Chicago Bears: Top 10 defensive linemen in franchise history

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17 Dec 1989: Defensive end Trace Armstrong of the Chicago Bears works against a Green Bay Packers player during a game at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Packers won the game, 40-28. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport /

10. Trace Armstrong (1989-94): 411 tackles, 42 sacks

This may be controversial, but I always felt Trace Armstrong was vastly underrated. He was unspectacular, but he did his job well. His sack total ranks him fifth all-time in franchise history. Had the Bears not let him go too early he could’ve risen to the top spot.

Currently, Armstrong is an agent for Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer, along with several other retired coaches. He also represents broadcasters such as Dan Le Batard, Peter Gammons, and Chris Mortenson.

9. Mike Hartenstine (1975-86): 179 games, 24 sacks

Mike Hartenstine was the second player that former Bears general manager Jim Finks (the architect of the amazing teams of the 1980s) drafted (right after Walter Payton). He was a hard hitter who held his own even with Hall of Fame players all along the line.

8. Ed O’Bradovich (1962-71): 124 games, 1 championship

Ed O’Bradovich was the hero of the 1963 NFL Championship for the Bears. He intercepted a Y.A. Tittle pass that set up the game-winning touchdown.

O’Bradovich was a Chicago kid through and through. He was born in Hillside, went to Proviso East High School, and later went to the University of Illinois. Getting drafted by the Bears kept the Chicago-area native at home. He was the epitome of the Monster of the Midway.

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