pro teams and made 100 appearances for Chicago during his career.
The 2001 graduate of Louisiana State University is now an analyst for Fox Sports Midwest and ESPN Deportes broadcasts covering Bears games.
Also Played For: 2008 chicago bears season, 2009 chicago bears season
28. Brandon Marshall
Wide receiver
Career
- Denver Broncos (2006–2009)
- Miami Dolphins (2010–2011)
- Chicago Bears (2012–2014)
- New York Jets (2015–2016)
- New York Giants (2017)
- Seattle Seahawks (2018)
- New Orleans Saints (2018)
Marshall is a three-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Rookie Team in 2006. He played for the Denver Broncos (2006–2009), Miami Dolphins (2010–2011), Chicago Bears (2012–2014), and the New York Jets (2015).
In 2017, he signed with the Giants and helped them make it to Super Bowl XLIV. Marshall joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2018 and has already recorded two touchdowns this season. Brandon Marshall is a 6-foot-5, 253-pound Pro Bowl receiver with 83 career touchdowns and 970 receptions.
Marshall started his NFL career as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears in 2008 and has been one of the most consistent receivers in the league ever since.
In 2012, Marshall was a first-team All-Pro and led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,485 yards on 120 catches; he also scored 13 touchdowns that season.
In 2013, Marshall was named second-team All-Pro after recording 112 receptions for 1,508 yards and 12 touchdowns; he also added 68 rushing yards on six carries during that year's playoffs to help lead Chicago to their third Super Bowl victory in eight years.
Marshall signed with New York Jets as a free agent in 2015 but only recorded four catches for 50 yards before being released at the end of preseason 2017; however, he later rejoined the Bears ahead of theirs.
Week 3 game against Green Bay Packers this past season where he caught three passes for 36 yards including an 18-yard touchdown reception which helped seal Chicago's 34–28 victory over Green Bay thereby extending their unbeaten streak to nine games (7 regular seasons + 2 postseasons).
Also Played For: madden nfl 15, university of central florida
29. Patrick Mannelly
Long snapper
Career
- Chicago Bears (1998–2013)
Mannelly was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 1998 and played for them until 2013. Mannelly played long snapper for the Bears, as well as punter and placekicker for a few years before becoming a full-time player.
He won two Super Bowls with Chicago (Super Bowl XLI, Super Bowl XLII) and was an All-Pro selection twice (2007, 2008).
After leaving Chicago, Mannelly spent time with the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 2015 at age 38.
In his retirement press conference he said that he had suffered from chronic pain throughout his career but refused to retire because of it; instead seeking treatment from specialists each offseason so he could continue playing football.
Mannelly is now working as a color commentator on Fox Sports 1's NFL coverage where he provides analysis of games along with other former players such as Kurt Warner and Julius Peppers.
Patrick Mannelly is a former American football fullback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for fifteen seasons. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1998 NFL Draft and played his entire career with them, retiring after Super Bowl XLI.
Mannelly was known as a powerful running back and receiver out of college, earning All-America honors from both The Sporting News and College Sports Journal.
He also earned First Team All-Pro recognition from the Associated Press in 2000 and Second Team accolades from The NFL Players Association that same year.
After spending his rookie season on injured reserve, Mannelly made an immediate impact with Chicago during their run to Super Bowl XXXVIII, catching eight passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns en route to MVP honors.
Injuries plagued Mannelly over the next few years; he missed most of 2002 due to injury but rebounded strong enough to be named Comeback Player of Year by ESPN following 2003's 11-5 campaign where he led all backs with 863 rushing yards on 137 carries (5 average).
ACL early in training camp which ended his season prematurely; however, 2005 proved much more fruitful as he averaged 5 yards per carry while amassing 1,337 combined net rushing/receiving yards.
Sixth-best overall in NFL history at that point – including nine receptions for 106 yards and one touchdown against. Green Bay Packers in NFC Championship Game which gave Bears their first-ever appearance in Super Bowl XLII.
