Chicago Bears: 30 greatest players in franchise history
By Conor Dorney
57. . LB. 1952-65. Bill George. 19. player
Not many players re-define the way a position in their sport is played, but that’s exactly what linebacker Bill George did, who comes in at No. 19 on our list.
George played his college football at Wake Forest before being selected by Chicago with a second-round pick in the 1951 NFL Draft. It didn’t take George long to make his mark on the pro game, as he was selected to eight consecutive Pro Bowls beginning in 1954.
As skilled as George was as a player, it’s what he did from a defensive scheme standpoint that makes him one of the most important people in franchise history. That’s because George is credited with inventing the middle linebacker position itself, one that has been a hallmark of the team’s storied history.
His on-field innovation led to what we now know as the 4-3 defensive scheme, something that was unheard of at the time but clearly left a lasting impact on the game.
Like many of the players on this list, George was instrumental in helping the Bears win a championship, as he was a member of the great 1963 world champions. In total, George spent 14 seasons with Chicago, racking up 18 interceptions and 19 fumble recoveries.
His tenacity and brilliance to see the game in a new way are still evident around the league to this day. Had it not been for George, we may not see many of the players on this very list.