Bulldog Turner
Inducted:
1966
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
237 lb (108 kg)
Born:
March 10, 1919
Plains, Texas, U.S.
Died:
October 30, 1998
Gatesville, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Center
Linebacker
College:
Hardin–Simmons (1937–1939)
Clyde “Bulldog” Turner was one of the most dominant and reliable two-way players of the NFL’s early era. Joining the Chicago Bears in 1940, he immediately became a cornerstone at center and linebacker, combining toughness, intelligence, and rare athleticism for his size. Turner excelled in George Halas’ system, helping guide the Bears to four NFL Championships during the 1940s.
On offense, he was known for his precise snapping and strong blocking; on defense, he was a playmaker with excellent instincts, finishing his career with 17 interceptions—an impressive feat for a linebacker of that era. Turner’s leadership, durability, and consistency made him one of the Bears’ most trusted players throughout his 13 seasons.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, he remains a symbol of Chicago’s championship legacy and a standard for early NFL two-way excellence.
Turner's Awards and Honors
- 4× NFL champion (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946)
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1941–1944, 1946–1948)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1940, 1941, 1950, 1951)
- NFL interceptions leader (1942)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 66 retired
NFL Records
- One of the NFL’s most accomplished two-way players of the 1940s
- Anchored Bears teams that set early standards for dominance
- Among the few centers with double-digit career interceptions
- Key contributor to four championship-winning squads
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1940–1952)
NFL Draft:
1940: 1st round, 7th overall pick
Chicago Bears
Number Worn:
66
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1940–2052)
Games Played:
138
Games Started:
127
Interceptions:
17
Interception yards:
298
Fumble recoveries:
5
Total touchdowns:
4
NFL Championships:
4