Dan Hampton Arkansas and Bears D-Line...

September 19, 1957, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Dan Hampton forged a celebrated career in American football, marked by his versatility and relentless intensity on the defensive line.  

College Career:

Dan Hampton played college football at the University of Arkansas from 1975 to 1978. A four-year letterman, he primarily played defensive tackle and earned First-team All-America honors in 1978. That same year, he was named the Southwest Conference Defensive Player of the Year. Hampton amassed 237 tackles, including 32 tackles for loss, and recovered six fumbles during his time as a Razorback. He helped Arkansas achieve a 35-10-2 record during his collegiate career and played in the Cotton Bowl and Orange Bowl. His outstanding play led to his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Hampton's dominant college career led to him being selected fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1979 NFL Draft. He signed a four-year contract with the team and quickly became a cornerstone of their defense. Hampton played his entire 12-year NFL career (1979-1990) with the Chicago Bears, showcasing his versatility by excelling at both defensive end and defensive tackle.  

Football Legacy:

Dan Hampton is remembered as one of the most dominant and versatile defensive linemen in Chicago Bears history. Known as "Danimal" for his ferocious playing style, he was a key member of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl XX championship team. Despite battling numerous injuries, including multiple knee surgeries, Hampton consistently performed at an elite level, earning respect throughout the league for his toughness and skill. He is considered one of the greatest defensive players in Bears' history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Super Bowl Champion (XX)  

✦ 4x Pro Bowl selection (1980, 1982, 1984, 1985)  

✦ 4x Second-team All-Pro selection (1982, 1985, 1986, 1988)  

✦ First-team All-Pro selection (1984)

✦ NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

✦ PFWA All-Rookie Team (1979)  

✦ George Halas Award (1991)

✦ 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time

✦ First-team All-American (1978)  

✦ SWC Defensive Player of the Year (1978)  

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2024)  

✦ Career Stats: 157 games played, 82 sacks (official Bears' statistic), 10 fumble recoveries, 1 safety.