Today's installment of Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff brings us not only to the 4th of July, but also to the 68-day mark from the start of the 2023 season. To celebrate football's return inching closer by the day, today's installment will focus on the life and career of the best player in franchise history to don the number 68, defensive tackle Jim Osborne.
Jim Osborne's path to the Chicago Bears
A native of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Jim Osborne attended HBCU Southern University where he was a dominant defensive tackle on the gridiron. At Southern, Osborne was an integral part of a team that featured a lot of NFL talent in future greats such as Mel Blount and Harold Carmichael. At the defensive tackle spot, Osborne was a punishing presence who incited fear in the opponent's backfield.
As a senior, Osborne enjoyed his best season, and after being named a team captain before the start of the year, the defensive tackle finished the year as an invitee to both the East-West Shrine All-Star Game and the Coaches All-Star. Following the season and the finale of Osborne's collegiate career, the defensive tackle entered his name into the ensuing 1972 NFL Draft.
Jim Osborne spends over a decade with Chicago Bear
In 1972, the Chicago Bears made Osborne a professional football player during the seventh round with the 182nd overall pick. Immediately, the Southern prospect was able to make an impact on the field, finishing his rookie season with 5 sacks while serving as a starter in 13 of the team's 14 contests. Following his rookie season, the Chicago Bears awarded Osborne with the Brian Piccolo Award.
Over the next two seasons, Osborne provided incredible consistency, starting in all 28 of the team's games while logging 13 total sacks. Unfortunately, Osborne was pulled from the starting lineup in 1975 but still managed 7 sacks on the season in a rotational capacity.
By 1976, Osborne returned to being a full-time starter and enjoyed the best season of his career to the tune of 15 sacks in just 14 games. In 1977, his production dropped a bit, but even after a four-sack season, the Bears made the playoffs for the first time in Osborne's career, and the Florida native even started in the post-season contest.
After another four-sack season in '78, Osborne enjoyed a little bit of a resurgence the following season, totaling 10.5 sacks across 16 games. At the end of the season, the Bears made the playoffs once again, where Osborne continued to hold down the interior of the defensive line.
Following the postseason appearance to end the 1979 season, Osborne made 32 consecutive starts through the end of 1981 where he accumulated 12 sacks and four fumble recoveries. In 1982, Osborne's season was cut short due to injury, but even after posting 4.5 sacks and a safety, the defensive tackle was forced to take more of a reserved role in the following season.
Jim Osborne retires from NFL and Chicago Bears
In 1984, Osborne's final season with the team, the defensive tackle played in all 16 of the team's games, as well as both of their post-season games, before retiring following the season. In his final year, Osborne was moved to the bench in favor of getting the younger Richard Dent on the field more. However, even as a backup, Osborne continued to serve as a mentor for the likes of Dent, Dan Hampton, and Steve McMichael against a talented Chicago Bears' defensive line.
Osborne retired from the NFL after a 13-year career, all of which came with the Chicago Bears. His career totals of 81 sacks, nine fumble recoveries, and a safety. In franchise history, Osborne's sack total is fourth best, just one shy of former teammate Dan Hampton. Unfortunately for Osborne, the Chicago Bears would famously win the Super Bowl just months after he would announce his retirement, but he was nonetheless a crucial aspect of developing the roster into a championship team.
Since retiring from the NFL, Osborne has worked for National Material L.P. of Chicago, where he served as the Director of Minority Development. Osborne was recognized by Southern University in 2013 and subsequently had his jersey retired by the school.