More than 150 former Bears players spent the past few days reminiscing, reconnecting and exchanging hugs and handshakes during the team's annual Alumni Weekend.

The festivities included an alumni dinner Sunday night and a river cruise Monday afternoon. The alums then attended Monday night's season opener at Soldier Field.

The weekend was highlighted by a celebration of the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Super Bowl championship team, with 42 members of that squad present—including Hall of Famers Jimbo Covert, Richard Dent, Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary.

"It was a lot of fun to see guys and to reminisce and catch up," said former safety Gary Fencik, the leading tackler on the '85 Bears. "It's hard to believe that it's been 40 years. We're a lot older and now we're talking about kids, grandkids and illnesses—just what everybody else goes through."

At the alumni dinner, every member of the '85 Bears was presented with a special navy blazer, an idea that originated with Covert. Vice president Patrick McCaskey and President/CEO Kevin Warren handed out the blazers. The '85 Bears also posed for photos with the Super Bowl XX trophy.

Bears vice president Brian McCaskey emceed the dinner. Warren spoke to the gathering of about 350 people, including player guests and Bears staff members. General manager Ryan Poles delivered a taped video message. And video tributes were played honoring the late Virginia Halas McCaskey and McMichael.

"It's like family members who you don't see," said Jay Hilgenberg, the starting center on the '85 Bears. "There is a real bond with athletes and players, especially players from winning teams when we all share something very special. It was great to be recognized by Kevin Warren also, and the way he spoke was inspiring."

Other '85 Bears who attended Alumni Weekend were Brad Anderson, Tom Andrews, Brian Baschnagel, Kurt Becker, Maury Buford, Kevin Butler, Brian Cabral, Jeff Fisher, Andy Frederick, Steve Fuller, Willie Gault, Shaun Gayle, Dennis Gentry, Stefan Humphries, Tyrone Keys, Mitch Krenk, Ken Margerum, Wilber Marshall, Dennis McKinnon, Jim McMahon, Emery Moorehead, Jim Morrissey, Reggie Phillips, Dan Rains, Ron Rivera, Thomas Sanders, Matt Suhey, Ken Taylor, Tom Thayer, Cliff Thrift, Mike Tomczak, Henry Waechter, Otis Wilson and Tim Wrightman.

The late Walter Payton, McMichael and Dave Duerson were represented by their widows, Connie Payton, Misty McMichael and Alicia Duerson.

The '85 champions were also recognized at a halftime ceremony Monday night at Soldier Field.

The 150-plus attendees are believed to be the most former players who have ever attended Bears Alumni Weekend—a homecoming tradition that franchise founder, owner, coach and player George Halas started in the 1930s.

"It's kind of like, 'Wow, I haven't seen you for 10 years, we need to catch up a little bit,'" Fencik said. "Now the conversation is a little more tilted towards, 'How are you feeling and what have you had replaced?'

"But this is a really wonderful event. The Bears have done a great job in bringing back all these alumni. You recognize you're one small piece in a big puzzle of the NFL and it's just wonderful to be a part of that."

Fencik and Hilgenberg both mentioned Margerum as a former '85 teammate they were excited to catch up with. With long curly hair in a ponytail, the former receiver remains a free spirit who lives in Capitola, Calif., and spends most days fishing.

"I haven't been back here for a long time," Margerum said. "I don't like to fly. But to see guys that I haven't seen in 30 or 40 years, this was too special to miss."

Margerum revealed that he and McMahon visited their former coach, Mike Ditka, at his home Monday afternoon. Ditka was unable to participate in Alumni Weekend.

Margerum has a special place in his heart for Ditka, who attended Aliquippa High School in Pennsylvania with the former receiver's mother.

"When I blew out my knee in '84, he came to see me in the hospital and said, 'You're going to get better and you're going to make our team. We're going places next year,'" Margerum said. "I was able to come back and play on the '85 team. He kept his word and we won the Super Bowl. To see him [Monday], it was wonderful."