The Chicago Bears’ disappointing 7-9 season in 2009 likely was a distant memory for fans in attendance Saturday.

With six key members of the 1985 NFL champions in attendance at Embassy Suites for the first Bears Blitz, it was a chance to recall a team that made history.

Jimbo Covert was an offensive tackle on the team that lost only once before concluding its season with a 46-10 rout of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX Jan. 26, 1986.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to get to see the guys I played with, and it’s a way to meet the fans and interact with them,” Covert said. “It’s great to be remembered.”

Joining Covert for the event were fellow offensive tackle Keith Van Horne, defensive linemen Dan Hampton and Steve McMichael and defensive backs Shaun Gayle and Dave Duerson.

The 300 fans got an autograph from each player, snapped photos, had the opportunity to ask questions of the panel and viewed highlights of the Super Bowl.

Topics in the Q&A included: the rival Green Bay Packers, Walter Payton, the state of today’s Bears and the players’ interests since they retired from football.

The Super Bowl Shuffle, which was taped the day after Chicago’s lone loss to the Miami Dolphins in game 13, also was shown on the big screen televisions.

Pro Football Hall of Famer Hampton said that team’s place is unique in NFL history.

“The cool thing is the ’85 team transcended the game of football,” said Hampton, who mentioned icons like head coach Mike Ditka and Payton, William “the Refrigerator” Perry and the legendary 46 defense directed by Buddy Ryan.

“That team was one of the last a lot of people identified with across the nation. They have such fond memories of this team.”

"Hampton got involved in the Bears Blitz, which included a silent auction for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, after talking to McMichael.

Van Horne said he does not get the chance to take part in many of these functions, but anticipates an upswing next season for the 25th anniversary celebration.

“It’s flattering people still want you to show up,” Van Horne said. “It was a one-of-a-kind year for anybody.”

Bloomington resident Charles Rada, 13, said he was excited to meet the Bears’ greats even though he was not around during that remarkable year.

“I liked to go up and talk to the players for a few seconds,” said Rada.

He added he hopes to see a Bears’ team like that in his lifetime.

“The second team to go undefeated would be real nice,” Rada said.

While it does not look like that is on the horizon in the near future for the Bears, the enthusiastic orange-and-blue-clad fans got to revel in the next best thing.

Mark Bjelland, the Bears Blitz promoter, said the event was a sellout. He plans to bring it back next year at a to-be-determined location in East Peoria.