The first season for the Chicago Bears was all the way back in 1921 and since then there have been many elite players who have been apart of their squad.

Even though they have been around for almost 100 years, they have only won one Super Bowl. They probably should have a few more with all the talent they have had on their roster throughout the years.

It was tough to narrow down the list, but let's break down the five greatest Bears in franchise history.

5. Brian Urlacher

There really could be an argument made that Brian Urlacher should be higher on this list, but he just missed on moving up a spot or two.

For 13 seasons, Urlacher was the heart and soul of the Bears defense. The stats don't really jump off the page for Urlacher, but for a middle linebacker, it's about more than just the stats. He did finish his career with 1,779 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 22 interceptions.

He was named to the Pro Bowl eight different times and first-team All-Pro four teams. In 2005, he was also named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Back in 2018, Urlacher was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

4. Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers in one of the best running backs in NFL history, but he isn't even the best running back in Bears history.

Sayers entered the league in 1965 and quickly became one of the most exciting players in football. As a rookie, Sayers finished with 22 total touchdowns. Sayers' career was cut short because of injury. He played only seven seasons, but he still was an elite back in the short time he did have in the NFL.

In two seasons, Sayers rushed for over 1,000 yards. He finished his career with 991 rushing attempts for 4,956 yards and 39 touchdowns.

3, Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka might be best known for his time as coach of the Bears, but it's often overlooked how good of a tight end he is. Ditka came to the Bears before the 1961 season and it didn't take long for him to become an impact player in the league.

As a rookie, Ditka caught 56 passes for 1,076 yards and 12 touchdowns. That was his best season with the Bears, but he still had five more strong seasons. Ditka finished his career with the Bears catching 316 passes for 4,503 yards and 34 touchdowns. Later as a coach, Ditka led the Bears to a Super Bowl title.

If this list was the most popular figures in Bears history, Dikta might have a strong argument for number one.

2. Dick Butkus

Dick Butkus was never afraid to lay the hammer down on someone, which quickly made him a fan favorite with the Bears.

As violent as Butkus was on the field, he was also a textbook tackler that rarely missed tackles. Butkus only played nine years in the NFL, but he still is considered one of the best linebackers in the league's history.

Butkus's best season was in 1965 as a rookie when he had five interceptions. He finished his career playing in 119 games, picking off 22 interceptions, and recovering 27 fumbles.

1. Walter Payton

Many consider Walter Payton to be the best running back to ever step onto an NFL field. During his time in the league, Payton set 16 NFL records during his time on the field, including the record for rushing yards.

Payton played 13 seasons with the Bears and rushed for 16,726 yards and 110 touchdowns. He was named to the Pro Bowl nine times and the All-Pro team seven times. In 1977, he was also named the league's most valuable player. Payton was included on the NFL's 1970s and 1980's decade team as well.

Payton was also named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.