CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Two of the greatest in Bears history are now permanently honored at the south entrance of Soldier Field.
"Now for the next 100 years, all who come here, will see these two statutes of these two men, who forever changed the game of football," said Dan Hampton, Defensive Tackle, Chicago Bears, '79-'90, Hall of Fame, 2002.
The two statues of George Halas and Walter Payton are both 12-feet tall and are made of more than 3,000 pounds of bronze and were created by sculptor Chad Fisher.
"Growing up, my favorite player was Walter Payton, this is all so surreal," he said.
"We used to drive along the outer drive through the parks and see the statues in the park settings. It seemed like most of them were generals on horses,” said Bears owner Virginia Halas McCaskey, Halas’ daughter. “But we never dreamed that someday, our dad and a Chicago Bears player would be honored in the same way. We are very happy to be here.”
McCaskey's son and Bears Chairman George McCaskey said it's only fitting that these statues are unveiled ahead of the NFL's 100th season.
George McCaskey said Walter's legacy is secure.
"It's kinda wild that this day is finally here. It's just nice to see tears of joys and happy faces," said Fisher.