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Since purchasing property at Bayles Lake just west of Loda, Gary Precin and his family have embraced the communityâs restoration initiative: planting trees, protecting wildlife, picking up trash.
That push continues with a fundraiser on July 4 highlighted by a visit from two Super Bowl champs from the Chicago Bears. Dan Hampton and Otis Wilson will be on hand for nine holes of golf at Lakeview Country Club, a lunchtime autograph session, a free concert by the Chicago 6 and a steak dinner at Murdockâs Place in Loda.
Hampton and his wife, Gina, didnât hesitate when asked to help by Precin, general manager of Joe Rizza Ford in Orland Park. Gina has family on Bayles Lake and is familiar with the tree-planting project. The area offers âpeace and therapy, away from the hustle and bustle,â she said. âWeâre glad to help.â
Across their 10 decades in the NFL, chronicled in the Chicago Tribune’s “Bears Decade-by-Decade, 2nd Edition,” the Monsters of Midway have broken league records, amassed Super Bowl victories, dominated on defense and won the allegiance of millions of fans.
1985 Chicago Bears: Where are they now? dailypress.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from dailypress.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
How it played out: With the first pick, the Giants considered Butkus before choosing Auburn s Tucker Frederickson because he is the best all-around fullback in the country, Giants vice president Wellington Mara said at the time.
After the 49ers selected North Carolina running back Ken Williard, the Bears chose Butkus third with a pick they had acquired in a trade with the Steelers and Sayers fourth with their own selection.
After the Cowboys drafted California quarterback Craig Morton fifth overall, the Bears chose DeLong at No. 6 with a pick they had acquired from Washington.
Butkus and Sayers became Hall of Famers who remain among the best players at their respective positions in NFL history. DeLong signed with the Chargers in the rival AFL and later played his final pro season with the Bears in 1972.