TOP 10 BEARS ROOKIE SEASONS

1. Gale Sayers, 1965 — One of the most spectacular debut seasons in NFL history. Sayers set an NFL record with 22 touchdowns, including a record-tying six against the 49ers in the slop at Wrigley Field. 2. Beattie Feathers, 1934 — With Bronko Nagurski as a lead blocker, Feathers became the first NFL player to rush for more than 1,000 yards when he gained 1,004 on 119 carries — in 11 games. His 8.4-yard rushing average that season is still the best in NFL history. 3. Harlon Hill, 1954 — A big-play sensation from the start, Hill caught 45 passes for 1,124 yards (an NFL-leading 25 yards per catch) and led the NFL with 12 touchdowns, including four in a victory against the 49ers. 4. Mike Ditka 1961 — Made the All-Pro team and was the NFL Rookie of the Year with 56 receptions for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. Had nine catches for 190 yards and three touchdowns against the Packers.

5. Dick Butkus, 1965 — Overshadowed by the spectacular Sayers, Butkus was a first-team All-Pro as a rookie, with six fumble recoveries, six forced fumbles and five interceptions. Third in Rookie of the Year voting.

6. Devin Hester, 2006 — Set an NFL record with six kickreturn touchdowns, including a 108-yard return of a missed field goal, then lived up to the hype by returning the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI 94 yards for a touchdown. 7. Brian Urlacher, 2000 — NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Led the Bears in tackles (165), sacks (eight) and tackles for loss (seven). Had at least one sack in his first five starts (six total). Also had two interceptions, including a fourth-quarter clincher against the Bucs. 8. Wally Chambers, 1973 — NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year on a 3-11 team. Had nine sacks (assisted on five others) and made the Pro Bowl. Led the Bears in tackles (132, including 101 solo). Forced seven fumbles and recovered two. 9. Mark Carrier, 1990 — NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year with a franchise-record and league-best 10 interceptions, including three against the Redskins. Also recovered two fumbles. First rookie since Wally Chambers to make the Pro Bowl. 10. Matt Forte, 2008 — Was third in the NFL with 1,715 yards from scrimmage (a franchise-record 1,238 rushing yards and 477 receiving on 63 receptions). Scored 12 touchdowns (eight rushing). Tied for NFL lead with 86 first downs. ✶