Also Played For: duke blue devils football, 2005 chicago bears season
30. David Montgomery
Running back
Career
- First-team Pro Football Focus All-American (2017)
- First-team All-Big 12 (2017)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2018)
- Freshman Campus Insiders All-American (2016)
David Montgomery was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old running back played college football at Iowa State and has spent his entire career with the Bears.
Montgomery is considered a versatile player, having been used both as a rusher and receiver during his time in Chicago so far. He has already made an impact on the team's offense, recording 698 rushing yards and four touchdowns through eight games this season.
David Montgomery is scheduled to appear at Big 12 Media Days later this month to discuss his progress with the Bears' franchise David Montgomery is an All-American and first-team Big 12 player. He was a Freshman Campus Insiders All-American in 2016 and has continued to be one of the best running backs in college football.
Montgomery has scored 26 rushing touchdowns this season, which is tied for second-most in Division I FBS football.
Montgomery also caught 153 passes for 1,228 yards and four receiving touchdowns this year - ranking fourth all-time at Kansas State behind only Barry Sanders (239), Darren Sproles (183), and Danny Woodhead (161).
31. Teven Jenkins
Offensive lineman
Career
- Chicago Bears (2021–present)
Teven Jenkins was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft. Teven Jenkins played college football at Oklahoma State and was a two-time first-team All-American.
Teven Jenkins has appeared in 49 games for the Bears, starting 43 of them. He has accumulated 398 tackles, 8 sacks, 2 interceptions and 22 pass defenses over that time span.
In 2019, Teven Jenkins helped lead the Bears to their first playoff appearance since 2010 with an impressive season on both sides of the ball. Teven Jenkins was a highly decorated linebacker at the University of Oklahoma, amassing nearly 200 total tackles and 11 sacks in his college career.
Jenkins was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft but did not see any playing time as a rookie. He spent most of his first two seasons on Reserve/Non-Football Injury List before being activated for Week 16 of the 2022 season and starting in Dallas against Philadelphia.
Jenkins played well enough to earn second-team All-Pro honors from both PFR and Pro Football Focus after finishing with 83 combined tackles (54 solos), 2 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 1 touchdown over 18 games played.
The 23-year-old announced his retirement from professional football following Week 16 to focus on becoming an entrepreneur full-time.
32. George Musso
Career
- 4× NFL champion (1933, 1940-1941, 1943)
- First-team All-Pro (1937)
- Second-team All-Pro (1935)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1939-1941)
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
George Musso was a two-time NFL champion with the Chicago Bears. He also played for the Cleveland Rams and New York Giants in his career. George passed away at age 90 after living a long and fruitful life.
George Musso was a dominant offensive lineman for the Chicago Bears during the late 1930s and early 1940s. He was named to both the First-team All-Pro squad in 1937 and the Second-team All-Pro squad in 1935, respectively.
In 1939, he helped lead the Bears to their first NFL championship game appearance since 1933. The following year, he again appeared on both teams of Pro Bowl participants.
Musso retired from professional football after playing three seasons with the Detroit Lions in 1946–1949 before passing away at age 53 years old due to a heart attack sustained while working as an equipment manager for a minor league baseball team in 1951.
33. Charles Tillman
Cornerback
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2012)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2011, 2012)
- NFL forced fumbles leader (2012)
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2013)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Charles Tillman started his NFL career with the Chicago Bears in 2003. Tillman was a two-time Pro Bowler and one of the best cornerbacks in the league for most of his time in Chicago.
In 2015, he signed with the Carolina Panthers and has continued to be a highly-effective player for them ever since. Charles Tillman is a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and an all-around superb player.
He has amassed over 800 tackles in his career, forcing 41 fumbles, recovering 9, and intercepting 38 balls. Charles Tillman is also one of the Bears' most popular players, with legions of fans rooting for him every game.
34. George Trafton
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1921, 1932)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1920, 1924)
- Second-team All-Pro (1927)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
George Trafton was a center for the Chicago Staleys, Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Rams during his playing career. After retiring from football, Trafton served as an administrator with the Los Angeles Rams.
George Trafton passed away in 1971 at the age of 74 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease. George Trafton was one of the most dominant players in Bear's history. He played 149 games over a 10-year career and won two NFL championships with Chicago.
