Running Backs and Linebackers. When the Chicago Bears come up in conversation, it always boils down to these two positions. Throughout the history of the NFL, the Bears have also been known for their legendary ball carriers and the men charged with the responsibility to stop the run.
Ranking the greatest RBs in franchise history is no easy task. After Walter Payton and Gale Sayers, there is a plethora of talented backs that have worn the orange and blue, that garner consideration. This list should create a lot of great conversation.
10 Thomas Jones
Thomas Jones rushed for 3,493 yards and 22 TDs for the Bears in just three seasons from 2004-2006. In Super Bowl XLI, his 52-yard run in the first quarter set up what would be Chicago's only offensive touchdown. He gained 112 yards on only 15 carries. Many thought Jones would garner MVP consideration, but Chicago abandoned their running game in the second half, and the Bears lost 29-17.
9 Rick Casares
Rick Casares was the Bears leading rusher each year from 1955-1960. His 5,657 yards rushing was the Bears' record which stood until the great Walter Payton became the all-time leader in the 70s and 80s.
8 Neal Anderson
Drafted in the first round of the 1986 draft, Anderson was pegged to be the heir apparent to the great Walter Payton. When Payton retired, Anderson became the feature back in 1988. Three straight 1,000 yard seasons highlighted his career. His 6,166 yards rushing still ranks 3rd in Bears career rushing.
7 George McAfee
Although his career stats are modest, McAfee is deserving of this ranking. His 1941 season was phenomenal. He averaged 7.3 yards per carry, scored 12 TDs in an 11-game season, and had a franchise record of 31.6 yards per punt return. His career mark of 12.8 yards per punt return still ranks first in league history.
6 Matt Forte
No other running back in the history of Bears football not named Payton has had more yards and carries. His 8,602 yards rushing in his eight years with the Bears is second in franchise history. On the fourth carry of his career, Matt burst thru the middle of the Colts' defense for a 50-yard touchdown. His 1,600 yards from scrimmage in 2010 helped lead the team to the NFC title game.
5 Willie Galimore
One of the most dynamic backs in Bears history, Willie "The Wisp" Galimore, could have been even higher on this list if not for a tragic accident in the Summer of 1964. Unlike most backs in the NFL, Willie possessed blazing speed and an ability to change directions while maintaining his speed. His total yards from scrimmage only rank 11th, but one can argue his lack of yards was a byproduct of the running back-by-committee system George Halas used.
4 Bronco Nagurski
The stories of Nagurski are legendary, and one should take the time to research the Hall of Fame Fullback. Bronislau "Bronko" Nagurski was inducted into both the College (1961) and NFL (1963) Hall of Fame in their respective inaugural years. Nagurski played for the Bears from 1930-37. He also unretired to play in 1943, when many Chicago Bears left the team to serve in the military. He retired again after the Bears won the league championship in 1943.
3 Red Grange
Harold "Red" Grange was part of the legendary Bears team that helped put the NFL on stable ground in the 1920s. Grange was an all-world back for the University of Illinois. In 1925, Grange signed with the Bears after his last game with the Illini. He is the last player to play college and professional football in the same season. In 1926, the NFL passed the "Red Grange Rule," banning anyone from playing in the NFL the same year they played at the college level.
2 Gale Sayers
Gale Sayers was selected in the first round of the 1965 draft by the Kansas City Chiefs of the AFL and the Chicago Bears. After discussing with the family, Sayers signed with Chicago. His rookie season was, in a word, spectacular. He scored 22 touchdowns; 14 rushing, six receiving, one on a punt return, and one kickoff return. He had over 2,200 all-purpose yards and was named Rookie of the Year.
1 Walter Payton
Not only is Payton the best back for this franchise, many agree he is the greatest ball carrier in the history of the NFL! His Bears records of 16,726 career rushing yards, 110 touchdowns, and a single game record 275 yards in a single game are team records unlikely ever to be broken.
