Three Chicago Bears legends have been officially confirmed to join the prestigious ranks of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, and Julius Peppers have been selected for induction, marking a significant moment for the Bears franchise.
With their inclusion, the Bears now boast a total of 40 members in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with 32 primarily associated with the team and eight, like Peppers, having worn the Bears uniform at some point in their careers. This achievement solidifies the Bears’ position as the team with the most Hall of Fame inductees.
Bears President & CEO Kevin Warren expressed immense gratitude for the induction of McMichael and Hester, highlighting their transformative impact on the sport and their exemplary representation of the Bears both on and off the field. He also extended congratulations to Peppers for his significant contributions to the team.
McMichael, unfortunately battling ALS, was represented by his wife, Misty, during the NFL Honors ceremony, with a watch party held at their home in Homer Glen, attended by friends and former teammates.
While McMichael and Hester’s inductions were met with emotional reactions from Bears fans, particularly due to McMichael’s health struggles and Hester’s unique role as a special teams player, Peppers’ inclusion further underscored the Bears’ legacy in the NFL.
The announcement of these three Bears greats entering the Hall of Fame fueled speculation that the Bears might participate in the Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio.
Hester’s induction is particularly notable as he becomes the first player primarily recognized for his prowess as a return man. His remarkable career includes 20 total touchdown returns and a memorable touchdown to start Super Bowl XLI.
Peppers, known for his impressive career sack record, notably achieved 37 1/2 of his 159 1/2 sacks during his time with the Bears from 2010-2013.
The last Bears players to be inducted into the Hall of Fame were Jimbo Covert and Ed Sprinkle in 2020, with the ceremony delayed due to the pandemic. Additionally, former Bears player Chuck Howley was inducted with the previous class, having started his career with the Bears before achieving success with the Dallas Cowboys.
The NFL Honors ceremony also recognized other notable figures, including award winners such as Cameron Heyward, Christian McCaffrey, Myles Garrett, C.J. Stroud, Kevin Stefanski, Will Anderson Jr., Joe Flacco, Joe Cardona, Lamar Jackson, Bobby Wagner, and Christian McCaffrey, among others.
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