Bill George
The Original Middle Linebacker
 A 2nd round draft pick from Wake Forrest in 1951 Bill George played 15 seasons in the NFL – 14 of those was a Chicago Bear where he earned 8 All Pro selections, 8 Pro Bowl appearances and and NFL Championship in 1963.
 Bill George is widely considered the very first middle linebacker in NFL History. During a game against the Philadelphia Eagles he was playing Middle Defensive Guard on the Bears 5-man line. The story goes that the Eagles were completing short passes over the middle right behind George as he rushed the quarterback. Taking the advice of Bears defensive captain George Conner, instead of rushing the passer Bill dropped back to defend against the pass. He knocked down the first pass and intercepted the next. The Middle Linebacker of the 4-3 defense was born.
Image Gallery of Bill George, Linebacker 1952-1966
Bill George Football Cards and Football Art
Bears linebacker Bill George sends a Packer that appears to be Jim Ringo to the ground in this Rob Riger drawing from the early 1960s.
On his 1961 Topps card. 1961 was a very good year for the Hall of Fame linebacker. He was named to his 8th straight Pro Bowl and made his 7th straight All Pro Team. Had 3 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and was unofficially credited with 11½ sacks.
