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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: The Chicago Bears logo outside of Soldier Field prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – OCTOBER 09: The Chicago Bears logo outside of Soldier Field prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings on October 9, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Kena Krutsinger/Getty Images) /

Chicago Bears

DE. Chicago Bears. Ed O'Bradovich . 6. player. 57.

People always talk about how great and iconic the 1985 Bears defense is, and it was. Then again if those same people bothered to do some research they’d realize the 1963 unit was every bit as good. For starters, unlike the mighty ’85 version, they never allowed more than 21 points in a game their entire season. In 14 games they allowed 144 total points. That’s average of 10.28 allowed per game. In a 16 game season that’s 164.57, which would hold the all-time record today.

It was certainly a unit rich in Hall of Fame talent including Bill George and Doug Atkins. Amidst that group though was Ed O’Bradovich. Affectionately knowns as “OB,” the man was a rock at defensive end who played across from Atkins. He never got the ridiculous lore stories or major highlights, but he made a lot of plays. Often when it mattered most.

None were more vital than in the 1963 NFL championship game. Trailing 10-7, the New York Giants were attempting to drive for the knockouts. O’Bradovich, having been forewarned of a possible screen pass coming, guessed correctly and tipped a pass attempt for an interception. He returned deep in Giants territory, setting up a Bears game-winning touchdown to clinch the title.

The last George Halas would win as a head coach. Now that’s a hero.

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