The Chicago Bears unveiled statues of a pair of franchise legends outside Soldier Field on Tuesday, mere days before kickoff of the team's 100th season.

Hall-of-Fame running back Walter Payton was one of the organization icons honored with a statue measuring 12-feet tall and weighing 3,000 pounds, a fitting tribute for one of the most impactful players to ever take the field in the NFL. Connie Payton, his widow, expressed excitement when asked about the timing of her husband being forever commemorated at Soldier Field coinciding with the Bears' celebrating a century of existence.

“I know! That’s what I’m saying. It all happened the way it was supposed to happen,” she said, per Phil Thompson of the Chicago Tribune. “It’ll be perfect on Thursday. I can only imagine the fans coming through the Waldron tunnel when they see this for that game. It’s just going to be great.”

Payton, a nine-time Pro Bowler and eight-time All-Pro, retired in 1987 as the NFL's career leader in rushing yards, touchdowns, and yards from scrimmage. Many still consider “Sweetness” the greatest football player of all time.

“Walter’s legacy is secure — the greatest player in the history of the game,” Chicago chairman George McClaskey said on Tuesday. “Coach Ditka said it very well: The best he ever saw.

“The timing’s most appropriate. I know the Payton family wanted his for a long time. Just happened to come together in our centennial season. It’s just as well. … As time goes by these are going to be great meeting places: ‘Meet me at the Payton statue); meet me at the Halas statue.’ “

Also honored with a statue is George Halas, the founder and original owner and head coach of the Bears. Virginia McCaskey, his oldest daughter and Chicago's current owner, said she and her siblings “never dreamed” of their father being immortalized outside Soldier Field next to pre-existing statues of various war heroes.