Lance Briggs, who reached seven Pro Bowls during a Bears career that lasted from 2003-14, officially began the Pro Football Hall of Fame process on Thursday.
The former linebacker was one of 122 modern-era players — those whose careers ended less than 25 years ago — nominated for Hall induction. The list will be whittled to 25 semifinalists in November and 15 finalists in January.
The five winners will be chosen Feb. 1, 2020, the day before Super Bowl LIV.
Former Bears center Olin Kreutz is also on the 122-player list.
Briggs finished his Bears career with 16 interceptions, five defensive touchdowns, seven fumble recoveries, 16 forced fumbles and 15 sacks.
... And so begins my push to the @ProFootballHOF!!! To be continued... pic.twitter.com/UOrPTn1a8X
— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) September 12, 2019
The Arizona alum was often overshadowed by teammate Brian Urlacher, who said in his Hall of Fame speech last year that Briggs should be in, too.
“He elevated not only my game but the entire defense — his enthusiasm was contagious,” Urlacher said in his induction speech. “We’ll be back here in a couple years for your induction, ‘Big Time.’ ”
Former coach Lovie Smith said then that Briggs was a Hall of Famer, too.
