The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with a rich legacy that spans over 100 years. Founded in 1919, the team has witnessed countless legendary players and moments, and it remains synonymous with tough, hard-nosed football. From dominating defenses to innovative offensive play, the Bears have consistently featured some of the greatest athletes to ever step onto the gridiron. But when it comes to naming the absolute best players in franchise history, it’s no easy task.
This list highlights 10 players who are not just among the greatest in Bears history but also among the best to ever play in the NFL. The list spans multiple generations, featuring players from all positions who helped shape the identity of the team, leaving their indelible mark on the league and the city of Chicago.
### 1. **Walter Payton (Running Back, 1975-1987)**
It’s nearly impossible to talk about the greatest Chicago Bears of all time without beginning with Walter Payton, widely considered one of the best running backs in NFL history. Nicknamed “Sweetness,” Payton was known for his combination of speed, agility, and toughness that allowed him to rack up 16,726 rushing yards—still the second-most in NFL history. Over his career, he earned 9 Pro Bowl selections, 6 First-team All-Pro honors, and was named the NFL MVP in 1977.
Payton was more than just a runner; his versatility made him a threat in both the running and passing games, finishing his career with over 4,500 receiving yards. He was the cornerstone of the Bears’ offense during the 1980s and played a key role in the franchise’s only Super Bowl victory (Super Bowl XX). His legacy extends beyond statistics; Payton’s leadership and commitment to the game have made him a true icon of the sport.
### 2. **Dick Butkus (Linebacker, 1965-1973)**
A ferocious and intimidating force on the field, Dick Butkus is often considered one of the most feared linebackers in NFL history. Playing his entire career with the Bears, Butkus epitomized the team’s hard-hitting, no-nonsense mentality. Known for his violent tackles and relentless pursuit of the ball, Butkus earned 8 Pro Bowl selections and was named First-team All-Pro five times.
Butkus was the anchor of the Bears’ defense in the 1960s and early 1970s, a defense that was as menacing as it was effective. Despite playing on mostly mediocre teams, Butkus’ individual brilliance shone through, and his legacy as one of the greatest linebackers ever is firmly cemented in NFL history.
### 3. **Brian Urlacher (Linebacker, 2000-2012)**
A modern-day legend, Brian Urlacher defined the Bears’ defense in the 2000s and helped keep the team competitive in the post-Walter Payton era. A 5-time Pro Bowl selection and 4-time First-team All-Pro, Urlacher was the centerpiece of one of the most fearsome defenses of his era. His combination of size, speed, and football IQ made him a nightmare for opposing offenses, earning him the 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
Urlacher was integral to the Bears’ Super Bowl appearance in 2006 and helped lead Chicago to the NFC Championship in 2010. As one of the most dominant and durable players in franchise history, Urlacher’s place as one of the Bears’ all-time greats is unquestioned.
### 4. **Gale Sayers (Running Back, 1965-1971)**
Gale Sayers’ career may have been tragically short due to knee injuries, but in the years he played, he left an indelible mark on the Bears and the NFL. Known for his electrifying speed and elusiveness, Sayers was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 4-time First-team All-Pro, despite playing in just 7 seasons. His 1965 rookie season, in which he scored 22 touchdowns and set an NFL record for most touchdowns in a season, was one of the most remarkable individual performances in NFL history.
Sayers was also known for his explosive returns, including an unforgettable 1966 season where he returned two kickoffs for touchdowns in one game. While his career was cut short, his impact on the game and on the Bears franchise is still felt today.
### 5. **Mike Ditka (Tight End, 1961-1966; Head Coach, 1982-1992)**
Mike Ditka is one of the most iconic figures in Chicago Bears history, and for good reason. As a player, Ditka was a Hall of Fame tight end who spent the first half of his career with the Bears. His physicality, toughness, and ability to block and catch made him one of the best tight ends in the game during the 1960s. Ditka was part of the Bears’ 1963 NFL Championship team, and his impact on the field was undeniable.
However, Ditka’s legacy goes far beyond his playing days. As the Bears’ head coach, Ditka led Chicago to its only Super Bowl victory in 1985 (Super Bowl XX) and transformed the team into one of the most dominant forces in the NFL. His fiery personality, leadership, and commitment to a hard-hitting, defensive-minded brand of football became the foundation for the Bears’ success in the 1980s.
### 6. **Red Grange (Running Back, 1925-1934)**
Often referred to as “The Galloping Ghost,” Red Grange was one of the most electrifying and famous players of the early NFL years. Grange, who played for the Bears from 1925 to 1934, was instrumental in legitimizing the NFL as a professional sports league. His combination of speed and vision allowed him to become one of the most dominant running backs in the history of the league, and his impact off the field helped grow the NFL’s popularity.
In 1925, Grange’s first game with the Bears drew national attention, and he quickly became one of the most marketable athletes in the country. Grange was a 5-time All-Pro and is remembered not just for his playing ability but also for his role in shaping the early NFL.
### 7. **Dan Hampton (Defensive Tackle, 1979-1990)**
Dan Hampton is widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles to ever play the game. A member of the legendary 1985 Bears defense, Hampton was a 4-time Pro Bowler and 2-time First-team All-Pro who dominated in both the run game and as a pass rusher. Hampton was part of the vaunted “Monsters of the Midway” defensive line, and his ability to disrupt offenses was critical to the Bears’ success.
Hampton was a key figure in the Bears’ Super Bowl XX championship run, and his dominance in the trenches helped cement his place as one of the greatest Bears players of all time.
### 8. **Charles Tillman (Cornerback, 2003-2015)**
Charles Tillman was one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL during his career, but his tenacity and playmaking ability were crucial to the Bears’ success in the 2000s and 2010s. Known for his unique ability to force fumbles (earning him the nickname “Peanut”), Tillman was a staple of Chicago’s defense for over a decade.
Tillman earned 2 Pro Bowl selections and was a 1st-team All-Pro in 2012. His leadership and playmaking ability in the secondary were vital to Chicago’s strong defensive units, and he will always be remembered as one of the most impactful Bears defenders.
### 9. **Sid Luckman (Quarterback, 1939-1950)**
Sid Luckman is often regarded as the best quarterback in Bears history and one of the greatest of his era. A 4-time NFL champion and 2-time NFL MVP, Luckman played for the Bears during their dynasty years in the 1940s. His ability to lead the Bears’ potent offense—particularly in the years when the team won multiple championships—solidified his place as one of the best quarterbacks of his time.
Luckman’s leadership and clutch playmaking made him a legendary figure in Bears lore, and his success in the 1940s helped solidify the Bears’ early NFL dominance.
### 10. **Lance Briggs (Linebacker, 2003-2014)**
Lance Briggs was an outstanding linebacker who played alongside Brian Urlacher, forming one of the most feared linebacker duos in NFL history. Briggs was a 6-time Pro Bowler and 4-time All-Pro, known for his sideline-to-sideline range and ability to make plays both against the run and in coverage.
Though overshadowed by Urlacher’s stardom, Briggs was instrumental in the success of the Bears’ defense throughout the 2000s, helping to anchor one of the NFL’s most consistently formidable defensive units.
### Conclusion
The Chicago Bears have an incredibly rich history filled with legendary players across every position. From the toughness and grit of Dick Butkus and Mike Ditka to the electrifying play of Walter Payton and Gale Sayers, the franchise has seen some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game. While there are many other deserving candidates, the 10 players listed here represent the very best in Bears history, each of whom left a lasting impact on the franchise and the sport of football as a whole.
