Chicago Staleys History

The Chicago Staleys, founded in 1920, were key in shaping early professional football. Sponsored by the Staley Starch Company, they helped form the NFL. Explore the Chicago Staleys history, from origins to notable players, and their evolution into the Chicago Bears. Discover their legacy in Chicago’s sports scene.

Staleys Primary Logo

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
Staleys - For sports fans, the history of a team's nickname is often intriguing. The Chicago Staleys, now known as the Bears, is no exception. Established in 1920 as one of the original National Football League (NFL) teams, they were initially named after their owner and coach George Halas' employer - A.E. Staley Company – hence "Staleys."

The team had several different nicknames over its first few years, including “Indians” and “Huskies,” before settling on Bears during a meeting between Halas and his players before the 1922 season opener against Rock Island Independents at Cubs Park (now Wrigley Field). According to legend, when asked for suggestions by Halas about what he should call his new franchise player, Joe Sternaman suggested "Bears" because it was short enough that it could fit into newspaper headlines while also reflecting Chicago's rough-and-tumble reputation with its long history of organized crime figures like Al Capone who was nicknamed Scarface due to facial scars from WWI combat wounds!

Chicago Staleys Origin

Since then, this iconic NFL franchise has gone on to win nine league championships, including eight since moving from Decatur, Illinois, where they played under their original name, until 1921 when they moved permanently into Wrigley Field, which became the home field for both baseball's Cubs & footballs Bears until 1970! This storied past makes them one of America’s oldest professional sports franchises still playing today, so if you're looking for some great historical context behind your favorite team, remember those beloved Chicago Staleys/Bears!

Championship
Super Bowl 0
1986
NFL Championships 0
1963, 1946, 1943, 1941, 1940, 1933
NFL Standings Champion 1
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

Who is the greatest Chicago Staleys?

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.

The Chicago Staleys, previously known as the Decatur Staleys, are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They were founded in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys and joined the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, when it was known as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The team changed its name to the Bears before their first season began.

The Chicago Staleys, now known as the Chicago Bears, have been one of the NFL's most successful teams, with nine NFL championships, including two Super Bowl victories. Chicago Staleys history also boast some of pro football’s greatest players, such as Red Grange and Walter Payton, who made significant contributions to establishing them among elite franchises within the sports entertainment industry today.

The early years of this franchise, known as the Decatur Staleys, saw many changes from ownership shifts to location moves; however, despite all these obstacles, they still managed success on the field by winning six division titles between 1933-1943, plus three additional titles during the post-war era under George Halas's leadership, which ultimately resulted in eight league championship appearances with four wins over that period of time.

Chicago Staleys Achievements

In the 1980s, the Bears, part of Chicago Staley's history, fielded an elite defense led by Mike Singletary and Richard Dent. Their “46 Defense” powered the 1985 Super Bowl XX win, dominating with a 15-1 record and allowing just 10 points per game. Chicago Staley's history highlights this unit as one of sports’ greatest single-season performances.

The Chicago Bears, rooted in Chicago Staleys history, compete in the NFC North with stars like Khalil Mack and Devin Hester. Despite missing playoffs recently due to low offensive output, averaging 21 points per game in 2019, their tradition-rich culture endures. Chicago Staley's history reflects a legacy of resilience, built on decades of dedication in the NFL

Chicago Staleys history boasts nine NFL championships, including eight pre-Super Bowl titles (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963) and a Super Bowl XX victory in 1985. The team secured six division titles between 1933–1943 and three more in the post-war era. Known for legends like Walter Payton and the iconic “46 Defense,” the Bears remain a cornerstone of NFL excellence.

Chicago Staleys Origin

Chicago Staleys History

Chicago Staleys Achievements

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