Chicago Bears: Top 25 players in franchise history

20. DE Doug Atkins

Anytime you hear the name Doug Atkins, you automatically think of terms like “physical freak,” “monster” or “not human.” The Hall of Fame defensive end is one of the most physically gifted players to ever play the game of football.

At 6’8″ 265lbs, Atkins had the frame to do whatever he wanted to do to the offensive linemen in front of him. He could simply throw you to the ground in order to get to the quarterback. He could jump over you if need be.

Known as the “Paul Bunyan of football,” Atkins struck fear into absolutely every offensive lineman he faced — whether they liked to admit it or not.

Atkins was one of the strongest linemen the NFL has ever seen but also possessed the speed of a linebacker. The 17-year veteran is also one of the more accomplished players the league has ever seen, playing in 205 career games with three different teams.

He was featured in eight Pro Bowls and made the NFL’s First Team All-Pro four times. Atkins was also named to the Second Team All-Pro six times. Of course, the pinnacle of his career came on two separate occasions, winning championships in 1954 and 1963.