Jimbo Covert finally got his long-overdue induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The best left tackle in Chicago Bears history. He was the mainstay of those great teams from the 1980s and the only member of the All-Decade team to not have a gold jacket. That travesty of justice is finally over. Covert finally got his chance to speak on his incredible career and what his journey was like.
Many people were thanked. Friends, family, college coaches and teammates, Mike Ditka, and so on. One player though he made sure to acknowledge was Walter Payton. The unquestioned heart and soul of the Bears offense for over a decade, he had a profound impact on so many of his teammates over the years. Covert was no exception. He even shared a terrific story about what it was like to share neighboring rooms with the all-time great running back.
Sounds like Payton in every sense.
Kind, playful, but a burning competitor at his heart. It’s little wonder guys like Jimbo Covert, Jay Hilgenberg, and others blocked so hard for him over the years. Thanks to his efforts, the offensive line was allowed to shine and get the proper recognition they deserved. Then again, Covert enjoyed success even after Payton retired. Neal Anderson took up the mantle and became a star. Even if only for a shorter period of time.
One would have to wonder if Covert would be more widely appreciated had he played longer. Due to injuries, he failed to complete a full decade in the NFL. That was the biggest reason why it took this long to get him into Canton. Thankfully the expansion for the 2020 anniversary celebration enabled the Hall of Fame to get those like him in. People may view that as a free pass, but nobody really cares. They can’t take it away from him anymore.
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