Doug Atkins

Lore & Background

Atkins was a fierce defender known for using his immense size and agility to his advantage. At 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m), he often batted passes down at the line of scrimmage and used his skills as a high jump champion to leapfrog blockers and get to the quarterback. He was one of the first great exclusively defensive players in professional football and, along with fellow Hall of Famer Gino Marchetti, revolutionized the defensive end position.

In Their Own Story

The Georgia sun beat down on the turf of Grant Field in Atlanta, 1967. The crowd roared as the opposing quarterback dropped back, eyes scanning for an open receiver. Suddenly, a blur of white and black jersey erupted from the right side. It was Doug Atkins, his long arms extended, closing the gap with terrifying speed. Before the quarterback could release the ball, Atkins' hand connected, snapping the pass away into the stands. The stadium erupted, not just for the play, but for the sheer intimidation that had become synonymous with the Falcons' defense.

Reader's Guide

Atkins played his first two seasons with the Cleveland Browns, winning the NFL Championship in 1954. He was traded to the Chicago Bears, where he became a First-team All-Pro selection in 1958, 1960, 1961, and 1963, and a starter in the Pro Bowl in eight of his last nine years with Chicago. He was traded to the New Orleans Saints before the 1967 season and retired after the 1969 season. On the final play of his NFL career, he sacked Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Dick Shiner, preserving the Saints' 27–24 victory. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Did You Know?

• Atkins was a high jump champion and finished runner-up in the high jump at the 1952 Southeastern Conference championships with a mark of 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m).
• He played a minor acting role as 'Jebbo' in the 1975 film Breakheart Pass, starring Charles Bronson.
• Atkins was drafted to the NBA in the 17th round by the Minneapolis Lakers in the 1953 NBA draft.
• His collegiate jersey number 91 was retired by the University of Tennessee in 2005.