Chicago Bears: Top 25 players in franchise history

8. DL Richard Dent

There is something to be said when a defensive lineman wins the Most Valuable Player Award in a Super Bowl. In today’s game, we are so used to seeing the winning quarterback take home that hardware. But, in 1985, that’s exactly what Richard Dent accomplished.

Dent played for the Bears for 12 seasons, including an 11-year stint from 1983-1993. Incredibly enough, he came from a smaller school in Tennessee State. The Bears selected Dent in the eighth round in1983, and he quickly proved far more valuable than his draft position.

Widely known as a guy who did not receive enough credit for his contribution to that Super Bowl team, Dent played his best football when it mattered most — and that’s what counts. Offenses knew that when it came to a crucial third down scenario or a point where the game was on the line, Dent was their number one problem.

As a defensive lineman, Dent ended up intercepting eight passes throughout his career. He found the end zone twice. But, the most astounding career statistic leads me to believe that those who failed to give him enough credit throughout his playing years were out of their mind.

Dent ended his career with 137.5 sacks.

He is a two-time Super Bowl champion, four-time Pro Bowl selection and made it onto four All-Pro First Teams. In 2011, Dent was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I would hope that at this point, the questions about just how good he was have been put to rest.