Three Chicago Bears Part of 2024 NFL Hall of Fame Class
The reports that began flowing out of Las Vegas on Wednesday were officially confirmed Thursday night with the word that all three Chicago Bears players on the Hall of Fame final ballot will be enshrined in Canton this summer.
Pro Football Hall of Fame, Class of 2024:
🏈Julius Peppers
🏈Devin Hester
🏈Dwight Freeney
🏈Andre Johnson
🏈Patrick Willis
🏈Steve McMichael
🏈Randy Gradishar— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 9, 2024
Julius Peppers played 17 NFL seasons in Carolina, Green Bay, and Chicago collecting 159.5 sacks from the defensive end position. 37.5 of those quarterback takedowns occurred when he was wearing a Bears uniform between 2010-13. The North Carolina product made three Pro Bowls in Chicago and was a first-team All-Pro in 2010 when he anchored the defense that made it to the NFC Championship Game.
It’s official – Julius Peppers is headed to Canton! 👏 pic.twitter.com/LCGVr9ugKN
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 9, 2024
Steve McMichael played 12 of his 14 total seasons in a Bears uniform as the physical defensive tackle in the heart of the famed 46 defense. Mongo had 95 career sacks and was a terrific run stuffer playing a key role on the 1985 Super Bowl champions. The third round pick out of Texas was a two-time All-Pro.
McMichael was a very colorful personality off the field becoming a professional wrestler after retiring in 1994. His induction will be a very poignant event as he battles ALS and there was a big campaign to get him into the Hall this year.
No one more deserving. Congrats, Mongo! 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/TjxmWjHYqx
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 9, 2024
Devin Hester is arguably the greatest kick returner in NFL history with 19 total return touchdowns in 11 seasons. 18 of those returns were during his eight years in Chicago where he was a second round pick out of the University of Miami in 2006. He was a revelation in his rookie year running back five kicks as the Bears made Super Bowl 41 against the Colts.
Hester famously ran back the opening kick in that Super Bowl in what would ultimately be losing effort. 2007 was an even more impressive season for the cornerback/wide receiver with six return scores. He would also compile 17 touchdowns as a wide receiver giving him 36 total.
The wait is over.@D_Hest23 is headed to the Pro Football Hall of Fame! pic.twitter.com/FoXXVgBeBx
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) February 9, 2024
The induction ceremony is Saturday, August 3 in Canton, Ohio and there is likely to be a large contingent of Bears fans in attendance.
