4 former Chicago Bears headline 2024 Hall of Fame candidates
By Peter Jurich
Chicago Bears receiver Brandon Marshall had a record-setting NFL career
Another player who will be eligible for the Hall of Fame for the first time in 2024 is former Chicago Bears receiver, Brandon Marshall. Marshall played in Chicago for three seasons between 2012 and 2014, racking up 279 receptions for 3,524 yards and 31 touchdowns. For those categories, respectively, that puts him at 10th, 13th, and fifth all-time in Bears’ history. Over his career, Marshall finished 16th all-time in receptions and top 25 all-time in both receiving yards and touchdowns.
Brandon Marshall’s time with Chicago was only a small part of his 13-year NFL career, but Bears fans will fondly remember the offense that included Marshall, Alshon Jeffery, Martellus Bennett, Matt Forte, and quarterback Jay Cutler. This era of Chicago Bears football ended up being somewhat underwhelming, as the team failed to qualify for the playoffs with Marshall on the roster. However, the big-play receiver still had a number of memorable plays and games throughout his career.
In September of 2014, Marshall recorded three receiving touchdowns from Cutler, two of which came in the fourth quarter, in a 28-20 comeback win against the 49ers. Before either player joined the Bears, Cutler and Marshall connected 21 times in a 2008 Broncos win over the Colts. That record for most receptions in one game still stands today.
Julius Peppers and Brandon Marshall join Devin Hester and Jared Allen for Hall of Fame eligibility in 2024, but there are still many rounds of voting before any of these former Bears can put on their gold jackets.