An all-time great Chicago Bear is one step closer to Canton.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced its list of nominees for its Class of 2018 yesterday, and Bears legend Brian Urlacher (2000-2012) was among 11 first-timers. The total list of 108 nominees — both players and coaches — included three other former Chicago Bears: Ruben Brown (2004-2007), Jay Hilgenberg (1981-1991) and Wilber Marshall (1984-1987).
The 2018 nominees will be whittled down in three rounds of voting: around 25 semifinalists will be announced in November, followed by around 15 finalists in January, followed by the Class of 2018 announcement at the NFL Honors show on Feb.