In a thrilling and rain-soaked showdown, the Chicago Bears emerged victorious with a 21-17 win over the Houston Texans in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday. The game, however, came to an abrupt halt with 3:31 remaining in the third quarter due to severe weather conditions, including heavy rain and lightning, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.

One of the standout performers of the night was Bears' backup quarterback Brett Rypien, who showcased his skills with an impressive debut. Rypien, a six-year pro, threw three touchdown passes of 20, 22, and nine yards respectively. These three touchdowns marked a remarkable feat, as they tied the record for the most passing touchdowns in a Bears preseason game since Justin Fields achieved the same feat in 2022 against the Browns.

Rypien, who had previously played for the Broncos, Rams, Seahawks, and Jets, lived up to expectations, recording the highest quarterback rating among all quarterbacks in the game. He completed 11 out of his 15 pass attempts for a total of 166 yards. The Texans' backup quarterback, Case Keenum, followed closely behind with an impressive rating of 139.8.

Collin Johnson emerged as Rypien's go-to receiver during the game, securing two touchdown catches for the Bears. Johnson, in his second season with the team, showcased his skills with a team-high 56 receiving yards on three receptions.

The stormy weather brought back memories of previous Hall of Fame Games affected by severe conditions. The game was cut short with 3:31 remaining in the third quarter. In past incidents, the Chargers-Packers game in 1980 ended early with 5:29 left due to a severe storm, and in 2003, the Packers-Chiefs matchup concluded with 5:49 remaining in the third quarter due to lightning and heavy rain.

With the Bears leading 21-17 at the time the game was called, they secured their fifth Hall of Fame Game victory. Their previous appearance in the game came in 2018, resulting in a narrow 17-16 loss to the Ravens. However, the Bears have a strong historical legacy in the Hall of Fame Game, with victories over the Cowboys in 1968, Jets in 1977, Browns in 1990, and Dolphins in 2005.

The upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony holds particular significance for the Bears, as three former players will be enshrined this year. The record-breaking return specialist Devin Hester, the 1985 Super Bowl champion Steve McMichael, and nine-time Pro Bowler Julius Peppers will all join the esteemed ranks of the Hall of Fame. Hester, who played the majority of his career in Chicago, claims the distinction of being the first predominantly a return specialist to be elected into the Hall of Fame. McMichael, a stalwart on the Bears' defensive line for 13 seasons, received his induction as a senior finalist. Peppers, known for his illustrious career spanning 17 seasons, spent four of those with the Bears and will not be counted in the franchise's total number of Hall of Famers.

The Chicago Bears continue to hold the distinction of having the most players from any NFL team being elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. With a total of 32 players in franchise history receiving this honor, they remain at the forefront of NFL history.

Despite the unforeseen conclusion to the Hall of Fame Game, the Bears celebrated their preseason triumph over the Texans, setting the stage for an exciting season to come.