Chicago Bears: Top 10 defensive linemen in franchise history

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CHICAGO – OCTOBER 2: Defensive tackle Dan Hampton #99 of the Chicago Bears argues a call with a referee after a play during the game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field on October 2, 1988 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears won 24-3. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Next in our series of all-time greatest Chicago Bears players by position are the defensive linemen. Here are the top 10 in franchise history.

The third installment in our list of top 10 players in Chicago Bears history looks at the defensive linemen. As with the linebackers, Bears defensive linemen revolutionized the positions. The Bears have had some great linemen. Some of them became the first to do things that are common today. Others just made a career harassing quarterback and running backs.

The Bears defense has the nickname “Monsters of the Midway” and they certainly earned it. Players from all positions have a history of hard-hitting, and the defensive linemen are no different.

Of all the Bears defensive linemen, 13 of them made it to the Hall of Fame. Many of them also excelled on offense (back in the old days many players played on both sides of the ball). There was one of them who also excelled as a coach and owner. You may have heard of him — a fellow named George Halas.

A big chunk of this list has players from the 1980s. This was truly a great era for the Bears. That decade, the Bears had arguably the best defense in NFL history, and the linemen were incredible. They deserve the attention they get.

While the 80s are well represented, this list spans many decades. As with most positions, Bears players dominated. This hasn’t happened lately, but hopefully that trend ends soon.

Here are the top 10 defensive linemen in Chicago Bears history:

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