A pair of Chicago Bears icons are semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2024.
Bears owner Virginia McCaskey and legendary defensive tackle Steve McMichael are part of the group of Hall of Fame nominees who fall under the Senior, Coach, and Contributor categories. This group will ultimately be trimmed down to 12 in each group for the next round. That Virginia McCaskey and Steve McMichael are reaching this point is impressive enough. Both make compelling cases for enshrinement and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Steve “Mongo” McMichael was a pro defensive tackle who played from 1980-1994. Mongo’s best years came with the Bears, with the defensive anchor hitting the peak of his powers between 1985-87. During that three-year stretch, McMichael racked up 23 sacks in 44 games. He also made two Pro Bowls and earned first-team All-Pro honors twice. McMichael’s 95.0 sacks as an interior defensive lineman helped transform the position during his playing career. It sure would be nice to see that guy get his due.
Virginia McCaskey has been the team’s principal owner since 1983 after the passing of her father, Papa Bear George Halas. Mrs. McCaskey just turned 100 in January 2023. Her contributions are numerous and her longevity is impressive. This is what we wrote on her 100th birthday:
Mama Bear hitting a milestone birthday today puts so much in perspective for me. Even as she hits the century mark, Mrs. McCaskey remains passionate and optimistic. Mama Bear has seen a lot in her time with the Bears. She has been alive for eight of the team’s nine championships and has known every legend to come through and suit up for the Bears. That includes 30 Hall of Famers such as Walter Payton, Brian Urlacher, Gale Sayers, Red Grange, and others. Let it be known that she has been there for the tough times, too. But she keeps on keeping on. So if she can do it, we can too.
Truly an inspirational figure in NFL and Bears circles.
For more on all of the candidates, you can check this out: