Chicago Bears: 15 greatest linebackers of all time

Originally a fullback in college, Joe Fortunato would become a linebacker once he was drafted by the Bears in 1955. Throughout his time in Chicago, Fortunato would start in 155 games, intercepting 16 passes and have 22 fumble recoveries.

After his playing days had concluded, Fortunato would be the Bears linebackers coach in 1967 before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 1968. He’d hold down both positions for just one season before stepping away from football entirely.

Throughout his career with the Bears, Fortunato had many notable accomplishments including being a five-time Pro Bowler and being named a First-Team All-Pro three times.

However, one thing that most do not know about Fortunato is that while he made the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team, he’s one of four players on the same team to not be inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

One of the things that Fortunato was known for was consistently being able to force and recover fumbles. Weighing in at about 225 pounds, Fortunato was also a force on the Bears 1963 NFL Championship team being one of the key players that would help the Bears win.

One of the things that are unknown about Fortunato is that while he was drafted in the seventh round of the 1952 NFL Draft, he didn’t make his debut with the Bears until 1955 due to military service.

It can in many ways be argued that had Fortunato played for another NFL team, his name would be mentioned more among NFL circles. However, even playing for a storied franchise like the Bears, Fortunato still made an impact during the era in which he played football.