Chicago Bears: Top 10 defensive linemen in franchise history

4. Steve McMichael (1981-93): 191 games, 838 tackles, 92.5 sacks, 2 Pro Bowls, 2 All-Pros

From here on out players from the 1980’s dominate this list. The first one up is Steve McMichael, a.k.a. Mongo.

The Bears picked up McMichael after the New England Patriots gave up on him. The Bears’ braintrust, led by general manager Jim Finks and scout Bill Tobin, saw something in him and McMichael rewarded them. On a line with Dan Hampton and Richard Dent, McMichael, an intense competitor, still found a way to attract attention. His 191 games is the most of any Chicago Bears defensive player.

McMichael’s play made him a fan favorite. Fans loved him so much they didn’t hold that he went to the hated Green Bay Packers as a free agent against him.

3. Dan Hampton (1979-90): 157 games, 57 sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, 4 Pro Bowls, 1 All-Pro

Another 80s player, Dan Hampton was the second Bears player to play in three decades. He played both end and tackle, and made the Pro Bowl at each position. When Hampton played over the center, he was a dominant force. If a team didn’t double-team him he’d kill the center. When they did, it opened the door for the other Hall of Fame players to cause damage.

Hampton was just a pure football player. He wasn’t comfortable if he wasn’t on the field during game time. This is what he said in his Hall of Fame enshrinement speech:

"“I think a lot of it has to do with just attitude. I have to think it’s some type of insecurity. I really feel like I’m missing out if I’m not a part of playing on Sundays.”"

2. Richard Dent (1983-93, 1995): 170 games, 124.5 sacks, 4 Pro Bowls, 1 All-Pro

Richard Dent is one of the greatest pass rushers in the history of the NFL. When he retired, he had a total of 137.5 sacks, which ranked him third on the all-time list. HIs 124.5 sacks as a Bear ranks him on the top for the franchise.

Not only that, he played the run almost as well as he played the pass. He had a penchant for coming up with a big sack or stop at the right time.

During Super Bowl XX, the Bears and the Patriots were tied, 3-3. Dent came up and forced a turnover. The Bears scored a field goal to take the lead. On the Patriots’ next series, Dent again forced a turnover and the Bears were off and running to a blowout win. He was the MVP in that Super Bowl.