Bears to face Texans in Hall of Fame Game

ORLANDO, Fla. — Three former Bears are heading to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in August. So, too, is the current team.

The Bears will kick off the NFL preseason with an exhibition game against the Texans on Aug. 1 in Canton, Ohio, the league announced Tuesday at its annual meetings. Two days later, the Hall will induct a 2024 class that includes former Bears return star Devin Hester and former Bears defensive linemen Steve McMichael and Julius Peppers.

“To see somebody like Devin, who revolutionized the game, being recognized with induction, and to see someone like Steve, who was cut by another team, make it to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is just a tremendous accomplishment,” chairman George McCaskey said. “Very happy for both of them, and very proud for both of them.”

The Bears will play in the Hall of Fame Game for the first time since 2018, when linebacker Brian Urlacher was enshrined. This will mark the sixth time they’ve played in the game going back to 1968.

They also figure to debut their next quarterback at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. With the No. 1 overall pick in next month’s draft, they’re targeting USC’s Caleb Williams, who would benefit from the early start to training camp afforded the teams who play in Canton. Bears coach Matt Eberflus said he plans to end mandatory minicamp for veteran players a week early. The first day of training camp will be July 20.

“It’s important that you give the veterans the time to get ready,” Eberflus said.