Trafton was a first-team All-Pro twice and also earned Second Team recognition on three occasions. His accomplishments at the professional level speak for themselves; he's now ranked as one of the 100 greatest Bears ever.
After retiring from football, George continued his involvement with the team by serving as vice president under general manager Phil Emery until his retirement in 2008.
Today, George is living out his days in Florida where he enjoys spending time with family and friends.
35. Alshon Jeffery
Wide receiver
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LII)
- Pro Bowl (2013)
- First-team All-American (2010)
- First-team Freshman All-American (2009)
- First-team All-SEC (2010)
- Second-team All-SEC (2011)
- First-team Freshman All-SEC (2009)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Alshon Jeffery is a wide receiver for the Philadelphia Eagles. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears in 2012 but went to play for the Philadelphia Eagles from 2017-2020.
In 2018, he won Super Bowl LII with the Eagles against the New England Patriots. Alshon Jeffery has had some impressive stats throughout his career including 1,313 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 2018 alone.
Alshon Jeffery is known as one of the best route runners in NFL history and can create openings even when covered by defenders due to his speed and agility on offense (he ran a 4.43-second 40-yard dash).
As an Eagle, Jeffery has helped lead Philly to back-to-back NFC East titles (2018–2019) and appearances in three straight playoffs (2017–2019), where they have yet to win a game however.
Alshon Jefferey's wife Chanel gave birth to their first child Aiden last year which obviously added more excitement into their lives. Alshon Jeffery is a talented and dominant receiver in the NFL.
He has had success with both the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, amassing over 500 receptions for 6,786 yards and 46 touchdowns in his career. Jeffery's toughness was on display when he missed most of 2016 due to an injury, coming back to lead his team in receiving yards that season despite not being at 100%.
His presence will be sorely missed by the Eagles as they move on from him this offseason; however, he should have no trouble finding another club where he can continue to dominate play on Sundays.
Also Played For: south carolina gamecocks football
36. Jay Hilgenberg
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1988–1989)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1986, 1990)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1985–1991)
- 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
Hilgenberg was a center for the Chicago Bears from 1981 to 1991. Hilgenberg then played for the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints before retiring in 1993.
Hilgenberg is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro team in 1985 and 1986. He also won two Super Bowls with the Bears, in 1986 and 1990, both of which they lost to the Buffalo Bills.
Hilgenberg currently resides in Iowa City, where he works as an assistant athletic director at his alma mater, Iowa University Hilgenberg was an All-Pro safety for the Chicago Bears from 1985 to 1991 and helped lead his team to a record seven Pro Bowl appearances.
He also recorded 100 tackles, four fumble recoveries, and two interceptions during his career. Jay Hilgenberg retired in 1992 after playing for the San Diego Chargers but returned to play one season with the Indianapolis Colts in 1994 before retiring again.
He currently works as a football analyst on ESPN radio broadcasts and is part of their broadcast team at Super Bowl LII this year.
37. Julius Peppers
Defensive end
Career
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2002)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2004, 2006, 2010)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2008, 2009, 2012)
- 9× Pro Bowl (2004–2006, 2008–2012, 2015)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2002)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2001)
- Lombardi Award (2001)
- Bill Willis Trophy (2001)
- Unanimous All-American (2001)
- 2× First-team All-ACC (2000, 2001)
- North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 49 honored
- North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2021)
Julius Peppers is a two-time First-team All-Pro and three-time Second Team All-Pro defensive end who played for the Carolina Panthers from 2002 to 2009, Chicago Bears from 2010 to 2013, Green Bay Packers from 2014 to 2016 and again with the Carolina Panthers in 2017.
He was born on January 18th, 1980 in Wilson, North Carolina U.S., stands at 6'7" inches tall, and weighs 295 lbs which makes him one of the biggest players in the NFL today.
Julius has had an accomplished career as a player both on offense and defense accumulating 9 Pro Bowls along with 3 Defensive Rookie of The Year Awards (2002).
His standout years came during his time playing for Carolina where he helped lead them to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance against the Denver Broncos in 2006 but they were defeated 42–10 by Peyton Manning's team that season.
