Tag: Steve McMichael

Bears made history with the 2024 Hall of Fame class

The Chicago Bears had three of their players make the Hall of Fame on Thursday night.

The Chicago Bears haven’t done a lot of winning over their history, but they have produced plenty of legends in the game. That was put on display on Thursday night when the 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class was announced, and three Bears were selected — Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, and Julius Peppers.

This was a great announcement for Bears fans. We all remember how good a guy like Peppers was during his four seasons with the team. He spent some time with other teams (Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers), but some of his best seasons came while wearing the navy and orange.

McMichael played 13 of his 15 seasons (1981-1993) with Chicago. That means he was on the legendary 1985 team that won the Super Bowl. He was diagnosed with ALS in Jan. 2021, and his health has deteriorated over the past few years. But his push for the Hall of Fame kept him fighting.

Hester is the greatest kick returner in the history of the NFL. He was a mediocre wide receiver but an exceptional return man. He changed the way that position is viewed forever. Even when he didn’t find the endzone, the offense found itself in good field position.

This Hall of Fame class was historical. It was the first time that three players, who spent at least four seasons with the same team, were inducted into the Hall of Fame from the same class since 2000 (San Francisco 49ers).

This is very cool for Bears fans. Seeing their players make it to the Hall of Fame is always special. Being alive to see one of these all-time great Bears representations is extra special. All of these guys were memorable in their way and deserve this recognition.

As a class like this comes out with all of this Bears representation, you can’t help but hope that more greatness is on the way soon. Chicago is trying to build a winner and it would be nice to see them produce a few Hall of Fame-type talents in the not-so-distant future. It would be nice to see all of the festivities that come from this announcement motivate the modern-day Bears to become great, as well.

’85 Bears react to Steve McMichael being named to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Steve McMichael is the seventh member of the 1985 Bears to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Chicago Bears great Steve McMichael has done his waiting, but he’s finally joining his 1985 Bears teammates in football immortality. McMichael was one of three Bears named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024, along with Devin Hester and Julius Peppers.

McMichael becomes the seventh member of the ’85 Bears to be inducted into the Hall of Fame — joining Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton, Richard Dent, Jim Covert and Mike Dikta.

McMichael is the fourth player from the legendary ’85 Bears defense, widely considered to be the greatest ever, to be enshrined.

“For Steve to be in the Hall of Fame, it means that we’re together again in a place that no one can take away from him,” Singletary told the Sun-Times. “In the football world, he’s finally home.”

McMichael has been waiting a long time to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, and unfortunately time isn’t on his side. McMichael has been battling ALS for the last couple of years. He revealed his diagnosis in April 2021, and he’s now full paralyzed and lost his voice.

“It’s a victory with an asterisk,” former Bears safety Gary Fencik said. “We’re happy and celebrating success, but we’re also looking at Steve’s condition.”

McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears, where he was a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team. McMichael was a two-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Second Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. His 92.5 sacks ranks second in franchise history, behind only fellow Hall of Famer Dent (124.5).

“I’m not sure Steve really saw himself as a special player, but the greatest asset that Steve McMichael brought to our team was consistency,” Singletary said. “He was not really concerned about stats. The most important thing was that you always knew, come hell or high water, Steve was gonna do his job.

“For a middle linebacker, I always knew he was gonna be where he was supposed to be, and that takes all the second-guessing out of it. It makes you play that much faster. It makes all the difference in the world.”

McMichael’s wife, Misty, has said the push for the Hall of Fame has been inspiration for him to keep fighting.

“It’s gonna mean the world to them,” said Jim McMahon. “Maybe now he can let go. How he’s survived this long, I don’t know. He’s been through so much, and he’s still here. Hopefully now he hears great news and he can go in peace.”

Bears chairman George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren congratulate team’s Hall of Fame inductees

Bears chairman George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren had words of appreciation for Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, and Julius Peppers.

Chicago Bears greats Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Devin Hester, and Julius Peppers were officially elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the NFL Honors Night on Thursday. McMichael and Hester spent the vast majority of their careers in Chicago, while Peppers had four impactful years with the Bears. The other inductees include Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, and Randy Gradishar. Hester and Peppers were on hand in Las Vegas for the announcement, while McMichael was represented by his wife, Misty. McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021.

Congratulations have been pouring in across social media, and the Bears brass made sure to give their kudos to these legendary players who shined on the lakefront for a number of years. Chairman George McCaskey had words of appreciation for all three inductees via Larry Mayer of the Bears website.

On McMichael, who spent 13 seasons with the Bears, totaled 92.5 career sacks, and was a key component of the 1985 Super Bowl team:

“This honor is well deserved and long overdue and we are so happy for Steve and his family. To be cut by a team early in your career and then go on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a tremendous accomplishment.  Steve showed us all what can be achieved through grit, toughness and hard work, and he has earned his place among game’s immortals.”

