Chicago Bears: 15 greatest linebackers of all time

Originally drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round of the 1955 NFL Draft, Larry Morris would end up on the Bears beginning in 1959. From there on out, Morris would team up with Bill George and Joe Fortunato. Together, the three would form an unstoppable linebacker trio that can be considered as the best in NFL history during the 1960s.

Being a member of the Bears until 1965, Morris would be named to the NFL’s 1960 All-Decade Team. What likely landed him on the list was his performance in the 1963 NFL Championship game against the New York Giants.

What’s long been known on the streets of Chicago is that the Bears defeated the Giants at Wrigley Field by a score of 14-10. However, what’s not known to many people is the fact that Morris is a major reason that the Bears were able to win.

Throughout the game, it was Morris was who would consistently get after Giants quarterback Y.A. Tittle, forcing Tittle into throwing five interceptions. Morris’ biggest moment came when he intercepted Tittle and returned it 61 yards. Eventually, this would set up the Bears offense on the Giants’ five-yard line where Bears quarterback Bill Wade would end up scoring.

Since he was a catalyst for the Bears, Morris would end up being named the game’s MVP. Come 1966, Morris requested a trade from the Bears with the message that if the Bears didn’t trade him to his hometown Atlanta Falcons, he’d retire and pursue other aspirations.