Chicago Bears Legend Doug Atkins Dies at 85

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The Chicago Bears lost a member of its family on Tuesday. Legendary pass rusher Doug Atkins died at the age of 85. Atkins has struggled with his health for years and years but the toughness he showed on the football field mirrored in his life as he battled through all his health issues.

For those of you interested in reading more about the legendary Bear, below are some links to some of the articles written about one of George “Papa Bear” Halas’ favorite all-time players.

Here is the NY Times Obituary.

Here is the story from the Associated Press.

Here is a great column from the Chicago Tribune’s Don Pierson.

Here’s a nice piece from Mark Potash of the Chicago Sun Times.

Here’s an article that talks about how Johnny Unitas feared the Bears’ defensive end.

Here are Atkins’ own words from his pro football hall of fame induction speech.

Although Atkins has not been part of the Chicago community for some time and hasn’t been a presence at all in the local media, his impact will never be forgotten and for all in the Chicago Bears’ community, he will be missed.