Atkins, Douglas L.
Football
b. May 8, 1930, Humboldt, TN
Atkins went to the University of Tennessee on a basketball scholarship and was also a high jumper. He was talked into going out for football by Coach Bob Neyland and was named to some All-American teams as a tackle in 1952.
Drafted in the first round by the NFL's Cleveland Browns in 1953, the 6-foot-8, 275-pound Atkins was moved to defensive end. His combination of size, speed, and agility made him a premier pass rusher. Atkins could overpower blockers who tried to take him on high and he often leaped over blockers who tried to cut him down. Quarterback Fran Tarkenton once said of him, "If he gets to you, the whole world suddenly starts spinning."
After two seasons with the Browns, Atkins was traded to the Chicago Bears in 1955. He spent 12 seasons there, was an All-Pro in 1960 and 1963, and played in 8 Pro Bowls. After the 1966 season, Atkins demanded a trade and was sent to the New Orleans Saints, where he finished his career in 1969.