Chicago Bears: 15 greatest linebackers of all time

Like his teammate Otis Wilson, Wilber Marshall was another guy that had an impact on the Bears during the 1985 NFL season but had to share the spotlight with guys like Richard Dent and Mike Singletary. However, even then, Marshall made plays at some of the most critical moments in the game.

During the 1985 NFL season, Marshall would force two fumbles. However, the biggest play of his career would come when the Bears were hosting the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field for the right to play in the Super Bowl.

Marshall would return a fumble caused by Dent 52 yards for a touchdown. The result? The Bears would go on to win the game and represent the NFC in the Super Bowl that year.

Despite only playing four years in Chicago, Marshall would start in 43 games and forced eight fumbles, have 16.5 sacks and nine interceptions. However, what was most impressive about his time in Chicago was that he had 295 solo tackles.

Marshall also would make the Pro Bowl twice during his time in Chicago and be named to the NFL’s All-Pro team in 1986. While it’s unknown what Marshall wanted, he would have liked to finish his career in the Windy City. This, however, was not the case.

In the Spring of 1988, Marshall would end up signing a five-year deal with the Washington Redskins. As a result of not matching the offer sheet, the Bears would then receive the Redskins first-round draft picks in 1988 and 1989.