Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff: 35 Days with Neal Anderson

Neal Anderson retires from the Chicago Bears and life after Football

Over the next two seasons, Anderson's play on the field slowly declined, despite still serving as the team's leading rusher. From 1992 to 1993, the veteran player logged a total of nearly 1,800 offensive yards alongside 15 combined touchdowns. After recording just over 800 yards in his eighth NFL season, the lowest of his career, Anderson retired in the early months of 1994, ending his dominant stretch of seven seasons of leading the Chicago Bears in rushing following Walter Payton's retirement.

Anderson retired from the NFL with 6,166 rushing yards, nearly 9,000 total all-purpose yards, and 71 total offensive touchdowns. Upon his retirement, Anderson's rushing total was ranked second best in Chicago Bears' history, behind only his former mentor Walter Payton (Matt Forte has since surpassed Anderson's total, but the Florida product is still currently ranked third best all-time). He also ended with the second most rushing touchdowns in franchise history, a number that still stands today. As the team's lead back, Anderson was able to help lead the team to the postseason four separate times.

Following his retirement, Anderson has received several recognitions for his dynamic play style and productive career, including an induction into the University of Florida's Athletic Hall of Fame as well as coming in as the 57th-best player in Chicago Bears history via the Chicago Tribune's rankings from 2019. Away from the game, Anderson has spent his time post-retirement working in the financial industry. He helped found the Community Bank and Trust of Florida, a firm that has since been absorbed by Commerce Bank and Trust.