Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff: 61 Days with Bill George

Bill George creates a new position and changes football history with Chicago Bears

After effectively redshirting his rookie season, George became an almost instant contributor by his second year, where he started in all 12 of the team's games from the right guard position on defense. During this time in football history, most teams, including the Bears, ran a 5-2 defensive formation, where George played in the down lineman position between what we would call today the edge rusher and nose tackle. However, the Bears, and specifically George himself, would soon change how defenses operated in the NFL.

After another season of starting as a defensive guard in 1953, George's 1954 season is perhaps one of the most historically relevant seasons by any player in NFL history. No, George did not set league records for tackles or interceptions, but rather he invented what we know today as the middle linebacker. In '54, George began to drop back from his down lineman position at or just before the snap of the ball, which suddenly transitioned the defense from a 5-2 to a novel 4-3 front.

At this newfound position, George enjoyed his best NFL season so far, and after another season of starting, he was elected to his first Pro Bowl at the end of the year. George was uniquely built, physically and mentally, to dominate the linebacker position, and his versatility made him a difficult player for opposing offenses to account for throughout his career. From the ensuing 1955 season to 1961, George dominated the NFL and was nominated to seven First-Team All-Pro squads, as well as eight consecutive Pro Bowls if you include the 1954 season.

During this span of individual dominance by George, the Chicago Bears in general were a competitive team despite a lack of postseason success. The Bears only made the playoffs in this period following the 1956 season, where they lost the championship game to the New York Giants.

After George's insane stretch of dominance across the league, the linebacker played another four seasons with the Bears. While his accolades, unfortunately, took a hit - he made just one All-Pro team in this span - the Bears as a team enjoyed their greatest success with George during the twilight of his career.

Following the 1963 season, the Bears once again qualified for the NFL Championship game, where they finally earned their decade-long revenge against the Giants. George was one of many legendary players to win a ring with this team, including defensive end Doug Atkins and tight end Mike Ditka.