Chicago Bears draft: Top picks in franchise history

Dan Hampton, DE/DT, 1979 1st Round (#4 overall)

Today’s Chicago Bears regime are looking for players who add versatility. The Chicago Bears of old had such a player in Hampton.

Hampton spent his entire twelve-year career alternating between defensive end and defensive tackle. He was stellar playing both positions, having been named to two Pro Bowls at each position.

Hampton is one of only two Chicago Bears players to play three decades with the team (Sid Luckman is the other). He finished his career third in sacks by a Bear. He was named to the All-1980’s team. He was the Pro Football Weekly Defensive MVP in 1982.

Hampton was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Hampton was a fiery player on the field during his career. As a studio analyst working in Chicago, he is just as fiery. He does not pull any punches when it comes to criticizing the Chicago Bears.

Just like any fan who wants to see the Bears win, Hampton longs for the same. When they do things that he feels does not help the team, he will let the world know about it. While many former Bears talk about the “good old days” Hampton does not have that sentimentality. He just wants to see the Bears back on top. He is like the Chicago Bears version of Ron Santo.

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