For local Chicago Bears fans, DeKalb doesn’t get much closer to NFL greatness than it did Thursday.

Otis Wilson and Dennis McKinnon, two players on the 1985 NFL Super Bowl champion Bears, spent a few hours Thursday at two local locations signing autographs and meeting with fans.

“[We like to come out and meet with fans] every day that we get the opportunity,” said McKinnon, who wore No. 85 for the Bears and played wide receiver and kick returner in the ’80s and early ’90s. “I think the great thing about it is that we are ambassadors for the state of Illinois. It’s all about giving.”

The pair kicked off the night at The Phone Store, 2587 Sycamore Road, which was packed with anxious fans who watched a video tape of “The Super Bowl Shuffle” while they waited.

“It’s hard to believe it’s been, what, 16 years now,” Sycamore resident Scott Thomas said. “It’s pretty exciting to see these guys again.”

Wilson, who wore No. 55 at outside linebacker and was a staple in Chicago’s famed “46” defense, said he’s been meeting with fans about once a week since he retired from football in 1989.

“Bears fans are die-hard fans,” Wilson said. “They’re some of the best fans around … It’s been awhile since I’ve been [to DeKalb], but I’ve been here a few times. We had a Bears-on-court basketball program. We came down here a few times and played basketball on campus. I’m no stranger to the neighborhood.”

McKinnon didn’t mind making the trip out to DeKalb.

“It’s not that far, it’s not like we’re going to Wisconsin,” McKinnon said, goading a laugh out of fans with the comment referring to the Bears’ arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers.

Fans old and new turned out to meet the pair of Chicago legends.

“This is great. I’ve got my 3-year-old son Hunter with me and this is his first experience [with the Bears],” Thomas said. “He’s been asking me all about the football players and everything and he’s excited to see them. I’m trying to get him on the Bears bandwagon.”

McKinnon expressed a reciprocal desire.

“The city [of Chicago] has adopted us, the state has adopted us and we do as much as we can to spread joy,” McKinnon said. “We’ve made a difference in a lot of people’s lives and we just want to show our appreciation.”

Previous local appearances by Bears greats, including former middle linebacker Mike Singletary, set the table for a nice reception by fans.

“I think it’s great, it’s perfect,” Rockford resident Chris Hawkins said. “They’re awesome guys. Most of the Bears that we’ve ever had have been great. I’ve been a fan of the Bears ever since I was 5 years old.”

The appearance of Wilson and McKinnon coincided with the store’s grand opening.

“The thing is, we came in to buy a phone and wondered why all the people were here,” DeKalb resident Donna Taylor said.

Taylor’s son, Jonathan, became quite excited when he found out why so many people had gathered.

“They’re awesome. Otis is basically my idol,” Jonathan said. “I like Otis a lot, he’s cool.”

In addition to consistently meeting with fans, Wilson has kept himself busy since his retirement by running the Otis Wilson Foundation.

“We have a health and fitness program, we have a literacy program and a 21st-century learning technology program,” Wilson said. “I do football camps around the country and I’m raising three kids.”

Tim Norris, part-owner of The Phone Store, along with Molly’s owners Chris and Mike Carpenter, thought the event went well.

“The turnout’s excellent,” he said. “We’re very happy.”

Wilson and McKinnon were scheduled to head over to Molly’s Eatery and Drinkery, 1022 W. Lincoln Highway, after finishing at The Phone Store. They had planned to watch the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Philadelphia Eagles football game at Molly’s until 9 p.m.