On Hester, who became the most dynamic return specialist almost immediately when he was drafted in 2006 and holds multiple special teams records:

“Devin revolutionized the game. No one had seen anything like him, and there hasn’t been anyone like him since. He had opposing head coaches telling their special teams coordinators ‘don’t kick to that guy’ and they suffered the consequences when the message didn’t get through. We’re delighted that the Hall has recognized Devin’s special talents.”

On Peppers, who was a Bear from 2010–2013 and made three Pro Bowls during that time:

“Julius was one of the best free-agent signings in Bears history, and a dominant player on the field. Our congratulations to him.”

In addition to McCaskey, Bears president Kevin Warren also shared his congratulations to all three players on their achievement:

“We are ecstatic and extremely grateful that both Steve McMichael and Devin Hester have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both of these men were transformative football players who have always represented themselves, their families and the Chicago Bears with dignity, class and grace. Having Steve and Devin become the 31st and 32nd members of our franchise enshrined into Canton is very memorable and special. We would also like to congratulate Julius Peppers on his enshrinement and we deeply appreciate his positive impact on the Chicago Bears.”

All three players will be enshrined this August in Canton, Ohio.

2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class: Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael

The 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame class: Dwight Freeney, Devin Hester, Andre Johnson, Julius Peppers, Patrick Willis, Randy Gradishar, Steve McMichael.

The NFL has announced the men who will find themselves enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame for the 2024 class. In total, five finalists made it from the active class, and two from the senior group.[anyclip-media thumbnail=”undefined” playlistId=”undefined” content=”dW5kZWZpbmVk”][/anyclip-media]

Bears greats Devin Hester, Julius Peppers, Steve McMichael named to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Three Chicago Bears legends are officially on their way to football immortality.

Three Chicago Bears legends are officially on their way to football immortality. Return specialist Devin Hester, defensive end Julius Peppers, and defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael were all named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 during the NFL Honors night on Thursday. The three players will be enshrined in Canton, Ohio, this August.

Hester goes into the Hall of Fame in his third year of eligibility after being a finalist the last two years. The legendary Bears return specialist changed the game when he was drafted in 2006, setting various records for both kickoff and punt returns throughout his career. The former All-Pro holds records for most career return touchdowns (20), most career punt return touchdowns (14), and most return touchdowns in a single season (6). He also made both the 2000s and 2010s All-Decade Teams. Hester played for the Bears from 2006 to 2013.

Peppers, meanwhile, spent the majority of his career with the Carolina Panthers but was a Bear for four seasons from 2010 to 2013. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2010 and made three Pro Bowls while with the Bears, helping lead them to the 2010 NFC Championship game. Peppers has the fifth-most sacks in NFL history with 159.5, 37.5 of which came with the Bears. He made the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility.

Last but not least, McMichael goes in as a senior member of the Hall of Fame. He was voted as a finalist over the summer and was all but guaranteed a spot in Canton. Now it finally comes to fruition. McMichael, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, spent 13 of his 15 years in the NFL with the Bears. McMichael totaled 92.5 career sacks, was named First-Team All-Pro twice and Second-Team All-Pro three times and played a crucial role on the 1985 Super Bowl defense. McMichael is now the sixth member of that vaunted team to make it to the Hall of Fame.

Hester, Peppers, and McMichael are joined by Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Randy Gradishar and Patrick Willis.

Bear Necessities: Injuries continue to mount, Steve McMichael one step closer to Canton

Cole Kmet is the latest injury concern for the Bears and Steve McMichael is all but a lock for Canton. We recap Wednesday’s headlines.

This is our online morning newsletter, Bear Necessities. Subscribe to get the latest Bears news delivered to your mailbox every day.

What’s the latest with the Chicago Bears?

The Bears’ injury list continues to grow with tight end Cole Kmet as the latest addition. Kmet left practice early on Wednesday with an apparent injury, and his status is unknown. But there was good news in Bears country as Steve “Mongo” McMichael was selected as a senior finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024, which means he’s all but a lock.

Here’s a look at the most recent and relevant Bears stories for the morning of Aug. 24.

Bears Twitter reacts to Steve McMichael being named finalist for Hall of Fame

Steve McMichael has been named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Here’s how Bears fans reacted:

Bears great defensive tackle Steve McMichael is one step closer to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

McMichael was named one of three senior finalists for the Hall of Fame following a vote on Tuesday. While McMichael still needs to be voted through into the Class of 2024 — which will happen in February — the three semifinalists, also including Randy Gradishar and Art Powell, are all but guaranteed to be voted into the Hall.

