Two former members of the Super Bowl champion 1985 Chicago Bears were among the inductees to the Gridiron Greats 2024 Hall of Fame.
Mike Singletary, a Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker, and stellar tight end Emery Moorehead joined former Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Steve Largent in the select fraternity during a ceremony at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare on June 7.
“It’s just because of someone like Coach Mike Ditka kind of spearheading this organization that gives me a lot of joy,” Singletary said. “I was just with Coach Ditka maybe a couple of months ago in Florida. It was great to see him and to know how his heart is all in for things like this. So it gives me great joy to kind of represent him in this way, kind of helping those that aren’t getting the help that they need.”
The Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund (GGAF) is a non-profit 501 C3 organization that provides financial grants and pro bono medical assistance to retired NFL players in dire need. The organization focuses on the humanitarian side of post-football related issues: social services to retired players who are in need due to a variety of reasons, such as inadequate disability and/or pensions.
“It is the opportunity to do whatever you can to try and make a difference,” said Singletary. “It makes a difference for everyone involved. So to know that I have a small hand in anything…there is a huge need that we have in this world. I’m thankful for that.”
Moorehead is a product of Evanston Township High School and the University of Colorado. He was drafted in the sixth round by the New York Giants in 1977 where he played wide receiver and fullback. He spent the 1980 season in Denver before joining Ditka and the Bears and becoming a tight end. He wound up his Bears career as the second-leading tight end receiver in Bears history, behind Ditka.
Moorehead, who had a successful career in real estate following his playing career, was humbled by his selection to the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame.
“Well, it means a lot to me, just because it’s affiliated with Coach Ditka,” said Moorehead. “And it’s about giving back with the charities that are taking care of older guys that are having issues health-wise, and financially. This is great for the guys that are in need. And Ditka, man, he’s kind of quiet on stuff, but he does a lot, and this is some of the give-back that he does.
“It’s a great honor, because I did do a lot of charity work as a player, and still do, and it’s great to be honored,” said Moorehead.
Moorehead and his son, Aaron, share the distinction of being the first father-son duo to play on Super Bowl champions. Aaron Moorehead was a member of the Indianapolis Colts.
Other honorees at the Gridiron Greats event were DeBorah A. Little (Sylvia Mackey Woman of the Year Award), Randy Ambrosie, former Canadian Football League Player and CFL commissioner and Vince Papale (Marv Levy Impact Award.)
Mike Singletary and Fred Mitchell.
Fred Mitchell and Emery Moorehead.
Fred Mitchell with his wife, Kim.