Before announcing that the Bears were drafting tight end Colston Loveland Thursday night, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell honored two of the franchise's Hall of Famers.
First, Goodell offered condolences to Steve McMichael's wife, Misty, and the rest of his family one day after the former defensive tackle had passed away at the age of 67 following a long battle with ALS.
"My heart is with the McMichael family during this incredibly difficult time," Goodell said on the draft stage in Green Bay. "Misty, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Mongo's remarkable contributions to the game and the community will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come."
McMichael spent 13 seasons with the Bears, appearing in a franchise-record 191 consecutive games. He ranks second in team history with 92.5 sacks, helped the Bears win six division titles and was an instrumental part of a 1985 Super Bowl championship defense that many consider to be the best in NFL history.
In addition, everyone in the Bears' draft room wore McMichael lapel pins, including general manager Ryan Poles and coach Ben Johnson.
McMichael was also honored with a moment of silence at the Bears' Miller Lite Draft Party at Soldier Field. The moment of silence led by Bears radio play-by-play broadcaster Jeff Joniak, who was joined on stage by Bears radio analyst Tom Thayer, former receiver Tom Waddle and ESPN 1000's Marc "Silvy" Silverman.
Goodell followed by recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Bears drafting star running back Walter Payton, who was chosen with the fourth overall pick in 1975.
Payton spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears from 1975-87, missing just one game and retiring as the league's all-time leading rusher with 16,726 yards. He was voted to nine Pro Bowls—second to Mike Singletary's 10 in Bears history—set 27 team records and had his No. 34 retired.
Like McMichael, Payton was a key member of the famed 1985 Bears, who will celebrate the 40th anniversary of their magical Super Bowl championship season this year.
"Walter would go on to rush for nearly 17,000 yards and 110 touchdowns over 13 seasons, all with the Chicago Bears," Goodell said. "As you heard earlier, the NFL continues to honor 'Sweetness' not only for his performance and excellence on the field but also his commitment to give back to his community with the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award."
