Professional Football Player. Atkins, born Douglas Leon Atkins, played defensive end for the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints during a 17 year career (1953-1969). He played football at the University of Tennessee, playing for their 1951 National Championship team and being a dominant defensive player during his collegiate career. Atkins was drafted eleventh in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 1953 and played for them for two years before being traded to the Chicago Bears in 1955. He became a dominant feature of the Bears defense and was 8 time Pro Bowl starter and 4 time First Team All-Pro selection during his time with the Bears. Atkins requested a trade before the 1967 season and was traded to the New Orleans Saints where he starred for two more seasons before retiring after the 1969 season. He was a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame and had his number 81 retired by the New Orleans Saints (he also had his collegiate number 91 retired by the University of Tennessee). The NFL Network ranked him as the number nine pass rusher of all time.
Professional Football Player. Atkins, born Douglas Leon Atkins, played defensive end for the National Football League's Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and New Orleans Saints during a 17 year career (1953-1969). He played football at the University of Tennessee, playing for their 1951 National Championship team and being a dominant defensive player during his collegiate career. Atkins was drafted eleventh in the first round by the Cleveland Browns in 1953 and played for them for two years before being traded to the Chicago Bears in 1955. He became a dominant feature of the Bears defense and was 8 time Pro Bowl starter and 4 time First Team All-Pro selection during his time with the Bears. Atkins requested a trade before the 1967 season and was traded to the New Orleans Saints where he starred for two more seasons before retiring after the 1969 season. He was a member of both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame and had his number 81 retired by the New Orleans Saints (he also had his collegiate number 91 retired by the University of Tennessee). The NFL Network ranked him as the number nine pass rusher of all time.
Bio by: Mr. Badger Hawkeye
Family Members
Parents
Siblings
Advertisement
See more Atkins memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
Advertisement
