Dan Hampton

Dan Hampton is an American football legend celebrated for his ferocious play as a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears from 1979 to 1990. Hailing from Oklahoma City, he went to the University of Arkansas, where he was a standout defensive player for Frank Broyles and Lou Holtz, earning All-American honors his senior season. They enjoyed one of the most decorated eras in college football history, reaching the Cotton, Orange, and Fiesta Bowls in a remarkable four-year span.

Mike Ditka took notice and drafted Hampton fourth overall in the 1979 NFL Draft, making him the highest draft pick in Razorbacks football history. The Bears’ front office that scouted him included Jim Finks as general manager and owner George Halas. All these men are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for their stellar contributions to the game. Hampton vindicated their belief in him with an 11.5 sack season, earning All-Rookie honors and his first Pro Bowl bid.

Hampton excelled at both defensive tackle and end for 12 years in Chicago, amassing 82 career sacks, tying for third in Bears history. His tenacious play was crucial to the Bears winning Super Bowl XX in 1985, and he was voted Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1984. His accolades include four Pro Bowl selections (1980, 1982, 1984, 1985), First-Team All-Pro in 1984, and inclusion in the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team. Despite enduring 10 knee surgeries and six other procedures, he played in 157 games, starting 152, showcasing remarkable resilience. Hampton retired in 1990, netting him a Hall of Fame bid in 2002.He is a member of the Bears All-Century team and was recently inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2024.

He is revered as the best player on arguably the best defensive team in NFL history. Hampton now contributes his analysis to WGN Radio, co-hosts Pro Football Weekly, and is a keynote speaker, detailing his life story on and off the gridiron. He is the only NFL player to have a professional business operating in Chicago for over fifteen years, exceeding one million dollars in operating revenue. He is married with a son and enjoys playing half a dozen instruments in his free time.