The Chicago Bears have had positive news over the past few months as GM Ryan Poles worked hard to reshape the roster from the 3-14 mess they were last season. However, the best story of all has come from an unexpected source. Reports surfaced a few weeks ago that the Pro Football Hall of Fame had several senior candidates up for entry. One of them was former Bears start defensive tackle Steve McMichael. Soon he cracked the semifinalist round and then the finalists. It was the closest the franchise legend had ever come.
Not a moment too soon. “Mongo” has battled ALS for a long time, and many fear his time is drawing short. If he doesn’t get it now, he likely won’t be alive the next time he gets a chance. Mercifully, the Hall of Fame voters saw sense. According to former Chicago sports radio personality Dan McNeil, McMichael will be inducted into Canton in 2024. Keep in mind the two men have a friendship going back years. It’s a safe assumption McNeil got the information directly from the man himself.
Steve McMichael helps the Bears make history.
His entry to Canton now makes the 1985 Bears defense the second in NFL history to put four members into the Hall of Fame. The other is the Steel Curtain Pittsburgh Steelers of the 1970s with Joe Greene, Mel Blount, Jack Ham, and Jack Lambert. McMichael joins teammates Mike Singletary, Dan Hampton, and Richard Dent. It is an honor long overdue. This man racked up 95 sacks in his NFL career, the fourth-most of any defensive tackle in history. It’s amazing how underappreciated he was, with only two Pro Bowl nods.
Alas, that can often be the downside of playing with so many great players. Still, that gold jacket belongs to him. He did everything there is for a Hall of Fame player to do, from stats to a championship. It’s wonderful to see it happen while he still has a chance to experience it. The man has battled through one of the most terrifying illnesses known to humanity. Hopefully, this honor helps alleviate some of the pain he deals with. No doubt friends, family, and former teammates will be elated.
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