Chicago Bears defensive end Doug Atkins (81) closes in on Green Bay Packers quarterback Bart Starr (15), both members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, during a 17-0 Packers on October 16, 1966, at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois. Doug Atkins - File Photos (National Football League)

Doug Atkins holds a bust of himself after being inducted into the National Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, Aug. 6, 1982. Atkins played for Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

The four inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame ceremonies in Canton, Ohio, pose with their busts in front of the complex, Aug. 9, 1982. From left: George Musso, Merlin Olsen, Sam Huff and Doug Atkins. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)

New Orleans Saints big defensive end Doug Atkins plays with his bulldog, Rebel, as he relaxes with his wife, Joyce, Dec. 20, 1969 in New Orleans, before the final game of his 17-year career in the National Football League. Atkins, who at 39 has tied the longevity record set by Lou Groza, plans to retire after the Saints-Pittsburgh Sunday. (Associated Press)

Defensive end Doug Atkins of the New Orleans Saints. (National Football League)

Vince Lombardi, left, new coach of Washington Redskins, congratulates Doug Atkins, defensive end of New Orleans Saints, for being awarded first Vince Lombardi Dedication Award, last night at Wisconsin Sports Writers Dinner on Feb. 9, 1969 in Milwaukee. (Associated Press)

Defensive end Doug Atkins of the New Orleans Saints in 1969. (National Football League)

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Doug Atkins answers questions at a press conference before the NFL Pro Bowl, a 16-13 AFC victory on January 31, 1982, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (National Football League)

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees George Musso, Doug Atkins, Merlin Olsen, and Sam Huff at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 16-13 AFC victory on January 31, 1982, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (National Football League)

Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Doug Atkins at the NFL Pro Bowl, a 16-13 AFC victory on January 31, 1982, at Aloha Stadium in Honolulu, Hawaii. (National Football League)

Doug Atkins of the University of Tennessee is seen in 1952. (Associated Press)