Nathan Smith

The Pro Football Writers of America have selected Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack and kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson to their All-NFL team.

The honor marks each player's fifth career selection and the second for both Mack and Patterson during their time in Chicago.

Mack led the Bears in sacks for the third straight year with nine. He also recorded 13 quarterback hits, 11 tackles-for-loss, three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries. He contributed in pass coverage as well, breaking up three passes in 16 games and recording one interception against Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins in Week 10.

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Patterson took a larger role in the Bears offense in 2020, tripling his touches from 2019 after spending more time as a running back. However, Patterson was able to maintain his production as a kick returner, leading the league in kickoff return yardage (1,017) and finishing second in average yards per return (29.1).

Patterson's 104-yard kickoff return touchdown in the Week 10 game against the Vikings was the longest in Bears history and enabled him to tie the all-time NFL record of eight career kickoff return TDs with Joshua Cribbs and Leon Washington. The play was the longest kick return in the NFL season.

Patterson is second in NFL history with a 29.8-yard career kickoff return average, trailing only Bears Hall of Famer Gale Sayers (30.6).

The PFWA has selected an All-NFL team since 1966, with a one-year break in 1967.