Bulldog Turner Days Until the Bears Season Opener

We had so much fun doing our Countdown to Kickoff series last season that we decided to do it again.  In case you’re new to the series, we’ll do a roster preview as we count down the days until the Chicago Bears September 7th season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

To signify only 66 days until the Bears season opener, I wanted to pay tribute to an old Bear that most fans do not know about. The late Clyde “Bulldog” Turner was an all-pro center and linebacker for the Bears from 1940-1952. During this time, the Bears won 4 NFL championships in which Turner was a very large part of. 

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Bulldog was very big for his day at 6’2” and 235 pounds. He played both sides of the ball, and played it well. Many statistics that we have access to today were not available back in the 40’s. However, in addition to being a “wall” in the center of the offensive line for QB Sid Luckman, he intercepted 17 passes over his career at linebacker while having 5 fumble recoveries. Teammate George Musso once said of Bulldog:

"“Who knows what kind of player he would have been if he ever got to rest during a game?”"

Not to take anything away from today’s players, but Turner was the definition of toughness as he never left the field – playing both sides of the ball for his entire career. Turner passed away in 1998, but not after a legendary career that all Bears fans should be proud of. There will never be another 66 jersey worn by a Chicago Bear, as his number 66 remains one of fourteen numbers retired for the Chicago Bears.

Be on the lookout for our Countdown to Kickoff series as we continue to work our way to the season opener on September 7th. We’re 66 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???