Photos: 1985 Bers with Jarrett Payton, son of Walter Payton. (Terrence Antonio James / Tribune) By Fred Mitchell
Oh, the stories they could tell.
And the stories get even better after a quarter of a century of seasoning.
"It's just great to see some of these guys that I haven't seen in 20 years," quarterback Jim McMahon, decked out in a multi-colored sport jacket. "A lot of the guys still live here locally, but a lot of guys just came in. It's like we just left the locker room yesterday, man. It's just a lot of fun. The stories are pretty much the same, but some new ones pop up."
The '85 Bears convened Friday night at the Arie Crown Theatre as part of the Allstate Glory Days event.
Photo gallery: See more photos from the event here.
Mike Ditka hugged former defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan and embraced the notion that bygones should be bygones.
"I was really happy," said Ditka. "I mean we hugged and I think a lot of water has gone under the bridge. I never thought there was any lack of respect on either one of our part. But there was a lack of agreement. Right now, that's the furthest thing from my mind. I was so glad to see him. And I was so glad to see him in good health and be here. It did wonders for me."
Former starting outside linebacker Wilber Marshall was a no-show, citing earlier in the day that a financial disagreement with the Bears stood in the way. William Perry, who has been battling serious health issues, was unable to attend.
"William Perry and Wilber Marshall, and some guys who decided not to make it in...we're still thinking about them, though," said former linebacker Jim Morrissey.
Former safety Dave Duerson said he was pleased to see former cornerback Mike Richardson.
"Mike and I were roommates on the road. Of course we came into the league together. For the two of us getting caught up, that's been special. We've had a lot of phone conversations over past couple of months as well. Just eye-balling Mike has been special with all of the challenges (drug convictions) that he has had and to see that he has come out on the other side stronger and better...I am excited for him, I really am."
Jarrett Payton, the son of the late Walter Payton, was proud to represent "Sweetness" at the event.
"It's an honor because this team was something that we have never ever seen before," said Payton. "To have the '85 Bears and show the love back to this team...they are very deserving of it. And I think my dad would be so happy right now because they put a lot of work into this team. There's a reason the '85 Bears are still talked about to this day and why they are so special to Chicago."
On behalf of the Bears organization, Brian McCaskey handed out gift boxes to the former players in attendance that contained their Bears uniform jerseys.
"Being a rookie on that team was just incredible," said former kicker Kevin Butler, the franchise's all-time leading scorer. "Playing with a lot of your heroes...the year before I was down at Georgia and I found myself up in Chicago playing for the Bears, learning about the history."
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