Chicago Bears: Greatest Reclamation Projects in Team History

CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 09: Roberto Garza #63 of the Chicago Bears waits in the huddle against the Indianapolis Colts during their 2012 NFL season opener at Soldier Field on September 9, 2012 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Colts 41-21. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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#1: Doug Atkins

When most people think of Doug Atkins, all they see is him terrorizing quarterbacks in a Bears uniform followed by a brief stint in New Orleans to finish up his Hall of Fame career. What people don’t remember is that Atkins was considered a failure as a former 1st round pick. Not many remember he actually spent two years with the Cleveland Browns in 1953 and 1954.

However, their head coach Paul Brown wasn’t willing to deal with Atkins’ unruly and outspoken personality. So in 1955, they traded him to the Bears for two draft picks. George Halas felt the talent Atkins obviously possessed was worth the risk if he could handle the attitude problems. It wasn’t easy, but the good news was Halas had greater patience than most coaches.

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He was soon rewarded. Atkins became the fixture on one of the best defensive units in Bears history. One that led the way to the 1963 NFL championship. He reached all eight of his Pro Bowls in Chicago. To think he was almost a blip on the football radar.

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