McMichael, known as “Mongo,” was a force during his 13-year career with Chicago, where he played a huge role in the dominance of the 1985 Bears. McMichael was a two-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Second Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. His 92.5 career sacks ranks second in franchise history, behind only Richard Dent (124.5).

Many of McMichael’s former teammates, including Richard Dent, have argued he should already be in the Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately, McMichael has been battling ALS for the last couple of years. He revealed his diagnosis in April 2021, and he’s now fully paralyzed and lost his voice. But his wife, Misty, revealed that his push for the Hall of Fame has helped extend his life. Now, he’s one step closer to joining his Bears brothers in Canton.

As you can imagine, Bears fans were quite excited by the news that McMichael is now on the precipice of being enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

Bears’ Steve McMichael named finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame

Legendary Bears DT Steve McMichael is all but guaranteed enshrinement in Canton.

Legendary Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve “Mongo” McMichael is on the doorstep of football immortality.

McMichael was officially named one of three senior finalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday. The seniors committee voted a day earlier to determine the finalists, who will almost certainly join the Hall of Fame when the full selection committee votes in February.

McMichael was a member of the Bears for 13 years and was a key component of the 1985 Super Bowl team. Mongo ranks second in team history with 92.5 career sacks, trailing only Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Dent. McMichael is third in tackles with 814. He was named first-team All-Pro twice and second-team All-Pro three times, and made two Pro Bowls.

The news of McMichael’s likely induction is special for multiple reasons. For one, a deserving member of the vaunted Bears defense of the 1980s finally gets the recognition he deserves.

But it’s also a gratifying moment for McMichael and his wife, Misty, with the former NFL star having battled ALS for more than two years. McMichael was diagnosed in the spring of 2021, and he lost his ability to speak, along with the movement of his muscles. Things almost took a turn for the worse recently, too.

A couple of weeks ago, McMichael lost consciousness while suffering from pneumonia and sepsis. He’s now back at home, and Misty credits the push for the Hall as something that extended his life.

“He would have died at home if it wasn’t for the nomination,” she told Patrick Finley of the Chicago Sun-Times. “He was dying in front of us. We ripped up the DNR [do-not-resuscitate order] because of the nomination. He has to live to see this.”

At long last, McMichael was able to see it and the induction to Canton, Ohio is all but final. The other senior finalists are Randy Gradishar and Art Powell.

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Steve McMichael’s family provides update following his hospitalization

Steve McMichael was hospitalized Thursday night due to sepsis and pneumonia. Here’s an update from his family on his condition.

Bears great Steve McMichael was hospitalized Thursday night due to sepsis and pneumonia, his wife Misty shared in an Instagram post Friday.

McMichael was admitted into the intensive care unit.

McMichael’s family passed along an update after he was hospitalized Friday, via WGN’s Larry Hawley:

He may spend about a week in hospital they are waiting on blood and sputum cultures but he is awake and alert and should be fine while he is fighting pneumonia & sepsis.

McMichael is improving — and the sepsis is gone — but will remain in the ICU for a few more days, per Dan Wiederer.

“He’s as feisty as ever,” Misty said. “Our Mongo is back! Please keep the prayers coming.”

McMichael has been battling ALS for the last couple of years. He revealed his diagnosis in April 2021, and he’s now full paralyzed and lost his voice.

It was recently announced that McMichael is among 12 senior semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The senior committee will meet later this month to determined three finalists to be considered for the Class of 2024.

“Steve is living to see the day he is finally enshrined,” said Betsy Shepherd, his publicist and friend of 23 years, via Wiederer.

McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears, where he was a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team. McMichael was a two-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Second Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. His 92.5 career sacks ranks second in franchise history, behind only Richard Dent (124.5).

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Bears legend Steve McMichael among 12 senior semifinalists for Hall of Fame

Bears great Steve McMichael is one step closer to Canton.

Bears legendary defensive tackle Steve McMichael is one step closer to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

McMichael was named among 12 semifinalists in the Seniors category for the Hall of Fame Class of 2024.

McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears, where he was a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team. McMichael was a two-time First Team All-Pro, three-time Second Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler. His 92.5 career sacks ranks second in franchise history, behind only Richard Dent (124.5).

The other senior finalists include Ken Anderson, Maxie Baughan, Roger Craig, Randy Gradishar, Joe Jacoby, Albert Lewis, Steve McMichael, Eddie Meador, Art Powell, Sterling Sharpe, Otis Taylor and Al Wistert.

Next month, the Hall of Fame Senior Committee will select up to three of 12 finalists to be voted on. Those finalists will be announced on Aug. 22.

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