Akiem Hicks

Akiem Hicks was born in Elk Grove, California, just south of Sacramento. He attended Del Campo High School in Fair Oaks, and began his college career at Sacramento City College. He then played two season (2010 and 2011) for the University of Regina Rams in Canada. Drafted by the New Orleans Saints, where he played a little over 3 seasons, he came over to  the New England Patriots early in the 2015 season. Hicks signed on with the Chicago Bears in 2016 and quickly became one of team's top defensive stars. He was injured in the 2019 season, but came back strong in 2020. He was a Pro-Bowler in 2018. Although listed as a defensive end, Hicks plays more in the middle, as a dominant interior defensive lineman who clogs up the middle on runs and rushes up the middle to get to the quarterback. Hicks is a Monster of the Midway, a fan favorite.

Hicks has a big personality on the field and players from around the league often refer to his passion and love of the game.

Copyright 2021, Sporting Chance Press 

Image: Photo by Daniel Norris

Guy Chamberlin, Pillar of the NFL

 

Guy Chamberlin Illustration by Bill Potter,
Copyright 2014, Sporting Chance Press

Guy Chamberlin

Hall of Famer Guy Chamberlin was a peerless defensive end, excellent rusher, and receiver from the University of Nebraska.  He played for the Staleys/Bears in 1920 and 1921.  His contributions to the 1921 championship were essential to the Bears’ success. Chamberlin, like George Halas was a player-coach for much of his playing career. He coached four NFL Championship Teams. Chamberlin was one of the very best athletes in the first decade of professional football.  Halas regretted not keeping Chamberlin in Chicago in 1922.  Chamberlin was an All-Pro. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

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