We’re heading into the dog days of the offseason, counting the days until the Chicago Bears 2014 season kicks off. Thanks to 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.
I have to admit, my lack of Bears knowledge of pre-1980’s Chicago Bears will make this list difficult. I’ve been doing research and trying to fit in some of the old school Bears into this list. It’s made especially difficult when trying to rank the guys in the trenches, where you don’t have the benefit of looking at statistics. With all of that said, we give you #98, Stan Jones.
Jones was selected in the fifth round of the 1953 NFL Draft out of Maryland and started as an offensive tackle in 1954. He moved to guard in 1955, which proved to be a good move, as he played in seven straight Pro Bowls from 1955 – 1961. In 1962, the Bears needed help on defense, so Jones moved to DT as well, playing both ways until making the switch to defense permanent in 1963.
Jones was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991. He is also known as the first player to use weight training to help his conditioning for football.
What do you think of the ranking? 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.