10 greatest Chicago Bears of all time

2. MLB Dick Butkus

The name itself symbolizes intimidation. Dick Butkus was a force of nature and resided at middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears for nine seasons. He was as nasty a player that is ever suited up in the history of the National Football League.

“When I went out on the field to warm up, I would manufacture things to make me mad,” explained Butkus to Larry Schwartz of ESPN.com. “If someone on the other team was laughing, I’d pretend he was laughing at me or the Bears. I’d find something to get mad about. It always worked for me.”

For those who felt he was just a one-dimensional defender in an era where the running game took center stage around the league, think again. The rangy performer made his presence felt all over the football field and terrorized anyone who had their hands on the football.

The former University of Illinois standout was the first of back-to-back first-round selections in 1965. He played and started 119 contests in nine seasons for the club and certainly had a nose for the football. He picked off 22 passes and recovered 25 opponent fumbles. He was a Pro Bowler in all but his final season when he was limited to just nine games and was named All-Pro five times.

“There’s only one thing I’ve ever wanted to do,” stated Butkus (courtesy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame). “Play pro football. Everyone seems to be made for something, and I’ve always felt that playing football was the thing I was supposed to do. I love the game.”