Jim Covert - NFL Career

NFL Career

Covert was drafted by the Chicago Bears with the sixth selection of the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He became an immediate starter at the critical left tackle position and anchored the Bears offensive line throughout the 1980s.

The Bears went from 26th in total offense in 1982 to sixth in the league in 1983. Covert’s addition to the Bears starting lineup began a string of record-setting rushing titles – the Chicago Bears led the league in rushing a record-setting four consecutive seasons, from 1983–1986, which tied the all-time mark, set by the 1939-42 Chicago Bears. The Bears finished second in rushing twice, 1989 and 1990, and third once, 1988, during Covert’s career.

In Covert’s second year in the league, he was elected by his teammates to be the Bears offensive captain, along with running back Walter Payton. That year, he was named All-Pro by Sports Illustrated and was ranked by many as one of the best tackles in professional football. In Covert’s third year, he was named consensus All-Pro, made first-team All-NFL, was selected to the Pro Bowl, and was named 1985 National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year. The 1985 Chicago Bears also won Super Bowl XX.

During Covert’s career, he was named to an All-Pro team four straight years (1984–1987), a first- or second-team All-NFC selection four times (1985–1987, 1990), and a first- or second-team All-NFL selection three times. Covert was a consensus All-NFL and All-Pro pick in 1985 and 1986. He was selected to two Pro Bowls, in 1985 and 1986. In 1986, he was selected as the Miller Lite NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year.

In 1990, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Selectors selected Covert to the NFL All-Decade Team. With Covert on the team, the Bears won six NFL Central Division titles and played in three NFC Championship games, along with the Super Bowl win.

Covert’s last season was 1990. In 1991, he was placed on injured reserve for the entire season following back surgery, and he announced his retirement from the NFL soon after.