Top Ten Guys Who Did The Dirty Work

These are the guys that emulate the blue-collar mentality Chicagoans are famous for.

10. Bob McMillen - Chicago Rush (2003-2007)

As the AFL's all-time leading rusher, McMillen doesn't seem like a good fit for this list. However, the AFL is not built on a strong running game and relies heavily on an entertaining aerial attack. In 2004 McMillen led the AFL with 79 rushing attempts; a number surpassed by some NFL backs in only three weeks.

9. Keith Magnuson - Chicago Blackhawks (1976-1979)

Magnuson played his entire career with the Hawks and lit the lamp a grand total of 14 times in three years. 'Maggy' would drop the gloves anytime and played solid defense for the Hawks while amassing the most penalty minutes (1,442) in team history.

8. Lucas Johnson - University of Illinois (1998-2002)

On a team filled with players that would one day end up in the NBA, Johnson was the garbage man on some very good Illini teams. He led the team in floor burns and didn't hesitate to mix it up with the opposition's best players.

7. Mark DeRosa - Chicago Cubs

DeRosa was a crucial part of the Cubs playoff run last season. He played six different positions and hit everywhere in the lineup except for lead-off. Rumors continue to swirl about the Cubs going after the Baltimore Oriole's second baseman Brian Roberts, but doing so will limit DeRosa's playing time even more. But don't worry, Sweet Lou will plug him in somewhere during the year.

6. Andres Nocioni - Chicago Bulls

Nocioni has earned himself quite the reputation around the NBA. He's known for style of defense that can drive guys like Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons and Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat out of their minds. But he plays with the reckless abandon and passion fans of the Bulls have come to expect from the franchise.

5. Matt Suhey - Chicago Bears (1980-89)

The man who paved the way for Walter Payton to break the all-time rushing record, Suhey has endeared himself to the city of Chicago. In his ten years as a Bear, Suhey never complained about not getting the ball and was essential to the 1985 Super Bowl team.

4. Olin Kreutz - Chicago Bears

Kreutz is the unquestioned leader of the Chicgo Bears and has been since stepping onto the scene in 1998. The Hawaiian native has made a name for himself working deep in the trenches of the NFL alongside some of the worst Bears teams in recent memory. While he may drop a snap or two, Bears fans everywhere couldn't imagine this team playing without him.

3. Tadahito Iguchi - Chicago White Sox (2005-2007)

"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOCH"
No longer with the South Side, Iguchi still holds a special place in the hearts of Sox fans despite such a short tenure with the club. During the legendary 2005 World Series Championship season, Iguchi did everything Ozzie could ask of him. Bunting runners over, sacrifice fly balls, hit and runs...you name it and Iguchi was always willing to comply.

2. Dennis Rodman - Chicago Bulls (1995-98)

Known more for his antics off of the field, Rodman was all business when he stepped out onto the court. A lunch pail and hard hat player to the fullest degree, Rodman sucked up rebounds like a hoover and always took great pride in getting in the heads of opposing players like Karl Malone. To this day, I think Malone would fish hook Rodman if he had the opportunity.

1. TOM WADDLE - CHICAGO BEARS (1989-94)


While he may not have the body of an Adonis, Tom Waddle was the representation of every single blue collar value that exists in Chicago today. Never afraid to go across the middle and get his block knocked off, Waddle epitomized the kind of work ethic parents try to instill within their children. Waddle was an undrafted free agent out of Boston College and never gave up until he was catching bombs from legends like P.T. Willis as a member of the Chicago Bears.

By Matthew Olsen