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.
Doug Atkins rushing Randy Johnson – 1967 Saints & Falcons
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.
Doug Atkins rushing rookie Ron Vander Kelen in1963
Picture of Chicago Bears lineman Doug Atkins from a game program
Doug Atkins
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.
Doug Atkins puts pressure on Bart Starr – Saints vs Packers 1968
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.
Doug Atkins, 1967 Saints PR Photo
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.
Doug Atkins Rushing Bart Starr in 1968
The 6-foot, 8-inch terror during the final season of his 17-year, quarterback terrorizing career as a Saint in 1969.
Doug Atkins, New Orleans Saints Defensive Lineman
Bears Greats Bill George, Doug Atkins and George Conner
Here comes Bill Brown (#30)! Th eVikings 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.
Bill Brown of the Vikings and Ed O' Bradovich, Doug Atkins & Dave Whitsell of the Bears in 1966 NFL
Bears defensive ends Doug Atkins (#81) & Dick Evey (#79) converge on Packers quarterback Bart Starr (#15).
Doug Atkins & Dick Evey Sack Bart Starr
Bears Hall of Famers Bill George (#61) and Doug Atkins (#81) together on the Chicago sideline. (Photo credit Getty Images and Rob Rigor)
Bill George and Doug Atkins on Bears Bench
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.
Doug Atkins Saints, Les Josephson Rams
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.
Jim Taylor Fumbles as Doug Atkins & Rosey Taylor Move In
Jon Arnett of the LA Rams give big Doug Atkins of the Chicago Bears the slip and wastes no time heading upfield.
Jon Arnett gets away from Doug Atkins
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.
Doug Atkins 1968 Workout Ad
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.
Defender Doug Atkins New Orleans Saints
The towering 6-foot 8-inch Hall of Fame defensive end shown in a game program photo from 1964.
Doug Atkins Chicago Bears Defensive Lineman in 1963
1969 Preseason – Doug Atkins and Dave Long apply pressure to Bill Munson of the Lions. Note the black helmets worn by Atkins and Long.
Doug Atkins 1969 New Orleans Saints in Black Helmets
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Hall of Fame Defensive lineman in the NFL from 1953 to 1969. All Pro in 1963. Played in 8 Pro Bowls.
Doug Atkins
Always thought Doug Atkins was a premium player, who was not recognized for his abilities on the field.