Wilber Marshall (note the correct spelling of his first name) is remembered as one of the most ferocious and dynamic linebackers to ever wear a Chicago Bears uniform, and he holds a legendary status among fans of the franchise—especially for his role in the iconic 1985 Bears defense.
Marshall was selected by the Bears in the first round (11th overall) of the 1984 NFL Draft after a standout collegiate career at the University of Florida, where he was a two-time consensus All-American. The Bears brought him in to join a defense that was already stacked with future Hall of Famers like Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, and Dan Hampton.
It was in the 1985 season that Wilber Marshall truly cemented his place in Bears lore. That team is widely considered one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, and Marshall was at the heart of it. Playing outside linebacker in Buddy Ryan’s 46 defense, he was known for his relentless aggression, sideline-to-sideline speed, and big-play ability.
One of his most legendary moments came in the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. In freezing Soldier Field conditions, Marshall scooped up a fumble and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown, sealing the Bears’ trip to Super Bowl XX. He stormed into the end zone with such force and emotion that it became one of the defining images of the Bears’ championship run.
In Super Bowl XX, the Bears overwhelmed the New England Patriots 46-10, with the defense turning in one of the most dominant performances in Super Bowl history. Marshall was a key part of the game plan, contributing to the smothering of the Patriots’ offense.
Marshall was a complete linebacker—he could blitz, cover tight ends and backs, stop the run, and deliver punishing hits. He was ahead of his time in terms of athleticism at the linebacker position. What made him unique was his ability to play with both power and speed, making him a nightmare for offenses to scheme against.
After the 1987 season, Marshall left the Bears and signed with the Washington Redskins, becoming the first NFL player to switch teams through the then-new Plan B free agency system. He would go on to win another Super Bowl with the Redskins in 1991. Though he found success elsewhere, his most iconic years were undoubtedly with the Bears.
Marshall is often mentioned alongside Singletary and Otis Wilson as part of the Bears’ legendary linebacker trio from the ’85 team. Despite not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame—something many fans and analysts believe is a glaring oversight—he remains a beloved figure in Chicago sports history.
Wilber Marshall is a Chicago Bears legend not just because of his stats or his Super Bowl ring, but because of the intensity, fearlessness, and pride with which he played the game. To this day, Bears fans speak of him in reverent tones, remembering the way he helped define an era of dominance that has become the gold standard for defensive football.
