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Former Chicago Bears’ Coach Dick Stanfel Up for Hall of Fame

By Bill Zimmerman

Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of Super Bowl XX championship ring to commemorate the Chicago Bears 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots on January 26, 1986 on display at the NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sport
Jan 29, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; General view of Super Bowl XX championship ring to commemorate the Chicago Bears 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots on January 26, 1986 on display at the NFL Experience at the Phoenix Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sport /
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On June 22, 2015, Dick Stanfel passed away. It was noted at the bottom of a couple columns and might have been a small blurb on NFL.Com. It was barely recognized by the NFL community and that was a mistake. Because Dick Stanfel had a tremendous NFL career.

Stanfel was one of the great offensive linemen in the 1950s. He was a standout for both the Detroit Lions and Washington Redskins. He earned 5 Pro Bowl nominations and was named first team All- Pro in 5 of his 7 NFL seasons. Stanfel was one of the cornerstones of the Lions two NFL championship teams and was also named one of the 70 greatest Redskins in team history.

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After his playing career, Stanfel got into coaching. Stanfel was an offensive line coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and New Orleans Saints before joining the Chicago Bears coaching staff as their offensive line coach in 1981. Stanfel’s coaching helped mold one of the best offensive lines in the league. That line with All-Pros Jay Hilgenberg and Jimbo Covert to go with standouts Keith Van Horne, Tom Thayer, and Mark Bortz helped create one of the league’s most formidable five that helped lead a dominating running game opening holes for Walter Payton.

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Stanfel’s contributions to the Bears in the 1980s cannot be overlooked culminating in, of course, the Bears historic Super Bowl championship in 1985.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame will be announcing its new class on Saturday and Dick Stanfel is one of two members up for election via the senior committee. The other is former Raiders QB Ken Stabler who many believe should have been in the hall of fame years ago. While Stabler will get all the publicity about his hall of fame chances, it’s Stanfel that actually has the more impressive resume. While Stanfel will not be considered for any of his coaching accolades, his tremendous play on the field in the 1950s is more than enough reason for him to earn enshrinement into Canton this weekend.

If Stanfel’s name is called on Saturday, it should be something that brings a smile to most Bears fans. While I’m sure it will be quite bittersweet for Stanfel’s family and friends if he earns a spot in Canton after being eligible for over 50 years just seven months after his passing. It’s still an honor, even if it is a late honor.

While most Bears fans won’t even give Stanfel a second look if his name is called on Saturday, this particular Bears fan will be hoping nothing but the best for Dick Stanfel, a true legend of the game.

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