Why Aren't These Chicago Bears In The Hall Of Fame?

Earlier this month, the NFL Hall of Fame released its list of semi-finalists for the Seniors and Coaches/Contributor categories. Two well-deserving Bears made to list. Bears owner Virginia McCaskey is one nominee. And the other is former player and a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team, Steve McMichael.

Both should have been enshrined years ago. McCaskey turned 100 years old this year and has probably seen more games than anyone alive. She has owned the Bears since her father, Hall of Fame enshrinee, George Halas, died in 1983.

Steve McMichael played 13 seasons in Chicago. His 92.5 sacks are second in franchise history. Only fellow teammate Richard Dent has more.

Later this year, the list of semi-finalists for current players under consideration for the Hall of Fame, class of 2023, will be released. Several deserving players who proudly wore the orange and blue should be on that list.

Jay Hilgenberg

For fans under 45, it may be hard to see this name on the list. Jay Hilgenberg started every game at center for the Bears from 1984 through 1992. Jay was selected to the Pro Bowl for seven straight seasons. His teammate, left tackle Jimbo Covert, was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2020, and Jay belongs to join Covert in Canton.

Lance Briggs

Selected in the 3rd round (68th overall) by Chicago in the 2003 draft, Briggs' played his entire career as a Chicago Bear. Four games into his rookie season, Briggs made his first start as the outside linebacker and started every game for 170 straight games until he retired after the 2014 season. Briggs teamed with Brian Urlacher to become one of the most dominant LBs in his era.

Charles Tillman

In the first game of his NFL career, Charles "Peanut" Tillman forced a fumble while covering a punt. He dislodged the ball from return man Jimmy Williams. Over the years, Tillman's uncanny ability to punch the ball and cause a fumble became its own art form. The move became known as the Peanut Punch. Tillman has not played in the NFL since 2015, but every color analyst still uses the term Peanut Punch when discussing a forced fumble. Tillman forced 44 fumbles during his 13 seasons in the NFL.

Devin Hester

When a player is the undisputed best at his position, there is no question they belong in the Hall of Fame. Devin Hester personifies this. No one was ever as dynamic as a return specialist. During Hester's first game in the NFL, on his 4th punt return, Hester raced 84 yards for his first touchdown.

Hester scored on 14 punt returns and five kickoff returns. He also took a missed field goal for a touchdown. His 20 total returns are likely a mark that will never be matched. Hester also became the first player in Super Bowl history to return the opening kickoff for a TD.

Do you have another player you feel deserves a Hall of Fall nod? Please comment below.