Neighborhood News: On NFL Induction Weekend, Chicago Bears Hall of Famers made their mark
This is a big weekend for former Chicago Bears greats: linebacker Steve ‘Mongo’ McMichael, defensive end Julius Peppers, and return specialist/wide receiver Devin Hesterin Canton, Ohio, the home of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
They’re being recognized as the best of the best football players of their time, nominated and approved by their peers.
Not only do these former Bears players distinguish themselves for the city of Chicago….the current roster of the Bears kicked off the 2024-25 preseason with a thunderstorm-shortened 21-17 victory over the Houston Texans in the annual Hall of Fame game.
What is the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Located in Canton, Ohio, the Hall of Fame pays tribute to “the talents and triumphs of pro football’s greatest legends.” As their website notes, chronicled within the walls of the Hall of Fame are “the stories and circumstances of play that bring to life words such as courage, dedication, vision, fair play, integrity and excellence.”
It’s located in Canton, Ohio, for three primary reasons:
- The American Professional Football Association, later renamed the National Football League, was founded in Canton on Sept. 17, 1920.
- The Canton Bulldogs were an early pro football power, even before the days of the NFL. They were also the first two-time champion of the NFL, in 1922 and 1923.
- Jim Thorpe, the Olympian considered the greatest athlete of the 20th Century, was the first big-name athlete to play with the Bulldogs, starting in 1915.
- Canton citizens early in the 1960s launched a determined and well-organized campaign to earn the site designation for their city.
First Bears elected in Inaugural Year 1963
As the HOF website says, the Chicago Bears are one of two charter members of the NFL still in existence. Almost all of the successes on and off the field for the Bears from its beginnings through 1983 can be attributed to George “Papa Bear” Halas.
In 2024, McMichael, Peppers and Hester are joining 37 other Chicago Bears players who have made their mark on the history of the game, the most members of any pro football team. With a franchise that dates back to the inaugural days of the NFL, it’s no surprise that multiple generations of Chicago Bears players have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The first Bears elected to the Hall of Fame in its inaugural year of 1963 were halfback Red Grange, owner/coach Halas, and fullback Bronko Nagurski.
All 37 of the Bears in the Hall of Fame were part of the Bears’ illustrious past, including (pre-Super Bowl) nine NFL Championships in 1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, and 1963, as members of the ‘Super Bowl’ Bears ‘ 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986, in Super Bowl XLI against the Indianapolis Colts, where the Bears were defeated 29-17, or part of their NFC North Division Championships in 2005, 2006, 2010, and 2018.
Among the best remembered are middle linebacker Dick Butkus, who spent nine seasons making 22 interceptions and 27 fumble recoveries. “Dick had drive, meanness, a consuming desire to pursue, tackle and manhandle – anything he could do to thwart the enemy on every play,” according to the Hall of Fame website.
Running back Walter Payton developed into a superstar of unusual dimensions during his 13 seasons, from 1975 to 1987. The records he held at the time of his retirement included 16,726 total yards, 10 seasons with 1,000 or more yards rushing, 275 yards rushing in one game against Minnesota (1977), 77 games with more than 100 yards rushing, and 110 rushing touchdowns.
LinebackerBrian Urlacheralso played13 seasons, from 2000-2012.In his 182 career games, Urlacher had 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns, as well as 90 passes defensed, 12 forced fumbles and 16 fumble recoveries. Additionally, he made 1,358 tackles, including 44 games with 10 or more tackles.
For more information about the Chicago Bears in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, click here.
Alison Moran-Powers and Dean’s Team Chicago
