While most eyes are on the Super Bowl, the NFL uses this week to reveal the annual inductees to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This year’s class will be announced during the 13th annual NFL Honors ceremony on Thursday, February 8th. The annual event will be broadcast live on NFL Network from 8-10:00 PM Central time.
This year, four player’s that spent time in a Bears uniform are among the 14 finalists:
Jared Allen Defensive End
Allen began his career in Kansas City. playing for the Chiefs from 2004-2007. He then called Minnesota home for 6 seasons, before coming to Chicago. He played for the Bears for two seasons, before ending his career with the Carolina Panthers in 2015.
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His 136 sacks put Allen 12th all-time in the NFL.
Julius Peppers Defensive End
Julius Peppers played most of his career for the Carolina Panther, but he did anchor the defensive line for Chicago from 2010-2013. A fan favorite, Peppers returned to the Panthers for the last two years of his career, and is 4th all-time in the NFL, with 159 1/2 sacks.
Steve McMichael Defensive Tackle
McMichael was the Bears starting defensive tackle for the 1985 Super Bowl champions. McMichael played 13 seasons in a Bears uniform. His 95 1/2 sacks is still 2nd all-time in Chicago history
Devin Hester The Greatest Return Man In NFL History
No rookie other than the great Gale Sayers has ever had a more exhilerating rookie season. In 2006 Hester returned a punt for a TD on opening day. Hester returned the opening kickoff in Super Bowl XLI. He is the only player to return the opening kickoff for a touchdown in Super Bowl history. Counting that score and the missed field goal against the New York Giants in 2006, Hester scored 21 times ruturning kicks in his career.
News and Notes
Bears coaches and scouts have been extremely busy this week. The last two college games of the year are this week. The East-West Shrine game is tonight, followed by the Senior Bowl, which will be played Saturday. Both will be televised live on NFL Network.
Well, Peppers is probably a shoo in. McMichael is very deserving. If the third phase was considered equal, then Hester would have a shot. Until it is, I think not.
Jioha, thanks. I thought he was 4th, but I didn’t want to post it cause I wasn’t positive.
@spank73, McMichael was #1 for defensive tackles when he retired. He’s since been surpassed by John Randle, Warren Sapp and Aaron Donald.
Mongo should’ve made the HOF years ago. He ranks in the top 5 in sacks all time for his position, if I’m not mistaken?