Neal Anderson

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Neal Anderson
'
Position(s):
Running Back
Jersey #(s):
35
Born: August 14, 1964 (1964-08-14) (age 43)
Graceville, Florida
Career Information
Year(s): 19861993
NFL Draft: 1986 / Round: 1 / Pick: 27
College: Florida
Professional Teams
Career Stats
Rushing Yards     6,166
Average     4.1
Touchdowns     51
Stats at NFL.com
Career Highlights and Awards

Neal Anderson (born August 14, 1964 in Graceville, Florida) is a retired American Football player, who played for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League.

Anderson was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first found of the 1986 NFL Draft, after the Bears victorious 1985 season. He was selected to back-up, and eventually succeed Walter Payton, who had claimed many NFL records during his lengthy career. After Payton’s retirement in 1987, Anderson became the team’s starting running back.

His best years came during the late 80s, where he rushed for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons. In all three seasons, Anderson scored over ten touchdowns and averaged over 4 yards per carry. Ultimately, his best season came in 1989, where he rushed for 1,275 yards, received 434 yards, and scored 15 touchdowns. Also, Anderson was selected to play in four Pro Bowls.

Over his short career, Anderson amassed 6,166 rushing yards and scored 71 touchdowns. However, his success was overshadowed by more prominent running backs such as Barry Sanders, Thurman Thomas, and Emmitt Smith. Anderson’s career was shortened by injuries and the Bears’ fall-out during the early nineties. He is currently the Bears’ second leading rusher, behind his predecessor, Walter Payton.

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Preceded by
William Perry
Bears 1st round draft pick
1986
Succeeded by
Jim Harbaugh