The glory days may be long gone, but many of the 1985 Super Bowl Bears were back together Friday to share stories and memories of days gone by.
In advance of their 25th anniversary celebration, several '85 Bears legends gathered at the Beverly Country Club for a golf outing to benefit retired NFL players in dire need through the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.
"Just these guys is what I remember," said Jim McMahon. "I was here for seven years and just had a blast with these guys. They're great football players but just a lot of fun outside of that, too."
"I haven't seen some of these guys in 15 years or so, and to be able to get everyone back together and hear all the stories and see the antics of Otis Wilson, McMichael and McMahon and all those guys, it's just a thing -- It's a close-knit group. We're like a fraternity, like brothers, and it's really great to see them," said Bears Super Bowl Wide Receiver willie Gault.
Gridiron Greats have given more than $2 million in financial and medial assistance over the years.
Friday's outing was in advance of the "official" celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Super Bowl XX: Glory Days "Legends of the Chicago Bears," which will be held on Nov. 5 at the Arie Crown Theater.
GLORY DAYS ‘Legends of the Chicago Bears’ tickets go on sale to the public on August 28, 2010 at noon. Tickets prices are $49, $99, $149 and $199. More than 50% of tickets are $99 or less.
Tickets and VIP Packages are available at www.glorydayschicago.com.
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales goes to the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund.
The television broadcast of this evening of storytelling, GLORY DAYS ‘Legends of the Chicago Bears,’ will air on NBC 5 Chicago as a one-hour special, and a half-hour GLORY DAYS ‘Behind-the-Scenes’ show, giving fans at home a taste of the VIP experience at the GLORY DAYS event.
"The Glory Days special promises to be great television for all Bears fans and especially fans of the '85 team said Larry Wert, President NBC Local Media Central and Western Region. "The tough part will be editing the storytelling down to an hour... and of course, the bleeps!”
The program will air on NBC Chicago:
Dec. 4: 7-8 PM
Dec. 19: 12-1 PM
Jan. 15, 2011 : 1:30 PM
GLORY DAYS ‘Behind the Scenes’ 30-minute Special will air on NBC Chicago:
Dec. 12: 11:30-12 PM
Dec. 18: 1-1:30 PM
Dec. 25: 5-5:30 PM
Jan. 15, 2011: 1 PM
Partner radio station, ESPN 1000, will give away two exclusive premium ticket packages every week leading up to GLORY DAYS ‘Legends of the Chicago Bears’ event.
“ESPN 1000 is very excited to be the exclusive radio partner to the celebration surrounding the 25th anniversary of Super Bowl XX. Our association with Coach Ditka should provide for an especially colorful broadcast every Thursday during this NFL season,” said John Cravens, General Manager of ESPN 1000.
GLORY DAYS ‘Legends of the Chicago Bears’ is part of the GLORY DAYS Reunion Roadshow, produced by Legacy Events & Entertainment, showcasing the Legends of Sport from championship teams in the world of sport.
