Bear Goggles On
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The Retired Numbers of the Chicago Bears and the Men Behind Them

ByBryan Dietzler|
CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: A general view of a field goal by the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: A general view of a field goal by the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 31: Snow and ice covers Soldier Field and the skyline as temperatures during the past two days have dipped to lows around -20 degrees on January 31, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Businesses and schools have closed, Amtrak has suspended service into the city, more than a thousand flights have been cancelled and mail delivery has been suspended as the city copes with record-setting low temperatures. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – JANUARY 31: Snow and ice covers Soldier Field and the skyline as temperatures during the past two days have dipped to lows around -20 degrees on January 31, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. Businesses and schools have closed, Amtrak has suspended service into the city, more than a thousand flights have been cancelled and mail delivery has been suspended as the city copes with record-setting low temperatures. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Bill George

The Chicago Bears are known for having some of the greatest linebackers in the history of the NFL. Names like Butkus, Singletary, and Urlacher are in a fan’s mind when thinking of great linebacker play for the Bears. But there is one player who played the linebacker position that made his mark in the NFL and with the Bears.

Bill George played a total of 14 seasons with the Bears. During his time, he intercepted 18 passes and recovered 19 fumbles. He also kicked field goals and point-after attempts.

He was a true playmaker.

He found his name as part of eight First-Team All-Pro selections while he also was also nominated eight times to the league’s all-star game, the Pro Bowl.

George was known for being one of the first to play the middle linebacker position. The Bears had a bevy of great middle linebackers after that but with a switch to a 3-4, the Bears may not have a true middle linebacker ever again.

He was selected to be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974. George was killed in an automobile accident in 1982.

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