15. Dick Butkus
When you think of the Chicago Bears, you think of tough, hard-nosed football- which, in turn, means you think of Dick Butkus. Born and raised in Illinois, Butkus was a hometown hero throughout his career with the Bears. While the Bears didn’t win many important games during Butkus’ time in Chicago, he ended his career as one of the most accomplished players in history.
An eight-time All-Pro, as well as being selected to eight Pro Bowls, Butkus is one of the most dominant interior linebackers of all time. He also won consecutive Defensive Player of the Year awards in 1969 and 1970. He is a member of the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade team, as well as the 1970s All-Decade team. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, and his No. 51 jersey has since been retired by the Bears.
Butkus’ career was cut short by a right knee injury. While he was forced to retire with a lot of football left in him, his impact on the game, and the accolades he earned along the way, make him one of the best linebackers in the history of the NFL — a true monster of the midway.