There have been some truly great players who have donned the Chicago Bears uniform over the last 25 years, but how many of them would
Bleacher Report put together the All-Quarter-Century team over the last 25 years in the NFL. Three Bears made the list, starting with former defensive end Julius Peppers.
"Julius Peppers was never named Defensive Player of the Year, but the three-time first-team All-Pro was consistently productive throughout his 17-year career. With 159.5 career sacks, he trails only Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Deacon Jones and Kevin Greene on the unofficial all-time list. (Sacks didn't become an official statistic until 1982.)"
Next up would be considered the best Bears player over the last 25 years, linebacker Brian Urlacher.
"Brian Urlacher would be a logical first-team selection if our LB core was expanded. A 2018 Hall of Fame inductee, Urlacher was an eight-time Pro Bowler, four-time first-team All-Pro and one-time Defensive Player of the Year for the Chicago Bears."
Closing it out is the best special teams returner in NFL history Devin Hester.
"Hester is the all-time record holder with 20 combined kick- and punt-return touchdowns, and his contributions as a return specialist have already earned him a place in Canton."
How great were the three former Bears in their careers?
Peppers played in just four seasons with the Bears, but he was still a great player despite playing his first eight years in Carolina with the Panthers. He racked up 52 quarterback hits and 37.5 sacks in 64 gams with three Pro Bowl selections and one All-Pro selection.
Urlacher ranks alongside Mike Singletary and Dick Butkus as the best players in franchise history. The Pro Football Hall of Famer was as good as they come with an incredible resume that was mentioned earlier with eight Pro Bowls, four All-Pros, and Defensive Player of the Year winner.
Hester holds the all-time punt return touchdown, with 14. He played eight seasons in Chicago, making three Pro Bowls and earning All-Pro honors with the Bears.
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Urlacher and Hester might be more looked at as two of the greatest Bears of all time, while Peppers was a solid player who didn't play long enough in Chicago. All three guys will hold a special place in franchise history as truly impactful players.