Editor’s note: This story was originally published on Aug. 21, 2024.
A look back at local, national and world events through Deseret News archives.
The Chicago Bears earlier this year drafted a brash young quarterback to help turn their team’s fortunes around.
Caleb Williams is confident, even cocky, and so far, seems like the real deal.
But here’s what Jim McMahon, himself once a brash young quarterback trying to lead the Chicago Bears as a rookie, said as advice to the young QB:
“If I could give you just one piece of advice,” McMahon said in a video message that included other Chicago superstars, “and that’s to play hard. If you play hard, the fans will love you. And if you happen to play hard and win it all, the fans are going to love you forever. Good luck and Bear down.”
McMahon, who turns 66 today, is revered in Chicago ... and Provo, where he starred at BYU ... and in Roy, where he first found athletic fame as a high school superstar.
McMahon, who was born in New Jersey and moved from California to Roy as a teenager, starred for the Royals before joining the Cougars from 1977 to 1981. At BYU, he won the Davey O’Brien Award and the Sammy Baugh Trophy as a junior and cemented his persona in leading the Cougars to victory over SMU in the 1980 Holiday Bowl. He left school owning 70 NCAA records.
The only quarterback to win a Super Bowl for Chicago, McMahon — who stood out from the crowd with his sunglasses and headband, was a member of the legendary 1985 Bears team that also featured Hall of Famers Walter Payton, Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton.
Since his retirement, McMahon has experienced some health challenges due to concussion-related injuries, but remains popular wherever he goes.
Here are some stories from Deseret News archives about McMahon and his exploits in Utah and beyond:
“The legacy of Jim McMahon at BYU: Ranking his 10 greatest games as a Cougar”
“10 moments that made BYU and NFL quarterback Jim McMahon famous — and infamous”
“College football countdown No. 2: BYU quarterback Jim McMahon”
“Jim McMahon on greatest memory, Mondays with LaVell and what may determine Jaren Hall’s season”
“Looking back on the time Jim McMahon saved the day — and the party — with one heroic throw”
“The fighter: Former BYU, NFL quarterback Jim McMahon aims to win the toughest challenge of his life”
“Former BYU, Chicago Bears QB Jim McMahon opens up about dementia”
“Jim McMahon grateful to receive a Royal honor”
“1985 Bears shuffling back into the spotlight”
“‘85 Bears were a team of characters”
