Established
1920
City
Decatur - Chicago
League History
1920 – Present / National Football League
Team History
1922 - Present / Chicago Bears
1921 / Chicago Staleys
1920 / Decatur Staleys
Nickname
Bears - The Chicago Bears are one of the most iconic teams in the NFL, and their nickname is an integral part of their identity. But where did this storied moniker come from? Look at the history behind one of football’s most recognizable nicknames.
In 1919, when George Halas founded what would become known as The Monsters Of The Midway, he named his team after baseball's Chicago Cubs, then called "The Bearcats." Halas felt that using a similar animal-based name for his team would help him gain more fans from those already supporting baseball's beloved Cubbies. Thus was born “Chicago Bears” – and they have been known as such ever since!
Over time, however, other interpretations began to emerge about how exactly this nickname came into being. One famous story suggests that Halas chose “Bears” to honor President Teddy Roosevelt, whose Rough Riders had recently fought in Cuba during Spanish American War with great courage - much like bears do when facing danger head-on! Another theory claims that early members of the organization thought it was fitting due to its proximity to Lake Michigan, which has many bear sightings each year (though there hasn't been any scientific evidence confirming these claims).
Whatever its origin may be, though - whether through admiration for another sports franchise or homage paid towards America's 26th president - there is no denying just how vital 'Bears' has become over 100 years later: It stands proudly atop every piece merchandise sold; adorns jerseys worn all around the world; even serves as rallying cry amongst loyal fans everywhere rooting them on Sundays during fall months...and beyond! So next time you hear someone referring lovingly towards our beloved Windy City squad, don't forget why they've earned such an endearing title: They indeed are 'Da Bears.'
Championship
Super Bowl 1
1986
NFL Championships 6
1963, 1946, 1943, 1941, 1940, 1933
NFL Standings Champion 0
1921
Stadium
2003 - Present / Soldier Field II
*Champaign*
2002 / Memorial Stadium
*Chicago*
1971 - 2001 / Soldier Field I
1921 - 1970 / Wrigley Field
*Decatur*
1919 - 1920 / Staley Field
Owner
1983 - Present / Virginia Halas McCaskey
1933 - 1983 / George Halas
1921 - 1933 / George Halas and Dutch Sternaman
1919 - 1921 / A. E. Staley
- 1922
- 1985
- 2003
-
Bears Team Nickname
In 1922, Halas changed the team name from the Staleys to the Bears. The team moved into Wrigley Field, which was home to the Chicago Cubs baseball franchise. As with several early NFL franchises, the Bears derived their nickname from their city’s baseball team some directly, some indirectly like the Bears, whose young are called “cubs”. Halas liked the bright ... -
Super Bowl Winner 1985
Super Bowl XX – 1985 Mike Ditka, a tight end for the Bears from 1961 to 1966, was hired to coach the team by George Halas in 1982. His gritty personality earned him the nickname “Iron Mike.” In the 1985 season, the fire in the Bears-Packers rivalry was relit when Ditka used 315-pound defensive tackle “Refrigerator” Perry as a running ... -
Soldier Field Renovation
In 2001, the Chicago Park District, which owns the structure, faced substantial criticism when it announced plans to alter the stadium with a design by architect Benjamin T. Wood of the Boston-based architecture firm Wood and Zapata. Stadium grounds were reconfigured by the Chicago-based architecture firm of Lohan Associate, led by architect Dirk Lohan, the grandson of architect Ludwig Mies ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
History of the Bears
The Chicago Bears, previously known as the Chicago Staleys, are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, with a rich tradition and an impressive record of success. Since their founding in 1920, the Bears have won eight NFL championships (including Super Bowls XXI and XXVI) and hold the second-most regular-season wins among all teams since 1970. The team has also produced legendary players over its long tenure, including Hall of Famers such as Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, and Mike Ditka.
The early years for the Bears, then known as the Chicago Staleys, were marked by great success on both sides of the ball. Led by George Halas (also known as “Papa Bear”), who served as head coach from 1919-1967 before becoming owner/chairman until he died in 1983 at age 88, they captured four league titles between 1921-1946 while playing at Wrigley Field. In 1922, the team was renamed the Chicago Bears and continued their success under Halas' leadership.
The 1940s were particularly successful for the Bears under Halas' guidance, winning three division titles between 1941-1943. They then captured another championship title during the 1946 season, led by future Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman, who threw 28 touchdowns en route to a victory over the Washington Redskins with a score of 41-21 on December 15th that year!
During this era, the Bears had exceptional players such as defensive end Doug Atkins, who was voted All-Pro seven times, and linebacker Bill George, who made nine Pro Bowl appearances. They set a standard that would be hard-pressed to match even by today's modern game standards! In 1963, running back Larry Morris became the first player ever selected from the University of Georgia Bulldogs program when he joined the ranks of the Chicago franchise.
It wasn't until the 1985 arrival of Mike Ditka that things started to turn around after several losing seasons in the prior decade. Under Ditka's guidance as the new head coach and general manager, the Bears quickly returned to their glory days, culminating in the '86 Super Bowl win against the New England Patriots with a score of 46-10. This victory remains the most significant margin of victory in any championship game in history!
Today's roster is filled with talented young stars like Mitchell Trubisky and Tarik Cohen, leading the way into the future alongside veteran standouts Khalil Mack, Kyle Fuller, and Akiem Hicks. Fans should keep an eye out for these names the next time they watch their favorite squad take the field during action-packed Sunday afternoon football games. We've come to know and love the Bears throughout the years - go Bears!
Sports Fan Products
Chicago Bears Team History - Championships and Challenges!
Chicago Bears team history - iconic moments & players! In this video, we take you through the storied history of the Chicago Bears, one of the NFL's most legendary franchises. From their founding in 1920 to their rise to fame, we cover the pivotal moments, championship victories, and iconic players who have left an indelible mark on the team. Discover the highs and lows of the Bears' history, including their dominance in the 1980s, memorable games, and the contributions of football legends like Walter Payton, Mike Ditka, and Brian Urlacher. Join us as we celebrate the legacy of the Chicago Bears and relive the unforgettable moments that have shaped the team.
Mount Rushmore Chicago Bears: The Four Greatest Bears of All Time!
In this video, we pay tribute to the four greatest players in Chicago Bears history, those who have left an unforgettable legacy on the franchise and the NFL. These legendary figures have shaped the Bears' identity, contributing to some of the most memorable moments in the team's storied history.
Is Walter Peyton Really The Best Player of All Time?
In the gripping video, Walter Payton's SHOCKING Player History Revealed, we delve into the extraordinary life and career of one of the NFL's all-time greats, Walter Payton. Known for his incredible talent on the field, this video uncovers surprising facts and lesser-known stories about Payton's journey...
Retired Number
3 / Bronko Nagurski
5 / George McAfee
7 / George Halas
28 / Willie Galimore
34 / Walter Payton
40 / Gale Sayers
41 / Brian Piccolo
42 / Sid Luckman
51 / Dick Butkus
56 / Bill Hewitt
61 / Bill George
66 / Clyde “Bulldog” Turner
77 / Harold “Red” Grange
89 / Mike Ditka
*Blue is this team’s history