He refused to play Mike Singletary, a second-round pick in 1981, prompting former Chicago General Manager Jim Finks to overrule his defensive coordinator.

Singletary was the centerpiece of Buddy Ryan’s legendary “46 Defense,” which led the Bears to a 15–1 season and a dominant Super Bowl XX victory over the New England Patriots in 1985.

Rebuffed by Bears, Mike Singletary embraces next challenge: Reality TV One of the most fearless football players of his era laid atop a bamboo bed in a Panamanian jungle last fall. It was 2 a.m ...

Singletary reveals the origin story of "Samurai Mike" (5:30), before explaining how a note slid underneath Buddy Ryan's door lead to Bears greatness and to the rise of the 46 Defense (7:02).

Ryan's ability to listen to his players is something Singletary has integrated into his coaching philosophy. "I think Buddy allowed us to be able to say, 'Buddy, here's what we can do.

During Singletary’s decorated career as a player, he credits one of his own coaches with much of the Bears’, and his, success – defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan.

During Singletary’s decorated career as a player, he credits one of his own coaches with much of the Bears’, and his, success – defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan.