Chicago Bears: Top 25 players in franchise history

18. S Gary Fencik

Some of the younger Bears fans out there may not know much about Gary Fencik, but if you’re into YouTube, I suggest a quick search. Fencik was one of the most aggressive safeties the Bears have ever had the pleasure to roster.

A lot of guys are given the nickname “Hitman” in today’s game. But, Fencik was one of the original hitmen. In fact, a large majority of his tackles back in his playing days would result in penalties, automatic ejections, fines and suspensions.

I have a feeling Fencik wouldn’t last too long in today’s game due to the nature of his style.

Fencik was, of course, an integral part of that 1985 defense. He played in Chicago from 1976 to 1987, which would encompass his entire career. Yes, Fencik was a Bear through and through.

Something that continues to impress me every time I do reading on Fencik is the fact that he was selected in the 10th round back in the 1976 NFL Draft. Obviously, the draft is now shortened to seven rounds — Fencik would be the equivalent of an undrafted free agent in today’s game.

All he did was end his career as the franchise leader in interceptions with 38 of them, to go along with 1,102 tackles, a pair of Pro Bowls and an All Pro selection. That’s not too shabby for a guy who wouldn’t have been drafted by today’s standards.