Dec. 31--Doug Atkins, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Bears defensive end, died Wednesday at 85.
In 17 seasons, including 12 with the Bears (1955-66), Atkins made eight Pro Bowls and won NFL championships with the Browns (1954) and Bears (1963). He was a member of the NFL's All-Decade team from the 1960s and a unanimous All-Pro selection in 1963.
"Doug Atkins is an all-time great who will be remembered as one of the pillars of the 1963 championship Bears," team chairman George McCaskey said in a statement.
"He had a freakish combination of size (6-foot-8, 278 pounds) and athletic ability and was as tough as anyone who ever stepped on a football field. Doug wasn't afraid to offer his opinion off the field as well and had a unique communication style when it came to interacting with Coach (George) Halas. He embodied the spirit and commitment of what it means to be a Bear."
