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Few teams in the NFL possess the rich history the Chicago Bears do.
34 former Bears are currently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, with 27 of those players having made their primary contribution to the game while playing with the organization. In addition to those players, the Bears also have retired 14 numbers.
When the team retired Mike Ditka's No. 89 in 2013 it was noted he would be the last player to have his number retired by the organization. Without the ability to retire anymore numbers, the Bears need to consider instilling a Ring of Honor to properly honor those who made major contributions to the organization but will not be able to have their numbers retired.
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Such teams as the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Baltimore Ravens and Denver Broncos all have a version of a Ring of Honor and the Bears would have plenty candidates to add to their own ring if they were to decide to honor those who are deserving.
So who would make it into the Ring of Honor?
First and foremost, all 14 players who had their numbers retired would be included. Meaning Bronko Nagurski (3), George McAfee (5), George Halas (7), Willie Galimore (28), Walter Payton (34), Gale Sayers (40), Brian Piccolo (41), Sid Luckman (42), Dick Butkus (51), Bill Hewitt (56), Bill George (61), Clyde Turner (66), Red Grange (77) and Ditka (89) would all be honored once again for their contributions to the organization.
Additionally, Hall of Famers without retired numbers—Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary—would also be included in the Ring of Honor.
Lastly, the new candidates.
The Bears at this point could have a near endless amount of options to honor with new candidates. If the Bears want to honor those from the early glory days, linebackers Doug Buffone and Ed O'Bradovich could be options. From the famed mid-1980s team, quarterback Jim McMahon, offensive linemen Jay Hilgenberg and Jim Covert, defensive lineman Steve McMichael and safety Gary Fencik would also be qualified candidates.
When looking to modern times, linebackers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs immediately come to mind. In addition to that duo, cornerback Charles Tillman and safety Mike Brown would make logical choices.
The Bears' rich history in this circumstance is both a blessing and a curse. Having an organization stacked with tremendous talent is obviously a good look for the team, but honoring all of the appropriate candidates would take a fair amount of time spread across multiple seasons.
In the end, Chicago should embrace its rich history and honor those who gave their all for one of the most storied franchises in NFL history.
Proposal: Bears need a Ring of Honor
Moderator: wab
- wab
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I guess I get #89 but the only number I think should've been retired that wasn't was Singletary.
- Mikefive
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I would choose Jim Covert.wab wrote:I guess I get #89 but the only number I think should've been retired that wasn't was Singletary.
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- Moriarty
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Briggs was vastly overrated
Mongo was vastly underrated
If Brown's career was 10 yrs or so, sure, but he wasn't legendary enough to qualify on that brief little blip of a career he had.
Mongo was vastly underrated
If Brown's career was 10 yrs or so, sure, but he wasn't legendary enough to qualify on that brief little blip of a career he had.
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- Atkins&Rebel
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#81 needs to be up there! Doug was a legend, even if somewhat forgotten.
I would also include Devin Hester at some point. He was electric for what he was.
And 2 game winning OT TD's in 1 season...yeah Mike Brown was everything to this defense and should be recognized
Mongo and Briggs were indeed over rated by far.
I would also include Devin Hester at some point. He was electric for what he was.
And 2 game winning OT TD's in 1 season...yeah Mike Brown was everything to this defense and should be recognized
Mongo and Briggs were indeed over rated by far.
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Previous poster said Mongo vastly underrated...not overratedAtkins&Rebel wrote:#81 needs to be up there! Doug was a legend, even if somewhat forgotten.
I would also include Devin Hester at some point. He was electric for what he was.
And 2 game winning OT TD's in 1 season...yeah Mike Brown was everything to this defense and should be recognized
Mongo and Briggs were indeed over rated by far.
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- Boris13c
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the Park District will likely come up with some half-assed reason of another as to why this can't be done
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I get why they stopped retiring number. They need enough for the roster...
But I do like the idea of a ring of honor. The mezzanine does have kind of a shrine-ish feel too it though.
But I do like the idea of a ring of honor. The mezzanine does have kind of a shrine-ish feel too it though.