Jim Covert
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
271 lb (123 kg)
Born:
March 22, 1960
Conway, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Pittsburgh (1978–1982)
Jim Covert was a dominant left tackle for the Chicago Bears in the 1980s, playing a key role in their legendary smash-mouth offense. Drafted sixth overall in 1983 out of the University of Pittsburgh, he became a full-time starter immediately and anchored the line for an NFL-best rushing attack that powered the Bears to a 15‑1 season and a Super Bowl XX victory.
Covert was named a team captain in just his second season and earned All-Pro honors three consecutive years, along with two Pro Bowl selections. Despite a career shortened by injury, he earned a spot on the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1980s and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its Centennial Class in 2020. Covert is remembered for his strength, technique, and leadership—regarded by teammates and opponents alike as one of the best tackles of his era.
Covert's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1985, 1986)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1985, 1986)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1983)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Consensus All-American (1982)
- 2× First-team All-East (1981, 1982)
- Walter Camp Alumni of the Year (1995)
- Pittsburgh Panthers No. 75 retired
NFL Records
- Member of the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- Only offensive lineman from the 1983 draft class inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Started 110 of 111 career games
- Anchored the offensive line for the NFL’s #1 rushing attack
- Blocked for Walter Payton’s final elite seasons
- First Bears offensive lineman named team captain within two years of being drafted.
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1983–1990)
NHL Draft:
1983: 1st round, 6th pick
Chicago Bears
Number Worn:
74
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1983–1990)
Games Played:
111
Games Started:
110
Fumble recoveries:
6
Pro Bowls:
2 (1985, 1986)
First-Team All-Pro:
3 consecutive seasons (1985–1987)
Super Bowls:
1 (Super Bowl XX—1985 season)
NFL All-Decade Team:
1980s
