The Big Lead

'85 Bears LB Otis Wilson Talks Buddy Ryan, Confrontation With Ditka, Super Bowl Shuffle

By Ryan Glasspiegel

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Otis Wilson, a great linebacker for the Bears and Raiders in the 1980’s, has a new book out entitled If These Walls Could Talk: Chicago Bears: Stories from the Chicago Bears Sideline, Locker Room, and Press Box. He joins the podcast this week! We discussed:

  • The dynamic of Buddy Ryan and Mike Ditka coexisting in the Bears’ authority structure.
  • How Buddy Ryan once testified in Wilson’s favor in court in an injury case versus Al Davis, and also submitted a deposition on Wilson’s behalf during his divorce.
  • Wilson’s heated face-to-face confrontation with Mike Ditka
  • How often people ask Wilson about the Super Bowl Shuffle, and how many appearances he makes per year in Chicago 30+ years after winning the title.
  • Leslie Frazier, Mike Singletary, Jeff Fisher, and Ron Rivera becoming head coaches.
  • Wilson’s charitable foundation.

Hope you enjoy!