Take The North: A Chicago Bears Podcast

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[FULL EPISODE] Devin Hester, Steve 'Mongo' McMichael officially enter Hall of Fame Aug 03, 2024

Show notes

It's an incredible day for Bears fans and for a pair of franchise legends. Devin Hester and Steve "Mongo" McMichael will officially enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Dan Wiederer and Adam Studzinski discuss the legacy of each player and their place among the NFL's greatest. The guys also touch on the Bears' first preseason game, a 21-17 win against the Texans on Thursday that saw a pair of players stand out for Chicago.

Caleb Williams welcomes criticism from coaches Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer discuss Wiederer's article for the Chicago Tribune about the Bears' plan to develop rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Inside the piece is a finding of just how much Williams desires criticism while he develops.

Is Nate Davis in a battle for the starting right guard spot? Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer zero in on the Bears' starting right guard position. Nate Davis came out of practice with some sort of injury during the first day of work in full pads and hasn't practiced since. Is he in danger of losing his starting spot?

What does Caleb Williams believe he's furthest behind on? Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer hear Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams explain what aspect of his game he believes needs the most work.

[FULL EPISODE] An inside look at the Bears' plan for developing Caleb Williams Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

The Bears' first preseason game is fast approaching, and we now know that rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and the rest of the starters won't play in it. David Haugh and Dan Wiederer react to that news, which isn't exactly surprising. In recent years, most teams haven't played their starters in the Hall of Fame Game. However, the development of Williams continues. Wiederer wrote a deep dive story for the Chicago Tribune about the Bears' plan for developing Williams. He and Haugh discuss what they've learned about the Bears' process. Later, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent explains how he was "grinding my absolute face off" during the offseason.

Devin Hester's speed immediately stood out to Jarrett Payton while at Miami Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Guest Jarrett Payton explains to Dan Wiederer what it was like the first time he saw teammate Devin Hester as a player while at Miami.

Jarrett Payton explains what Steve 'Mongo' McMichael has meant to him Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Guest Jarrett Payton goes deep with Dan Wiederer on what Bears icon Steve "Mongo" McMichael has meant to him — especially since his father, the legendary Walter Payton, died in 1999. Payton will be McMichael's presenter as part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony later this week.

Jarrett Payton reflects on being the presenter at his father's Hall of Fame induction ceremony Jul 30, 2024

Show notes

Dan Wiederer and guest Jarrett Payton turn the page back to 1993, when Payton served as the presenter for his legendary father Walter's induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The younger Payton was just 12 years old at the time!

[FULL EPISODE] Jarrett Payton talks NFL Hall of Fame induction week Jul 29, 2024

Show notes

We have a special treat for this episode. Dan Wiederer had a chance to sit down with Jarrett Payton, the son of Bears legend Walton Payton, to discuss NFL Hall of Fame induction week. Payton presented his father at his induction in 1993 and will also be presenting Bears legend Steve "Mongo" McMichael at his induction later this week. Beyond that, Payton has strong ties to a pair of other inductees this year: Bears great Devin Hester and Texans great Andre Johnson.

BONUS: Mailbag episode! Jul 27, 2024

Show notes

David Haugh and Dan Wiederer answer Bears questions from listeners!