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Chicago Bears: Top 10 offensive linemen in franchise history

By Carlos Nazario

LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 30: Center Jay Hilgenberg #63 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 30, 1990 in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won 24-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - SEPTEMBER 30: Center Jay Hilgenberg #63 of the Chicago Bears walks off the field during a game against the Los Angeles Raiders at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 30, 1990 in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won 24-10. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /
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13 Nov 1988: Chicago Bears running back Neal Anderson (left) and offensive lineman Mark Bortz confer during a game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. The Bears won the game, 34-14.
13 Nov 1988: Chicago Bears running back Neal Anderson (left) and offensive lineman Mark Bortz confer during a game against the Washington Redskins at RFK Stadium in Washington, D. C. The Bears won the game, 34-14. /

4. Stan Jones (1954-65): 144 games

Stan Jones started his career as an offensive tackle before moving over to guard. For eight seasons he dominated that position and became the best guard in the league. A big reason for his success was his training regimen. He was the first to use weightlifting to get his body prepared for the rigors of the game. Players nicknamed him “Superman” because of how strong he became.

Jones was a great team player as well. In 1962, the Bears needed help on the defensive line. The coaches thought Jones’ size would be an asset at defensive tackle. Jones agreed and played both ways that season. In 1963 he played defensive tackle full-time and helped the team win a championship.

The Bears loved Jones so much they agreed to trade him to Washington in 1965 so he could be close to his home in Maryland. He played a season there before retiring.

3. Jimbo Covert (1983-90): 111 games

Two of the last three players on this list come from the 1983 draft class. Many consider that draft as the best one in Chicago Bears history. They selected Mark Bortz, Richard Dent, Tom Thayer, Dave Duerson, Mike Richardson, and Willie Gault. Those players contributed to the team’s only Super Bowl victory.

The first pick the Bears made in that famous draft was our next player on this list — Jimbo Covert.

Covert became an instant starter the moment he hit the field. In fact, he ended up starting every game of his Bears career except one. He made the All-Rookie team and was named to two All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams. Additionally, he was named to the 980’s All-Decade team. Covert even looked like a Bears with his hair and bushy beard he looked like a Bear. Also, he mauled opposing defenders like a bear would.

2. Mark Bortz (1983-94): 171 games

The second lineman to come out of that famous 1983 Chicago Bears draft class is Mark Bortz. He was another lineman who stood proudly when Payton ran all those yards and made it to the mountaintop.

Bortz holds the record for most playoff games played by a Chicago Bears player with 13. He was a big part of the Bears’ winning ways in the 1980s.

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