Chicago Bears: These quarterbacks have made us who we are

Jim McMahon

Here’s the thing. If you’re under 40, you never really saw Jim McMahon play. I mean, I know I watched him. And as a kid, I know I loved him. Mostly because he wore a headband and I was told I should love him. I was told he was different. But I don’t remember anything he did being different.

These were just standard orders from on high. I mean, when you’re a kid, the one guy wearing something on his head is by definition, “cool.” And he swore. And he didn’t seem to like his bosses, which even at that tender age I knew was a good thing.

But I couldn’t tell you if he was good. He’s the only Bears quarterback with a ring. But considering the defense that was running alongside, there are probably numerous rodeo clowns and extras from the original Total Recall on the Mars set that could have navigated the offense enough to get the five-and-a-half points that were required to win games.

McMahon was in the right place at the right time, and that can do wonders for anyone’s reputation. Let’s just leave it at that.

Honestly, the only play I remember watching that McMahon was a part of was when Charles Martin turned his shoulder into regurgitated baby food and he was never the same. I know I watched that live. And that’s it. I know being upset when he was traded, but I don’t remember why. I think I was just doing what I thought I was supposed to.

Oh, and I met him once. He was wearing a preacher’s collar. So I still think he’s cool.