Dick Barwegan was an outstanding Pro Football player, but other than those who decided who should be on the 1950's All-Decade Team; he might be one of the most under the radar players in the history of the game.

Selected in the 2^nd Round out of the University of Arkansas in 1938, Jim Benton would go onto be one of the first great receivers in the history of the Rams franchise.  Benton led the NFL in Yards per Reception as a rookie and was named to the Pro Bowl in his second season.  He took 1941 off and returned to the NFL in 1942, and due to a heart murmur, he was not permitted to enlist in the U.S. Military for World War II.  He was loaned to the Chicago Bears in 1943 as the Rams were unable to field a team due to a depletion of talent but returned in 1944 and 1945 and 1946 but together two excellent seasons where he was the NFL leader in Receiving Yards.

Joe Fortunato played his entire career with the Chicago Bears, the team that drafted him in the 7^th Round in 1952. 

While the Linebacker was chosen for the 1950's All-Decade Team, many of his accolades took place in the 1960s.  Four of his five Pro Bowls came in the '60s, as did all three of his First Team All-Pro Selections.  In regards to his team accomplishments, Fortunato was a vital component of the 1963 Bears Championship Team.  He would record 16 Interceptions and recovered 22 Fumbles over his career, the latter of which was a record when he retired.   Not too bad for a guy who looked undersized for his position!.

One of the better dual threat Running Backs of his era, Matt Forte was a surprise starter as a rookie in a season that would see him rush for over 1,200 Yards and finish seventh in the league.  The product of Tulane early established himself as a solid receiving back with 63 Receptions and he quickly became a favorite of the Chicago Bears’ fanbase.  Forte would play for Chicago for eight seasons and while he was only named to the Pro Bowl twice (2011 & 2013) cases could have easily been made for him in other seasons.  He would have five seasons where he would go over the 1,000 Yard mark rushing and would also have six 50 Reception seasons, punctuated by a 102 catch campaign in 2014.  As a testament to his offensive versatility, Forte would finish in the top ten in Yards From Scrimmage highlight by a 1,933 Yard year in 2013. 

A very significant retirement took place in the NFL that perhaps is not getting the attention it deserves. 

Now former Defensive Back, Charles Tillman has announced that he is calling it a career after thirteen seasons, all but one of with were with the Chicago Bears.

Tillman was drafted in the second round in 2003 and quickly the Cornerback would be forced to compete against elite wideouts in the NFC North.  Tillman would accumulate 38 Interceptions and in 2012 was named a First Team All Pro.  He was also a two time Pro Bowl Selection. 

While he may not have the credentials to be a future Pro Football Hall of Famer, he will eligible in 2021 for those inclined to vote for him.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank Charles Tillman for the memories and wish him best on his post-NFL career.

Playing his entire twelve year career with the Chicago Bears, Lance Briggs was often in the shadow of teammate, Brian Urlacher but he was nevertheless a star in the National Football League. Briggs would make seven consecutive Pro Bowls, had a verstaile skillset, but his name is never mentioned in Canton circles.  It is morel likely that the Hall will not advance him past the Preliminary stage.

Super Bowl Shuffle
Highest Billboard Position:
#41 in 1985

There were many stars of the Chicago Bears throughout the 1980s and many were flashy and unforgettable.  Jay Hilgenberg was an unsung hero of that squad and an anchor of the Offensive Line.

Spending all but one of his professional seasons with the Chicago Bears, Olin Kreutz was chosen to represent Chicago six consecutive seasons in the Pro Bowl. The former Center was a mainstay on Chicago’s Offensive Line for years and was selected to the NFL 2000’s All-Decade Team. As a star Center, he might have an interesting case for the Professional Football Hall of Fame, but Centers do not often hear their names called from Canton.