Chicago Bears: Top 25 players in franchise history

9. DL Dan Hampton

Yet another name appears on this list from the frightening defense of 1985. Defensive lineman Dan Hampton was not only one of the best players on the Bears, but one of the best overall players in all of football during his career.

Hampton played his college ball at the University of Arkansas where he was mentored by the Legendary Lou Holtz. In 1978, Hampton was named the SWC Conference Player of the Year and during his senior season, he totaled 98 tackles — 18 of them going for a loss.

After being drafted in the first round of the 1979 NFL Draft, the 6-foot-5, 265-pound former Razorback didn’t take long to make an impact. Hampton was named to the All-Rookie team in his first year and was voted to the All-Pro Second Team in the following season. As a sophomore, Hampton led the Bears with 11.5 sacks.

In 1982, Hampton was named the PFWA Defensive Player of the Year. Three years later, of course, he helped the Bears along the way to being Super Bowl Champions as they defeated the New England Patriots.

The “Danimal” earned himself four trips to the Pro Bowl, four selections to the All-Pro First Team, two selections to the All-Pro Second Team and an eventual induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.