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Former Chicago Bears Make the Hall of Fame’s First Cut

By Bryan Dietzler

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 08: Lance Briggs #55 of the Chicago Bears awaits the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on September 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Bengals 24-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 08: Lance Briggs #55 of the Chicago Bears awaits the snap against the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field on September 8, 2013 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Bengals 24-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 23. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – JANUARY 23. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

Olin Kreutz

Olin Kreutz played with the Bears from 1998 to 2010 and was their best offensive lineman during that stretch. He was drafted out of Washington in the third round with the 64th overall selection. His career with the Bears took off following the draft and was selected to six Pro Bowls as well as being named first-team All-Pro once.

One thing about Kreutz that stuck in your mind was his longevity. He had the second most active games (182) for the Bears, second only to Walter Payton.

Anyone who remembers the Bears and Kreutz will remember his fiery attitude and demeanor. Bears’ fans may recall the time he broke offensive tackle Fred Miller’s jaw when the two were out together. That stirred up a lot of controversy but in the end, Kreutz remained a Bear and it was swept under the rug.

In 2011, Kreutz decided to move on from Chicago despite a generous offer from the Bears. He went on to play for the New Orleans Saints for about half a season before leaving the team citing that he had lost his desire to play the game.

Quite honestly, Kreutz has a very good chance of getting into the Hall of Fame. He has the pedigree, he has the background and he fits the mold of a Hall of Fame offensive linemen. If he does get selected, in 2020 or down the road, you can bet he will go in as a Chicago Bear giving them yet another Hall of Fame player and keeping them ahead of the pack in terms of Hall of Fame enshrinees.

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