Another absolute Chicago Bears legend was present at today's practice
After the appearance of CB Charles "Peanut" Tillman a few weeks ago at Bears practice, it was legendary S Gary Fencik today who was present.
Fencik is, in my mind, one of the most underrated Safety this game has ever seen. He was plain and simply great.
Considered too slow to be an NFL receiver, the Miami Dolphins drafted Fencik in the 10th round of the 1976 NFL Draft with the 281st overall selection, intending to convert him to defensive back. After rupturing his left lung in a preseason game against the New Orleans Saints, he was released in September and headed home to Chicago, planning to start a banking career until he received a job offer from the Chicago Bears.
In Chicago, he was the team's defensive captain through the 1980s including the 1985 Super Bowl championship season. He made two Pro Bowl appearances (1980, 1981). He was also awarded a gold record and a platinum video award for the 1985 Super Bowl Shuffle. Fencik and Doug Plank were dubbed "The Hit Men", a fact referenced by Fencik in The Super Bowl Shuffle.
Fencik finished his career with 38 interceptions, which he returned for 488 yards and a touchdown. He also recorded 2 sacks and recovered 14 fumbles, returning them for 65 yards. He is the Bears' all-time leader in interceptions and total tackles.
He played 12 seasons with the Bears and started 140 regular-season games, all of them with the same team.
Here are some of his highlights during his time with the Bears:
