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Top 10
Top 10: Characters in Bears history
Senior writer Larry Mayer ranks the top 10 characters in Bears history.
(10) Rick Casares
The fun-loving running back, who played with the Bears from 1955-64, would put bubble bath in the team whirlpool and was once fined by George Halas for bringing three suits on an overnight road trip.
(9) Charles Tillman
Tillman was known for creating "The Peanut Punch," but he was just as legendary as a prankster. He once dressed up as the Star Wars character Chewbacca to scare then-Bears linebackers coach Bob Babich.
(8) Dick Butkus
One of the most ferocious and intimidating players in NFL history, Butkus would snarl at opponents and officials alike, and occasionally tie their shoes together at the bottom of a pile.
(7) William Perry
With his gap-toothed grin and playful personality, the Fridge became an overnight sensation after being utilized as a short-yardage back in a 1985 Monday night win over the Packers.
(6) Doug Atkins
The 6-8, 257-pound Hall of Fame defensive end was a gigantic and fun-loving force of nature both on and off the field during 12 seasons with the Bears from 1955-66.
(5) Olin Kreutz
The perennial Pro Bowl center was a great player and great character in part because he had no filter on or off the field. Kreutz was talented, smart, fearless and funny.
(4) Mike Ditka
The fiery Bears coach sparred with players, reporters and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. Ditka was funny as well, like when he roller-skated throughout Halas Hall after referring to Minnesota's Metrodome as "the Rollerdome."
(3) Jim McMahon
During his Bears career, the punky QB head-butted offensive linemen after touchdowns, wore a "Rozelle" headband to playfully mock the NFL commissioner and mooned a helicopter hovering over the practice field.
(2) Walter Payton
The Bears legend was a first-ballot Hall of Fame prankster, whether he was lighting off fireworks in the middle of the night at training camp or making phony phone calls.
(1) Steve McMichael
Known for his hijinks on and off the field, McMichael was aptly nicknamed "Mongo" after the character played by Alex Karras in the classic movie "Blazing Saddles."
