Bears Doug Atkins and Ed O’Bradovich put the heat on Giants back-up quarterback Glynn Griffin on his sole pass attempt of the 1963 Title game – it was incomplete. YA Tittle was sent to the sideline late in the first half with a leg-injury and Griffin appeared briefly. Tittle returned in the 3rd quarter to finish the game. The other Giants here are Alex Webster, #29 and Hugh McElhenny, #39.
Another picture from the 1963 NFL Championship as Giants QB YA Tittle gets the pass away as Bears Earl Leggett and Doug Atkins force the issue. Giants tackle Jack Stroud, #66, is in the background.
With 1st & Goal on the Bears 3, Doug Atkins crashes through to drop the Giants Joe Morrison for no gain. From the 1963 Giants/Bears NFL Championship game Chicago held and New York would have to settle for a field goal as the Bears would go on the win 14-10. For Chicago, it was their first NFL Title in 16 years. It would be another 22 before they would win another one.
Saints and the Packers in 1968 – Doug Atkins and Bart Starr after Starr has just been dropped for a loss. The Packers won this contest 29-7 but the Saints defense got to Green Bay quarterback 5 times – Starr 4 times and Bratkowski once.
Big Doug Atkins gets set to take down Atlanta Falcon quarterback Randy Johnson in 1967. After terrorizing offenses for 14 seasons in Cleveland and Chicago Atkins headed South and joined the expansion Saints in New Orleans where he continued his trade another 3 years.
Bears terror Doug Atkins closes in on Viking rookie quarterback Ron Vander Kelen in this 1963 showdown between Minnesota and Chicago. The Bears won 28-7.
The Eagles top runner in 1961 – Clarence Peaks dashes into hole against the Bears defense as Big Doug Atkins closes in. Other Eagles here are lineman John Wittenborn (#62) and Gene Gossage (#79) while #83 in the background is longtime Eagles kicker & Receiver Bobby Walston.
Picture of Chicago Bears lineman Doug Atkins from a game program
Early 1960s NFL – Colts & Bears. Bears linebacker Bill George (#61) along with Richie Petitbon (#17), and possibly Doug Atkins take down Baltimore QB Johnny Unitas. Colt #85 is End Dee Mackey.
Giants quarterback Earl Morrall comes under some duress from Bears Dick Evey and Doug Atkins. Morrall spent 3 seasons with the Giants. He was the starter in 1965, won 7 games and threw 22 touchdowns.
Veteran Packers lineman Bob Skoronski drops low to thwart Saints defensive end Doug Atkin’s charge as Bart Starr gets the pass off. As a Saint in 1968, Big Doug had the most sacks of his 17-year career — an unofficial 12.5 sacks.
After an already illustrious career between the Browns and Bears that spanned 14 seasons Doug Atkins joined the newly formed New Orleans Saints in 1967 and played another 3 seasons at an unusually high level. He is unofficially credited with 30 sacks during that time.
From the 1963 NFL Title Game between New York and Chicago. Giants QB YA Tittle has his leg rolled up during the 1st quarter as Bears linebacker Larry Morris (#33) comes in low. Big Doug Atkins (#81) comes in to assist. Tittle played the rest of the game hurting.
Packers veteran offensive lineman Bob Skoronski (#76) has his hands full as he tries to keep the mammoth Doug Atkins (#81) away from quarterback Bart Starr (#15). picture taken from the 1968 showdown between the Saints and Packers. Despite 5 sacks by the Saints defense, the Packers won 27-7.
The 6-foot, 8-inch terror during the final season of his 17-year, quarterback terrorizing career as a Saint in 1969.
Vikngs quarterback Joe Kapp works to elude the advances of Saints lineman Doug Atkins in 1968.
Here comes Bill Brown (#30)! The Vikings fullback has a full head of steam as he blasts past Bears defenders Doug Atkins (#81), Ed O’ Bradovich (#87) & Dave Whitsell (#23). In 1966 Bill Brown was the NFL’s #4 leading rusher with 829 yards.
Bears defensive ends Doug Atkins (#81) & Dick Evey (#79) converge on Packers quarterback Bart Starr (#15).
Big Doug Atkins – as a Saint around the end of his 17-year NFL career. Credited with 30 sacks during his last 3 years in the league. The Rams Les Josephson (#34) looks o n from a distance.
Bears Hall of Famers Bill George (#61) and Doug Atkins (#81) together on the Chicago sideline. (Photo credit Getty Images and Rob Rigor)
NFL action from, we think 1960. Packers great Paul Hornung carries against the Chicago Bears defense. Those players identifiable in the picture are some of the best known players in the league at the time.
For Green Bay we have All Pro Forrest Gregg (#75), All Pro Paul Hornung (#5), All Pro Jim Ringo (#51), Fuzzy Thurston (#63) and All Pro Jerry Kramer (#64). For the Bears defense – Larry Morris (#33), Bill Bishop (#73), Earl Leggett (#71), Pro Bowler Doug Atkins (#81) and All Pro Bill George (#61).
Some classic old school NFL. Bears and Colts. Doug Atkins and another unidentifiable Bear defender assail Colts QB Johnny Unitas. Fullback Alan Ameche along with the great Jim Parker (#77) keep them at bay.
As a Bear defender lays a ferocious hit on the Packers Jim Taylor, the ball hits the ground as Doug Atkins (#81) and Grambling product Rosey Taylor (#24) get set to pounce on it.
1968 NFL action between Packers & Saints. 11-year veteran Bob Skoronski struggles to protect his quarterback Bart Starr from the savage onslaught brought on by Saints defender Doug Atkins (#81)
Jon Arnett of the LA Rams give big Doug Atkins of the Chicago Bears the slip and wastes no time heading upfield.
If you’ve ever wondered how Doug Atkins got so strong it was because he worked out with the Astro-Gym! From a 1968 ad when he was nearing the end of his career in New Orleans.
The last 3 years of a 15 year Hall of Fame career were spent in New Orleans with the newly formed New Orleans Saints. Despite a lack of wins the Saints bolstered a feisty hard-hitting defense led by the veteran.
The towering 6-foot 8-inch Hall of Fame defensive end shown in a game program photo from 1964.
1969 Preseason – Doug Atkins and Dave Long apply pressure to Bill Munson of the Lions. Note the black helmets worn by Atkins and Long.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Saints defender Doug Atkins closes in on Redskin Quarterback Sonny Jurgensen
Always thought Doug Atkins was a premium player, who was not recognized for his abilities on the field.