Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
I remember growing up and watching the Bears in the 1970s and '80s, it seemed like one of their former players would always announce their games on television, but I can't remember his name. Please refresh my memory and remind me who that was.
Steve M.
Aurora, Illinois
I think you're talking about Johnny Morris, a former Bears receiver who teamed with play-by-play announcer Tim Ryan on numerous Bears telecasts in the 1970s and '80s. Morris also served as the top sportscaster for Chicago's CBS affiliate for years after playing 10 seasons with the Bears from 1958-67. He was a key member of the 1963 championship team and remains the franchise's all-time leader with 5,059 receiving yards.
I believe that Neal Anderson initially served as Walter Payton's backup before becoming the Bears' starting running back, a transition that Jeremy Langford will make this season with Matt Forte's departure. If that's true, how did Anderson do in his first year as a starter?
Walt P.
Bentonville, Arkansas
Neal Anderson was selected by the Bears in the first round of the 1986 draft out of Florida. He spent two seasons as Walter Payton's backup before taking over as the starter in 1988 following Payton's retirement. In Anderson's first full season as the Bears' No 1 back, he rushed for 1,106 yards and 12 touchdowns on 249 carries while starting all 16 games. Anderson ranks third on the franchise's all-time rushing list with 6,166 yards. I'm sure the Bears and their fans would be very happy if Jeremy Langford has the same type of career.
Since Jared Allen announced his retirement, I was wondering where he places among the NFL's all-time sack leaders and how many of those sacks came for the Bears.
Nick K.
Winfield, Illinois
The recently-retired Jared Allen is tied for ninth on the NFL's all-time list with 136 sacks. Ironically, he's tied with another former Bears player in Julius Peppers. Allen recorded just 5.5 sacks in 18 games with the Bears in 2014-15. Bruce Smith sits atop the list with 200 sacks, followed by Reggie White (198), Kevin Greene (160), Chris Doleman (150.5), Michael Strahan (141.5) and Jason Taylor (139.5). Bears Hall of Famer Richard Dent is tied with John Randle for seventh with 137.5.
