Chicago Bears: Top 10 linebackers in franchise history
7. George Connor (1948-55)
George Connor was a member of the All-Decade team of the 1940s. He was one of the first to play linebackers and the first recognized outside linebacker. In addition, he was a two-way player who won honors as an offensive tackle as well as a linebacker. In his eight seasons in Chicago, he was a five-time All-NFL selection and played in four Pro Bowls.
The Bears created the outside linebacker in 1949. The Philadelphia Eagles ran the sweep to perfection so the Bears coaching staff came up with the idea of using an athletic big man like Connor to take care of that sweep. It worked and a new position was born.
6. Joe Fortunato (1955-66)
Joe Fortunato was a part of the original great linebacker trio. He, Connor and Bill George caused many sleepless nights among opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, Fortunato mentored a young Doug Buffone. He made the All-Decade team of the 1950’s.
Fortunato made the Pro Bowl in 1958, then 4 more times between 1962 and 1965. He was also a 3-time All-Pro. When he retired, Fortunato had 22 fumble recoveries which at the time was an NFL record. His interception of a Unitas pass in the 1963 NFL Championship game sealed a title win for the Bears.
5. Lance Briggs (2003-14) — 1,174 tackles, 16 interceptions, 15 sacks
Lance Briggs was part of a dynamic duo of Chicago Bears linebackers for a decade in the 2000s. He and Brian Urlacher formed one of the best linebacker duos in the NFL. Briggs went to seven Pro Bowls and was an All-Pro in 2005. His five interceptions returned for touchdowns rank him third all-time among linebackers. While George Connor became the first outside linebacker, Briggs brought it to another level.
Urlacher becomes the fifth Bears linebacker to become a Hall of Fame player. He hopes Briggs becomes the sixth:
"I don’t think it will end with me anytime soon. There’s another guy eligible in a couple years that should be up here as well."
Pro Football Reference compares Briggs’ career to Andre Tippett, Bobby Bell, and Kevin Greene. Each player is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame so that bodes well for Briggs’ hopes.