Chicago Bears: 15 greatest linebackers of all time

A first-round draft pick of the Bears in 1980, Otis Wilson would play for the Bears until 1987, where he’d be a pioneer in bringing the Bears the franchises only Lombardi Trophy. Injuries would bring Wilson’s time with the Bears to an end in 1987. While he’d miss the 1988 NFL season, Wilson would return in 1989, but as a member of the Los Angeles Rams.

Ask anyone who the face of the 1985 Bears defense was at the second level and you’ll likely hear the name, Mike Singletary. While Singletary is a name that is respected, Wilson had a major role in being a part of the 1985 Bears defense.

If there’s one thing that Wilson became famous for, it was playing as a pass rusher in Buddy Ryan’s 46 defense. While Wilson was never one to fill the stat sheet, he did consistently get after the quarterback, posting 10.5 sacks in 1985, good for second on the Bears behind defensive lineman Richard Dent.

Wilson’s best run in Chicago came between 1984 and 1987, where over four years, he had five interceptions, five fumble recoveries and 10.5 sacks. During these four years, he’d also start 52 of 53 games for the Bears.

It’s clear that at the time, the impact that Wilson had was noticed by the rest of the NFL as well. During the 1984 and 1985 NFL seasons, Wilson would be named to the NFL’s annual All-Pro team twice and would have his only career Pro Bowl appearance in 1985, too.

When looking at the impact that Wilson had, it’s clear that his name gets lost when discussing the most historic defense in the NFL. Had guys like Dent, Singletary, Wilber Marshall and Gary Fenick not been playing alongside Wilson, his name would be more discussed around when talking about the history of the Bears defense.