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Doug Atkins originally went to the University of Tennessee on a basketball scholarship, but once Gen. Robert R. Neyland, the football coach, saw his combination of size and agility, he was recruited for the grid team.
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The Cleveland Browns selected him as their first choice in the 1953 National Football League Draft.
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After two seasons in Cleveland, he was traded to the Chicago Bears and there he developed into one of history's most awesome defensive performers.
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Exceptionally strong and agile, the 6-8, 257-pound Atkins earned legendary acclaim as a devastating pass rusher who would often leapfrog blockers to get at the passer.
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Linemen who faced Atkins usually had just one thought in mind: “Don’t make him mad.”
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It was common knowledge among players that as tough as Doug was, he was even tougher when angered.
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For 17 years and 205 games, Doug wrecked absolute havoc on opposing linemen, quarterbacks, and ball carriers.
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An outspoken free spirit, Doug often clashed with the Bears’ fiery head coach George Halas. Atkins’ easy-going approach to practice particularly annoyed the coach.
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An All-NFL choice four times and a veteran of eight Pro Bowls, Atkins wound up his career with three successful seasons with the New Orleans Saints.
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Atkins with his HOF presenter, Edward W. McCaskey.
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Atkins' Bust
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Atkins' Mural