After leaving Carolina following their Superbowl lossPeppers joined Chicago where he teamed up with future Hall Of Famers Brian Urlacher and Urlacher's former teammate. Tom Brady to form one of the most fearsome defenses in NFL history before departing.
Julius Peppers was a dominant defensive player in the NFL for many years. He is best known for his sacks and pass deflections, but he also made an impact on defense as a whole.
Julius Peppers has been nominated for several awards over the years, including two Pro Bowls and one Lombardi Award. Julius Peppers retired from the NFL in 2017 after playing with the Carolina Panthers for 14 seasons.
38. Eddie Jackson
Defensive back
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2018)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2018, 2019)
- 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
- CFP national champion (2015)
- CFP National Championship Game Defensive MVP (2015)
Eddie Jackson was selected in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears in the 2017 NFL Draft. He played college football at Alabama and won First-team All-Pro honors his rookie season with Chicago.
In 2018, he suffered a torn ACL during Week 14 of the regular season against Minnesota but still managed to make it to Super Bowl LIII where he helped lead his team to victory over New England Patriots.
Jackson was a standout cornerback at Alabama and was drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Bears. Jackson has been an instrumental part of Chicago's defense, earning Pro Bowl honors in both 2018 and 2019.
He is also a two-time CFP National Champion, having led his team to victory in 2015 with an impressive defensive performance. With continued success on the field, it's possible that Jackson could become one of the greatest cornerbacks ever to play for the Bears organization.
39. Willie Gault
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- All-American (1982)
Willie Gault was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the 1st round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He played for the Bears from 1983 to 1987 and then joined the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988.
In 1993, he retired after a career that saw him win two Super Bowls with the Oakland Raiders (1988, 1990). Willie Gault was one of the most explosive players in Bear's history and led the team to their only Super Bowl victory.
He was a key part of the 1983 Bears offense that averaged over thirty points per game. Willie Gault also had an impressive career as a return specialist, returning kickoffs and punts for Chicago for several seasons.
His athletic ability and versatility made him a valuable member of the Bears squad during his time there, and he is still fondly remembered by fans today.
40. Paddy Driscoll
Career
- NFL champion (1925)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1920, 1922, 1923, 1925–1927)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1924, 1928)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
Paddy Driscoll was a professional football player and coach who had a long and successful career in the NFL. He played for the Hammond All-Stars, Great Lakes Navy, Hammond Pros, Racine / Chicago Cardinals, and Chicago Bears during his illustrious career.
He served as head coach of the Cardinals from 1920 to 1922 and then became head coach of Marquette from 1937 to 1940 before returning to coaching the Bears from 1941 until 1955.
After leaving coaching he served as Vice President of Football Operations for the Bears from 1958 until 1962 before retiring in 1968 at the age of 73 years old after spending over 40 years with one team - Chicago Bears.
Born in 1878, Paddy Driscoll was an Irish-American professional baseball player and manager. He played for the Chicago Cubs from 1917 to 1917, recording a batting average of .107 over 13 games.
After his playing career ended, he served as a manager for both the minor league Iowa Oaks (1921) and the Class A Buffalo Bisons (1924). He died in 1941 at age 71 after suffering a heart attack while coaching high school football in Oklahoma City.
41. Matt Forte
Running back
Career
- 2× Pro Bowl (2011, 2013)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2008)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- 2× All-C-USA (2005, 2007)
Matt Forte was a running back for the Chicago Bears from 2008-2015. He recorded over 10,000 rushing yards and 65 touchdowns during his time with the team.
In 2016, he signed with the New York Jets where he played until 2017. After leaving the Jets, Matt Forte joined the Minnesota Vikings in 2018 as they're running back/receiving threat.
Matt Forte was drafted in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft by the Chicago Bears. He has since become one of their most important players, playing in 2 Pro Bowls and 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time.
Matt Forte is a powerful running back with the speed and strength to break through tackles. He also has excellent receiving skills which make him dangerous as both a runner and receiver out of the backfield.
Matt Forte is an integral part of the Chicago offense, providing leadership on and off the field along with his outstanding play on the gridiron. His hard work and determination have led him to success at every level he's played, making him one of football's most respected players.
