SO SAD: Doug Atkins have just been confirmed dead for failing…..

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. After he earned All-America honors, the Cleveland Browns selectdeveloped into one of history’s most awesome defensive performers. Exceptionally strong and agile, the 6-8,ed him as their first choice in the 1953 National Football League Draft. After two seasons in Cleveland, he was traded to the Chicago Bears and there he  257-pound Atkins earned legendary acclaim as a devastating pass rusher who would often leapfrog blockers to get at the passer. That was a skill that carried over from his collegiate days when he won the Southeastern Conference high

Many people believe that Doug Atkins wa, Atkins was named All-SEC during his finals the best defensive tackle in football history. In addition to being awarded All-America in 1952 two seasons with the Vols. 1951 saw the Vols go 29-3-1 and win the national championship with Atkins playing defence. Atkins played professionally for Cleveland, Chicago, and New Orleans after causing havoc at Tennessee. He was known as one of the “Monsters of the Midway” and spent 12 seasons with the Bears. Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985 and the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1982, he is the only player from Tennessee to have received votes for inclusion in both halls. His scholarship to study basketball at Tennessee led to a football recruiting call following General

 

An All-NFL choice four times and o Bowls, Atkins wound up his career with three successfu Orleans Saints. For 17a veteran of eight Pr years and 205 games, Doug wrecked absolute havoc on opposing linemen, quarterbal seasons with the Newcks, and ball carriers. Linemen who faced Atkins usually had just one thought in mind: “Don’t make him mad.” It was common knowledge among players that as tough as Doug was, he was even tougher when angered. 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.