Chicago Bears: 5 most polarizing players of the 2010’s

3. Wide Receiver Brandon Marshall (2012-2014)

I would argue that the Bears have never had a more talented wide receiver than Brandon Marshall — nope, not even Allen Robinson. Although, I love Robinson and could go on and on about how good he’s been in 2019.

When he was in his right mind, and motivated, Marshall was an absolute monster. He was nearly unstoppable.

But, the key words there are “in his right mind.”

No, that’s not a slight at Marshall at all.

Marshall was a guy where you could throw the ball downfield, knowing he would have the physical man power to go up and rip it down over just about any cornerback in the league. He had the same attraction in the red zone, too.

Marshall was simply bigger and stronger than any defensive back he lined up against. He was a mismatch; a real problem for defenses.

The issue with Marshall, though, was his attitude. Now, I have to tread lightly here, because I really loved the guy. Marshall is very open about his battle with his own mental health, and he is not shy about his past issues which involved his wife Michi.

I am incredibly proud of how he made it through and kept his marriage alive. I have a lot of respect for him.

But, the way he seemed to tear apart locker rooms was what made him tough to like as a teammate or a fan. Even now, there are a lot of Bears fans who will tell you they don’t like the guy at all — especially due to his severed relationship with former quarterback Jay Cutler.

Marshall was an animal on the field, but his antics got old.