Jimbo Covert

Jimbo Covert, a 6-foot-4, 277-pound tackle from the University of Pittsburgh, was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round (sixth overall) of the 1983 NFL Draft.

He made an immediate impact, earning the Bears’ starting left tackle position as a rookie. Covert started all 16 games in his debut season and played a key role in paving the way for Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, who rushed for 1,421 yards. Chicago led the NFL in rushing that year with 2,727 total yards on the ground, and Covert was honored with UPI All-Rookie recognition.

Over the next several seasons, Covert anchored a dominant offensive line that powered the Bears to 10 or more wins six times in a seven-year span. Chicago captured the NFC Central Division title in each of those seasons (1984–88, 1990) and led the NFL in rushing during Covert’s first four campaigns (1983–86).

Despite battling numerous injuries throughout his career, Covert started 110 games, including 11 postseason contests, three NFC Championship Games and Super Bowl XX. In 1985, the Bears led the NFL in both rushing yards (2,761) and rushing touchdowns (27), while also finishing No. 1 in the NFC in scoring (28.5 ppg).

That season, Chicago posted a 15-1 regular-season record, then dominated the postseason by outscoring their opponents 91-10 — culminating in a commanding 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX.

A two-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro and member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s, Covert exemplified consistency and dominance, anchoring a Bears offensive line that produced a 1,000-yard rusher in seven of his eight NFL seasons.

Widely regarded as one of the premier offensive tackles of his era, Covert’s toughness, leadership and technical mastery helped define one of the most formidable offensive units of its era. His impact extended far beyond the stat sheet, establishing a culture of discipline and excellence that came to define the gritty, powerful Chicago Bears of the 1980s.