Also Played For: madden nfl 13, tulane green wave football
42. Cole Kmet
Tight end
Career
- Chicago Bears (2020–present)
Cole Kmet was born on March 10, 1999 in Lake Barrington, Illinois. He played football at St. Viator High School and then attended Notre Dame where he joined the Fighting Irish's varsity team as a redshirt freshman in 2017.
Cole had an impressive rookie season with 41 catches for 510 yards and 5 touchdowns - good enough to be named first-team All-American by the Associated Press (AP).
In 2019, Kmet recorded 54 receptions for 602 yards and 7 touchdowns while also rushing for 124 yards on 18 carries (5th most in college football) - leading Notre Dame to their first National Championship since 1988.
The 2020 NFL Draft is expected to be very strong with many top prospects available so it will be interesting to see if Chicago selects Kmet with their second-round pick or signs another player earlier in the draft process.
Cole Kmet is a receiver for the NFL's Arizona Cardinals and has been playing since 2020. He started his career with the Minnesota Vikings, where he racked up over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.
In 2021, he was traded to the Arizona Cardinals and continued to produce at an excellent level - finishing the season with 134 receptions for 1,342 yards and eight touchdowns.
Cole is considered one of the best receivers in the league and will be looking to help lead his team back to glory this season.
43. Jay Cutler
Quarterback
Career
- Pro Bowl (2008)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- SEC Offensive Player of the Year (2005)
- First-team All-SEC (2005)
- Indiana Football Hall of Fame (2022)[1][2]
Jay Cutler was born on April 29, 1983 in Santa Claus, Indiana. He attended Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City and played football there before transferring to Vanderbilt University.
Cutler started his NFL career with the Denver Broncos in 2006 and spent four seasons there before joining the Chicago Bears in 2009.
He led the Bears to back-to-back NFC North titles (2010–2011) and appearances in Super Bowl XLVIII and Super Bowl 50, respectively, but suffered a torn ACL during the 2016 season that ended his tenure with Chicago.
Cutler signed a two-year deal with Miami Dolphins prior to the 2017 season, but he was released after one year and retired from professional football later that year Jay Cutler is a three-time Pro Bowler and winner of the SEC Offensive Player of the Year award.
Cutler has had some trouble staying healthy throughout his career, but he's still managed to produce at an elite level.
He was drafted by the Bears in 2006 and led them to their first playoff appearance in over 10 years in 2012. Cutler signed with the Miami Dolphins as a free agent in 2015, but he was released after one season and retired from football that year.
44. Olin Kreutz
Center
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2006)
- Second-team All-Pro (2005)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2001–2006)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Consensus All-American (1997)
- First-team All-Pac-10 (1997)
- Morris Trophy (1997)
Kreutz was an All-Pro center for the Chicago Bears from 1998 to 2010. Kreutz also played for the New Orleans Saints in 2011. Kreutz is a two-time Pro Bowler and was selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s.
Olin Kreetz is known for his powerful blocking ability, which helped lead his teams to many victories over time Kreutz started his career with the Bears in 2001 and has been a mainstay of the team since.
He was voted to both the Pro Bowl and NFL 2000s All-Decade Team and is considered one of the best centers in the league.
Kreutz also earned First-team All-Pac-10 honors during his time at Oregon State, making him one of only two players ever from that school to do so.
In addition to being an all around solid player, Kreutz is known for his strong leadership skills on and off the field - which have helped guide Chicago through some difficult times recently.
Also Played For: washington huskies football
45. Doug Buffone
Linebacker
Career
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Louisville Cardinals Ring of Honor
- Inducted into KY Pro Football HOF (2015)
Doug Buffone was a linebacker for the Chicago Bears from 1966 to 1979. He played in 158 games and recorded 1,585 tackles, 12 interceptions, nine sacks, six forced fumbles and one touchdown.
Buffone also won two Super Bowls with the Bears (1971 and 1973). After retiring as a player, Buffone became an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1980–1982) and then served as defensive coordinator for the Oakland Raiders (1983–1986).
In 1988, he returned to coaching with the Bears before being named head coach of Division II Northern Arizona University in 1991. He stayed there until his retirement in 1999.
