Dec. 23, 2012; Glendale, AZ, USA; General view of University of Phoenix Stadium as reflected in a Chicago Bears helmet during the first half against the Arizona Cardinals. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
We’re heading into the dog days of the offseason, counting the days until the Chicago Bears 2014 season kicks off. Thanks to Bear Goggles On contributor and the fine editor of Blackhawk Up Keith Schultz’s suggestion, we’re going to do a Top 1oo list of the all time Chicago Bears. It’s a fun way to pass the time and take a stroll down memory lane.
Next up in our Top 100 list is former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Barry Minter. History doesn’t do Minter any favors, as one of the middle linebackers sandwiched between Hall of Famers Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher. Minter was drafted in the 6th round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. When Cowboys defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt joined the Bears as head coach, he traded to bring Minter to Chicago.
Minter played 8 seasons for the Bears from 1993 – 2000, where he eventually replaced Mike Singletary and was replaced by Brian Urlacher in 2000. He had to bide his time the first couple of seasons, earning scarce playing time behind Dante Jones and Joe Cain before taking over as the full time starter in 1997. Despite having to wait his turn, Minter became a solid starter from 97-99, racking up a team-leading 96 tackles in 1999.
Over his 8 seasons with the Bears Minter piled up 351 tackles, 11.5 sacks, 5 interceptions and 7 forced fumbles. He was one of the few bright spots to some pretty brutal Bears teams of the mid-to-late 90’s.
What do you think of the ranking? Too high? Too low? I guess you’ll have to check back to see who finished ahead of him to judge for yourself. We’ll be counting down a different person each day as we inch our way to the September
7th season opener
.