Mike Singletary The Eyes Of a Linebacker...

October 9, 1958, in Houston, Texas, Mike Singletary carved a legendary career in American football, defined by his ferocious intensity and exceptional leadership.  

College Career:

Mike Singletary attended Baylor University from 1977 to 1980, where he established himself as one of the most dominant linebackers in the Southwest Conference. A three-time All-Southwest Conference selection and a two-time consensus All-American (1979-1980), Singletary set a Baylor record with 662 career tackles. In his sophomore year (1978), he recorded an astounding 232 tackles, including a school-record 35 in a single game against Houston. He was also a two-time recipient of the Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy (1979-1980), awarded to the best player in the Southwest at the time. His stellar college career earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1995.  

Road to the Pro Game:

Singletary's collegiate dominance led to him being drafted in the second round (38th overall) of the 1981 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He quickly became the heart and soul of the Bears' defense, known as the "Monsters of the Midway." Starting in his rookie season, Singletary's intense preparation and physical style were immediately apparent. He played his entire 12-year NFL career (1981-1992) with the Chicago Bears, starting 172 games, the second-most in franchise history for a defensive player.

Football Legacy:

Mike Singletary's legacy is etched in the annals of NFL history as one of the greatest middle linebackers to ever play the game. He was the undisputed leader of the dominant Bears defense of the 1980s, a unit widely regarded as one of the most fearsome in league history. Known for his unparalleled intensity, film study habits, and ability to command the defense, Singletary was the emotional and physical engine of the team. His leadership was instrumental in the Bears' Super Bowl XX victory.  

Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats:

✦ Super Bowl Champion (XX)

✦ 2x NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1985, 1988)

✦ NFL Man of the Year (1990)  

✦ 7x First-team All-Pro (1984-1989, 1991)  

✦ 10x Pro Bowl selection (1983-1992)  

✦ NFL 1980s All-Decade Team

✦ PFWA All-Rookie Team (1981)  

✦ 100 Greatest Bears of All-Time

✦ Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1998)

✦ College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1995)

✦ Career Stats: 1,488 tackles (885 solo), 19 sacks, 7 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries.