NFL history: The Mount Rushmore of every NFL franchise

Chicago Bears: Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, Mike Ditka, Brian Urlacher

It’s hard to pick the four most important players in the history of the Chicago Bears and not leave someone incredibly deserving out. One of the most storied franchises, the Bears have had their share of great players with huge personalities. Even with all the possible choices though, it’s hard to argue against Walter Payton being the first shoo-in for their Mount Rushmore.

Payton is a Pro Football Hall of Fame running back, a Super Bowl winner and was one of the more durable backs in the NFL, as he lasted 13 seasons with the Bears. Payton was also one of the more well-respected men off the field. He has an award named after him now, which goes out to the player who does the most good off the field every year.

Next up is Mike Ditka, who was a tight end for the Bears from 1961 through 1966 and scored 34 touchdowns for them in that span. He returned as the head coach in 1982 and spent 11 seasons at the helm. He won a Super Bowl for them after the 1985 season and was 106-62 in his Bears coaching career.

Two linebackers finish out the list, as Dick Butkus and Brian Urlacher are honored here. Butkus was a no-brainer, but Urlacher had to fight it out with Mike Singletary. It wasn’t an easy decision, but his recent induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame helped him close the gap that Singletary once had on him.