Buffone passed away on April 20th 2015 at age 70 after a long battle with cancer Doug Buffone was one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history.
He played for the Chicago Bears from 1974-1981 and recorded over 500 tackles during that time. Doug Buffone also had a stellar career with the Louisville Cardinals, where he won two NFC Central division titles and was inducted into the Ky Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.
Buffone is considered one of the best linebackers to ever play the game and his passion for football showed through on every play he made.
46. Ed Healey
Career
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1923–1926)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Ed Healey was a two-time All-NFL selection and played in eight Pro Bowls. Healey started his career with the Rock Island Independents, then went on to play for the Chicago Bears from 1923 to 1927.
Healey won an NFL championship with the Bears in 1924 and he was also named First Team All-Pro that season. After leaving the NFL, Healey spent time playing for various teams in both the American and Canadian leagues before retiring at age 36.
Ed Healey is best known for his days as an offensive tackle, but he also played guard and end during his professional career Ed Healey was a key player on the Bears' dominant teams of the 1920s.
Healey was an All-Pro four times during his career, and he also made the NFL's all-decade team for the 1920s.
After retiring from football, Ed Healey became a successful coach in both college and professional football leagues. In 2002, Ed Healey was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.
Today, Ed Healey is considered one of Chicago's most celebrated sports figures and is revered by fans everywhere he travels.
47. Robbie Gould
Placekicker
Career
- New England Patriots (2005)*
- Baltimore Ravens (2005)*
- Chicago Bears (2005–2015)
- New York Giants (2016)
- San Francisco 49ers (2017–present)
Robbie Gould is a 40-year-old kicker who has played for the New England Patriots (2005), Baltimore Ravens (2005), Chicago Bears (2005–2015), and San Francisco 49ers since 2017.
He is known for his accurate kicking, having made over 100 career field goals in the NFL. Gould also holds several NFL records, including the most consecutive field goals made without an extra point attempt and longest field goal of 54 yards or more.
In 2018 he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame ballot but did not receive enough votes to be inducted into the hall that year.
Robbie Gould is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and first-team All-Pro. He holds the Bears' all-time field goal record with 446 made, as well as the franchise's longest field goal of 58 yards.
His success in the NFL has seen him named to both the 100 Greatest Bears of All Time list and Second Team All Pros in 2017.
48. Khalil Mack
Linebacker
Career
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2016)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2015, 2016, 2018)
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- 7× Pro Bowl (2015–2020, 2022)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- 2× Butkus Award (pro) (2016, 2018)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2014)
- 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time
- MAC Defensive Player of the Year (2013)
- Jack Lambert Trophy (2013)
- First-team All-American (2013)
- 3× First-team All-MAC (2011–2013)
Khalil Mack is a former linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and Chicago Bears, who was drafted fifth overall in 2014. He won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 and has been selected to three consecutive first-team All-Pro teams.
In 2020 he became the second player in history to be awarded Second Team All-Pro on two occasions (alongside Richard Sherman).
Mack also holds several other records including most sacks by an outside linebacker in a season (20) and career (87), as well as most tackles for loss by an outside linebacker in a season (25).
Khalil Mack is an All-Pro linebacker who has been a key part of the Bears' defense for the past few seasons. Mack was originally drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 2014, but he quickly proved himself to be one of the best linebackers in the NFL.
He led all linebackers with 15 sacks last season and added 83 tackles and 12 forced fumbles during his time with Chicago.
The 27-year-old is expected to continue leading Chicago's defense for years to come, making him one of the most successful players in franchise history.
Also Played For: madden nfl 20, oakland raiders
49. Joe Fortunato
Career
- NFL champion (1963)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1963–1965)
- Second-team All-Pro (1962)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1958, 1962–1965)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Joe Fortunato was a linebacker who played for the Chicago Bears from 1955 to 1966. He was coach of the Chicago Bears in 1967 and 1968, before becoming defensive coordinator with the team in 1969.
In 1970, he became head coach of VMI and led them to an undefeated season and a Southern Conference championship in his first year at the helm.
