1985 Bears Coverage: Rookies shine at talent show

Every day of the 2015 Chicago Bears season, Chicago Sun-Times Sports will revisit its coverage 30 years ago during the 1985 Bears’ run to a Super Bowl title.

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Rookies shine at talent show

Herb Gould

Originally published Aug. 5, 1985

PLATTEVILLE, Wis. – GM Jerry Vainisi, confident that William “the Refrigerator” Perry can be signed soon, believes Steve McMichael will follow once the Icebox cometh. Perry and McMichael, defensive tackles who will compete for the same job, are represented by agent Jim Steiner, and Vainisi thinks Steiner would be reluctant to let one work out while the other holds out. . . . With Richard Dent ready to begin working today, defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan said, “We’ve got a pretty good defensive line here right now. McMichael might have a hard time beating out Henry Waechter if he lets him get his foot in the door.” . . . The holdout of All-Pro safety Todd Bell continues to be the most difficult. Bell’s agent, Howard Slusher, submitted a proposal asking for $950,000, which would be among the top salaries in the

league, Vainisi said.

Hit of the rookie talent show was assistant trainer Brian McCaskey, a gifted standup comedian. In addition to advising Walter Payton “that you look mah-velous in those silky white pants,” McCaskey did takeoffs on trainer Fred Caito, strength coach Clyde Emrich and defensive back coach Jim LaRue that had veterans, rookies and visitors in stitches. . . . Chairman of the board Ed McCaskey sang the “Bear Down” fight song when rookie OG Joe Spivak was having difficulty with

the words.. . . Other rookie show highlights: An enthusiastic M.C. job by DT Curtis Garrett of Illinois State and Oklahoma State TE Barry Hanna’s tongue tricks – hard to describe but definitely worthy of David Letterman’s stupid human tricks.