The Chicago Bears have the most Hall of Famers in NFL history. Devin Hester was the latest to earn that honor, becoming the one and only return specialist to receive a gold jacket. This led to an inevitable dialogue about who else should get in. Steve McMichael got his long-overdue nod after an exemplary career in the 1980s. Many feel Charles Tillman is the most deserving, having revolutionized the cornerback position with his patented "Peanut Punch." Lance Briggs was also a seven-time Pro Bowler at linebacker. However, there is another name that remains criminally under-discussed.
Olin Kreutz.
Many people should know the name Duke Manyweather. He is widely considered one of the best offensive line experts in the sport. He's also the best trainer out there who doesn't directly work for the NFL. His OL Masterminds Summit attracts some of the top blockers in the league. He made it clear in recent comments that Kreutz will not only be in the Hall of Fame one day, but he should already be. It is the first validation from somebody outside Chicago in a long time.
Kreutz anchored the Chicago Bears for over a decade.
He and former Jets and Titans center Kevin Mawae were on the 2000s All-Decade team. Mawae is already in the Hall of Fame. Kreutz has only two fewer Pro Bowls and one fewer All-Pro nod. He also reached the Super Bowl, which is something Mawae can't say. It isn't clear why Kreutz doesn't get more recognition. He only missed one game between 2001 and 2010. During that span, the Chicago Bears made the playoffs four times, reached two NFC championships, and a Super Bowl. The hard truth is the offense was rarely good during his career despite his herculean efforts. If he'd had Peyton Manning as his quarterback, he would already be in Canton. It wouldn't even be a discussion. Where Jay Hilgenberg suffered from being surrounded by more popular teammates, Kreutz was masked by a lot of bad.
