SundaydleNFL Connections #127, Answers
The full solution: all four groups and the 16 names, sorted from the easiest group to the trickiest.
At least one NFL regular-season appearance for the Bears franchise through 2025; earlier cities count, camps and draft rights do not.
At least one NFL regular-season appearance for the Patriots franchise in 2004. This is a roster connection, not a claim of postseason participation.
Player facts
Corey Dillon: Patriots franchise (2004). Tom Brady: Patriots franchise (2004). Ty Law: Patriots franchise (2004). Willie McGinest: Patriots franchise (2004).
At least 20 official sacks in one NFL regular season through 2025. This is a season milestone, not a career total.
Player facts
Aaron Donald: 20.5 sacks (2018 season). DeMarcus Ware: 20 sacks (2008 season). Lawrence Taylor: 20.5 sacks (1986 season). Myles Garrett: 23 sacks (2025 season).
Won both AP awards during the career. They need not be in the same season or with the same team.
Player facts
Brian Urlacher: AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2000 season; separately, AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2005 season. Charles Woodson: AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 1998 season; separately, AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2009 season. Luke Kuechly: AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2012 season; separately, AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2013 season. Terrell Suggs: AP Defensive Rookie of the Year for the 2003 season; separately, AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2011 season.