Bulldog Turner

The Ultimate Ironman of the Chicago Bears Dynasty

In the long, storied history of the Chicago Bears, few players have been as tough, versatile, and dominant as Clyde "Bulldog" Turner. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, four-time NFL Champion, eight-time All-Pro, and one of the greatest two-way players in history, Turner was the heartbeat of the Bears dynasty in the 1940s.

Known for his exceptional intelligence, physicality, and relentless competitiveness, Turner dominated both sides of the ball as a center and linebacker, a feat nearly unheard of in modern football. On offense, he was the anchor of the offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for legendary running backs like Bronko Nagurski and George McAfee. On defense, he was an elite middle linebacker, making tackles, reading plays, and intercepting passes at an elite rate.

Turner wasn’t just one of the best linemen of his time—he was one of the greatest football players of all time. His toughness, durability, and leadership helped define the Bears as the NFL’s most dominant team in the 1940s, and his legacy remains one of excellence, resilience, and two-way greatness.

This collection honors Bulldog Turner, the ironman of the Monsters of the Midway, who was not only a champion but a player who set the standard for versatility and dominance in professional football.

Bulldog Turner’s Legendary Career by the Numbers

Turner was one of the most dominant players of his era, and his impact is reflected in his staggering list of achievements.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1940–1952)

Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1966)
Four-time NFL Champion (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946)
Eight-time First-Team All-Pro (1941–1948)
NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
Chicago Bears Ring of Honor
Two-Way Star (Center & Linebacker)
Interceptions as a linebacker: 17
Recovered multiple fumbles and recorded defensive touchdowns
Missed only ONE game in 13 seasons (138 career games played)
Leader of one of the greatest teams in NFL history (1940s Bears Dynasty)

At the time of his retirement, Turner was considered one of the greatest centers and linebackers in football history, a rare two-way player whose impact could be felt on every play.

The Early Years – From Texas Rancher to Football Phenom

Before Turner became a Chicago Bears icon, he was just a tough kid from Texas with a love for football.

Born in Plains, Texas, in 1919, Turner grew up on a ranch, where he developed his work ethic, toughness, and strength.
He played high school football in Sweetwater, Texas, where he quickly stood out as a dominant lineman.
He attended Hardin-Simmons University, a small school in Abilene, Texas, that was far from a football powerhouse.
Despite playing for a small college, Turner’s size (6’2”, 235 pounds), strength, and instincts caught the attention of George Halas and the Chicago Bears.

In 1940, Halas selected Turner with the 7th overall pick in the NFL Draft, bringing him to Chicago, where he would anchor one of the greatest dynasties in football history.

The Chicago Bears Years – Building a Dynasty

Turner’s arrival in Chicago in 1940 coincided with one of the most dominant stretches in NFL history.

Rookie Season & The 73-0 NFL Championship Game (1940)

Turner made an immediate impact as a rookie, starting at center on offense and linebacker on defense.
His toughness and leadership helped the Bears reach the 1940 NFL Championship Game against Washington.
In one of the most lopsided victories in sports history, the Bears destroyed Washington 73-0, setting the record for the largest margin of victory in a championship game.
Turner’s blocking helped Chicago rush for over 300 yards, and his defensive presence shut down Washington’s offense.

This game cemented the Bears as the most feared team in football and proved that Turner was a future star.

World War II & Continued Dominance (1941–1946)

During the early 1940s, the Bears continued to be the most dominant team in the league, and Turner was their most valuable two-way player.

In 1941, the Bears won back-to-back championships, again defeating Washington.
By 1942, Turner was widely recognized as the best center and linebacker in the league, earning his first All-Pro selection.
Even during World War II, when rosters were depleted, Turner continued to dominate.
In 1943, he led the Bears to yet another NFL Championship, proving that he was the ultimate warrior on both offense and defense.

Turner was a key figure in what many consider one of the greatest dynasties in NFL history, with Chicago winning four titles in seven years.

Turner the Linebacker – The Defensive Playmaker

Although Turner was a Hall of Fame center, his play at linebacker was just as impressive.

He recorded 17 career interceptions, an unheard-of number for a lineman in today’s game.
He was known for his ability to read plays before they happened, making him one of the first true defensive quarterbacks in NFL history.
His defensive leadership was crucial in shutting down some of the best offenses of his era, proving that he was more than just a blocker.

Few players in history have ever been as dominant on both sides of the ball as Turner.

The Later Years & Coaching Career

By the 1950s, Turner had begun to slow down, but his impact on the game was undeniable.

He played until 1952, retiring after 13 legendary seasons.
After retiring, he became a coach, serving as an assistant and later head coach for the Chicago Bears in 1962.
Though his coaching career was short-lived, his influence on offensive line and linebacker play remained profound.

Turner was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, solidifying his place as one of the greatest linemen of all time.

Defining Moments of Turner’s Career

1940 – Drafted by the Bears (7th Overall): Begins his legendary career in Chicago.
1940 – Wins NFL Championship as a Rookie: Helps lead the Bears to a historic 73-0 win over Washington.
1941 – Back-to-Back Championships: Establishes himself as the best lineman in football.
1943 – Leads the Bears to Another Title: Becomes the backbone of the Chicago dynasty.
1946 – Wins Fourth Championship: Finishes one of the greatest dynastic runs in NFL history.
1952 – Retires as One of the Greatest Linemen Ever: Ends 13 seasons of dominance.
1966 – Inducted into the Hall of Fame: Recognized as one of the greatest two-way players in NFL history.

A Legacy That Redefined Football

Bulldog Turner wasn’t just a great player—he was a football pioneer.

He dominated on both sides of the ball, proving that linemen could be elite playmakers.
He was the key piece of one of the NFL’s first great dynasties, helping the Bears win four championships.
His ability to call plays on defense made him one of the first great defensive minds in NFL history.
His toughness, durability, and leadership set the standard for generations of centers and linebackers to follow.