Wilber Marshall, Jay Hilgenberg among 6 former Bears nominated for Hall of Fame in seniors category

Pro Football Hall of Fame voters will consider 183 nominees from the seniors category for 2025 induction, including six former Bears.

Linebacker Wilber Marshall and center Jay Hilgenberg are seeking to join the seven members of the 1985 Bears championship already in the Hall of Fame. Defensive tackle Steve McMichael was added this year.

The voters also will decide on four players from the franchise's earlier eras: linebacker Joe Fortunato (1955 through '66), running back Willie Galimore ('57 through '63), wide receiver Ken Kavanaugh ('40 through '50) and cornerback Dave Whitsell ('61 through '66).

Nominees had to be at least 25 years removed from their last season, and the seniors screening committee will cut the list to 50 over the next few weeks. McMichael made it via this route.

Hilgenberg, now 65, was one of nine Pro Bowl selections on the '85 team and played for the Bears from 1981 through '91 before finishing his career with one season with the Browns and one with the Saints. He made seven consecutive Pro Bowls for the Bears and was All-Pro in 1988 and '89.

Marshall, 62, spent just four seasons with the Bears, from 1984 through '87, but it was a great run. In addition to winning the Super Bowl, he was All-Pro in 1986 and made the Pro Bowl in '87. He also made Pro Bowl and All-Pro for Washington in 1992.