Top Ten Chicago Accessories

Over the years Chicago has been home to some of the most unique and memorable athletes that will always be lodged into our memory banks. Often times there are certain accessories outside of the usual athletic garb that grab our attention and receive as much adoration as the player.

10. Brian Cox - Up-and-Down Neckroll

The neckroll isn't used as much as it once was by NFL players. But when Cox came to the Bears before the start of the 1996 campaign, fans always knew where he was on the field thanks in large part to the enormous backboard behind his head. Unfortunately Cox made for a better quote than a linebacker.

9. Eddie Belfour - Goalie Helmet

Hawks goalie Eddie Belfour was one of the first to use his helmet as a canvas and brought personality to a position worshiped among Chicago hockey nuts. Many followed suit and now it's gotten to the point where a plain helmet is considered the anomaly.

8. Mark Grace - A Pack of Marlboros

Some guys run to the john in between innings. Some take a couple swings in the cage. But Grace could usually be found sucking down a cancer stick in the bowels of Wrigley Field. But, it didn't affect his play and to this day is regarded as one of the Cubs greatest first baseman of all time.

7. Walter Payton - Headband

"Sweetness" was rarely found roaming the sidelines of Soldier Field without his trademark headband. Next to his Kangaroo shoes, Payton's headband was something every kid growing up watching him had to have on come Sunday.

6. Moises Alou - Urine

(I know I should have used a Moises Alou photo, but this was one just too good)

When word leaked out - no pun intended - that Alou urinated on his hands before stepping up to the plate instead of throwing on a pair of batting gloves, Cubs fans and every other person in Chicago responded with collective disgust. But that feeling subsided as Alou was a key member of the Cubbies' 2003 postseason run.

I think we all remember how that ended right.
(see above picture)

5. Horace Grant - Goggles

A member of the Bulls' first three championship teams, Ho-Grant put "Rec-Specs" on the map in Chicago. Fans flooded to their local optometrist to get themselves hooked up with a set that could be customized to the color of your choice.
Alright, maybe that really didn't happen, but I guarantee it's one of the first things you say when someone asks you what you remember about Ho-Grant.

4. Jim McMahon - Sunglasses

The Punky QB was known for his 'bad boy' persona and the black shades definitely added to that mystique. His antics were treated with adoration by Bears fans and only ended after he left the team and some time later signed with the Green Bay Packers. But McMahon and his ultra cool sunglasses tied back with that ridiculously awesome sunglasses strap made him worthy of this photo with Anthony Michael Hall.

3. George 'Papa Bear' Halas - Black Fedora

Halas was the original icon in pro football that wore the fedora and spawned many impostors along the way. Not too many football players would probably even use the term fedora, but Halas is a legend among men and would still be worshiped today if he instead chose pink ballerina slippers. Every NFL fan in the world owes a debt of gratitude to the man who gave you the NFL and subsequently, fantasy football.

2. Michael Jordan - Air Jordan I

I know what you're thinking.
Shoes can't be an accessory if everyone wears them.

In that regard you are absolutely correct. But M. Jeff changed the rules with the Nike Air Jordan I. This single shoe revolutionized the sports world and the Air Jordan line has taken on a legendary persona of its own. For one's man sneaker to become a global icon is a feat - again with the puns - worthy of an exemption and a necessary inclusion in this list.

1. Harry Caray - Glasses

Over the years it seemed like ol' Harry's glasses kept getting bigger and bigger. I think they even represented how old he was kind of like the rings on a tree.
The lovable Cubbie broadcaster is a legend in this city and this year marked the tenth anniversary of his death. Wherever he is, I can guarantee you he is literally looking down on everyone and wants you to know that you have some mustard on your face.
Damn those glasses are strong....

Honorable Mention: Nomar Garciaparra's batting gloves, Jacque Vaughn's Red Bat, Sammy Sosa's huge knob at the end of his bat, Dan Hampton's neckroll.

By: Matthew Olsen