Chicago Bears: Top 10 defensive linemen in franchise history

1. Doug Atkins (1955-66): 146 games, 8 Pro Bowls, 4 All-NFL

Doug Atkins was one of the most feared defensive ends in the history of the NFL. He was a humongous man measuring 6-8 and weighing 275 pounds. Atkins was as mean as he was huge. Opponents would always say “Don’t make him mad” because when he got mad he was even meaner. Opposing offensive linemen just couldn’t handle his height and strength. He terrified offenses for 17 seasons, 12 of them with the Chicago Bears.

Atkins was just so much different from other defensive players. In addition to his height and weight, he was a freakish athlete. He was a former basketball player and a high jump champion. He used his athleticism to move quickly around linemen or dipping down and making them miss blocks. He was more athletic than some running backs in his era.

As tough and mean as Atkins was during a game, off of it he had a laid-back attitude. He and George “Papa Bear” often clashed over Atkins not being as intense during practice as he was during games. One example is when he and Halas argued during training camp time because Atkins wanted to break in his helmet before he practiced.

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The relationship got bad to the point where Atkins demanded a trade in 1967 and Halas granted it. Atkins finished his career in New Orleans. After his retirement, however, Halas admitted that Atkins was the best defensive linemen ever.