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

Lance Briggs

Lance Briggs is a true Bear and one player that had a solid career in Chicago. Briggs, a product of Arizona was a third-round draft pick, chosen 68th overall, in the 2003 draft. He had a quiet first year in the league but became a household name for Bears fans in 2004. He led the team in tackles that year with 126 and even earned Pro Bowl consideration as an alternate. He went to the Pro Bowl, again, the next year.

The Bears defense was stellar in 2006 and Briggs had a big hand with that. He made the Pro Bowl in 2007. Chicago wanted to keep Briggs and so they placed the franchise tag on him. He later mentioned that he wasn’t happy with the organization and wanted out of Chicago. Briggs declared that he would no longer play with the team and a nasty “divorce” seemed to be in play.

After a lot of back and forth and contact with other teams, Briggs ended up being a Chicago Bear for six more years. He signed the six-year, $36 million contract.

Once again, things seemed to go backward as Briggs wanted out of Chicago. He was never traded and made the Pro Bowl in 2012. Chicago gave him a one-year extension in 2012 and he played just a few games due to injuries. Briggs ended his final season on injured reserve.

He officially retired in September of 2015.

Briggs played a total of 173 games 1174 total tackles and 16 interceptions.

There is no doubt Briggs will retire as a Chicago Bear. He didn’t spend his time anywhere else although he almost did. While he might not make it in his first year of eligibility, he stands a good chance of getting selected later on.