After three more seasons as head coach of VMI, Fortunato retired from coaching following their 1974 season finale victory over Furman University which earned him ACC Coach of the Year honors.
Joe Fortunato passed away on November 6th, 2017 at 87 years old after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease Joe Fortunato was one of the greatest Bears players ever and a 3-time first-team all-pro.
He helped lead the Bears to three championships in the 1950s, and he was also named to the NFL's All-Decade Team for the 1960s. Joe retired as one of Chicago's most loved sports heroes, and his number 32 is still worn by current Bears players.
50. Bill Hewitt
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1932, 1933)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1933-1934, 1936, 1938)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1932, 1937)
- NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1934)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 56 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- First-team All-Big Ten (1931)
Bill Hewitt was a defensive end for the Chicago Bears from 1932-1936 and Philadelphia Eagles from 1937-1939. He was twice named to the NFL's First Team All-Pro, and won two championships with the Bears in 1932 and 1933.
After retiring as a player, Hewitt served as an assistant coach with several teams before dying of cancer at age 37 in 1947. Bill Hewitt was a dominant receiver in the NFL during the 1930s. He led the league in receiving touchdowns twice and was an All-Pro selection both years.
Hewitt is also notable for being one of only two players to have his number retired by both the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles, as well as being inducted into several Halls of Fame.
Bill Hewitt's career ended prematurely due to injuries, but he remains a legendary figure in American football history nonetheless.
51. Doug Plank
Career
- Georgia Force (2001–2003)Head Coach
- Arizona Rattlers (2005–2008)Defensive coordinator
- Atlanta Falcons (2008)Assistant to Head Coach
- New York Jets (2009)Defensive Back Assistant
- Ohio State University (2010)Program Assistant
- Philadelphia Soul (2012)Head Coach
- Orlando Predators (2013)Head Coach
Doug Plank spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears. He was a key part of the team that made three consecutive appearances in the NFC Championship Game (1975–1977).
After retiring as a player, he became an assistant coach at Ohio State University and then at Atlanta Falcons before finally returning to coaching in 2009 with the New York Jets. In 2010, he was promoted to program assistant for Ohio State's football team.
Doug Plank is 69 years old and retired from professional football in 2013 after spending two seasons as a defensive back assistant for the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League (AFL). Doug Plank was the head coach of the Philadelphia Souls and Orlando Predators in the Arena Football League.
He is a two-time AFL Coach of the Year and has led his teams to playoff berths each year he has been coaching. Doug Plank played football at Western Kentucky University where he was a three-year starter and letterman for the Hilltoppers, earning All-MAC honors as a senior in 1984.
After graduating from WKU, Plank served as an assistant coach at his alma mater before joining Rick Majerus' staff with Utah Jazz in 1995.
He stayed with Majerus until 1999 when he became head coach at Division II Arkansas State University where he remained until 2001 when he joined Majerus' staff again with Saint Louis Billikens.
In 2003, Doug Plank took over as head coach of Utah Blaze (now UTEP Miners) where he compiled a 16–14 record before being fired midway through the 2004 season following losses to Air Force Falcons and New Mexico Lobos in consecutive games which caused him to be one win shy of becoming.
AFA West Division Champions despite having only 8 players on the scholarship roster From 2005 – 2007, Doug coached AFL's Chicago Rush before taking over as Head Coach for Philadelphia Soul who had just relocated from Washington DC.
The Soul made it all 4 rounds that first season but were bounced by eventual Champion San Antonio Talons after losing both home games 7 points apiece 6.
In 2010 Doug returned to lead Orlando Predators who had just lost their original Head Coach Scott Grix during preseason league play however quickly turned things around posting 13 wins out of 14 including 11 straight heading into playoffs securing the ArenaBowl XXVI title defeating Tampa Bay Storm 27–24 behind quarterback David Garrard's 3 touchdown passes.
Final Words
The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest and most iconic professional football teams in America, boasting a long list of hall-of-famers. Some of the best players to ever wear a Bears jersey include Gale Sayers, Walter Payton, Dan Hampton, Jim McMahon, and Mike Ditka.
Whether on the field or in front of the cameras, these legends always deliver.
