Chicago Bears' greats McMichael, Hester ready for Hall of Fame induction
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Steve McMichael adjusts his helmet during a 1990 game at Soldier Field. Photo: Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
On Saturday, two legendary Chicago Bears will be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
The big picture: Steve "Mongo" McMichael and Devin Hester delighted Bears fans for years and their accomplishments will finally be recognized.
- A third Bear, Julius Peppers, will also be enshrined, but he is more known for his time as a Carolina Panther.
Fun fact: The Bears have the most players of any team inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Zoom out: Both of these players represent generations of winning teams. McMichael was an integral part of the 1985 Super Bowl champs, playing on a defensive line that is considered one of the best in NFL history. That team now has six Hall of Famers.
The intrigue: It took years for McMichael to be voted in, getting the nod from the Hall of Fame's seniors committee, which elects players who may have been overlooked in the past.
Zoom in: McMichael, who is fighting ALS and has been in and out of intensive care this year, will not attend the event. Jarrett Payton, Walter Payton's son, will speak for him.
Yes, but: The Hall of Fame will reportedly travel to his suburban Chicago home to personally deliver his jacket and bust during the televised ceremony. The Hall president will be joined by McMichael's family and his former teammates, Hall of Famers Richard Dent and Jimbo Covert.
Hester's wait was much quicker, but he still was passed over for two years before being voted in this year. Hester's kickoff and punt returns set NFL records and his rookie season was highlighted by a return for a touchdown on the opening play of the 2007 Super Bowl.
- Hester will be introduced by his mother, Juanita Brown.
The bottom line: Bears fans knew these two players were great, but now their greatness will be enshrined in history.
How to watch: The ceremony will broadcast Saturday at 11am on ESPN and NFL Network.