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 - The Decatur Staleys is one of the most iconic teams in NFL history, and their nickname has a fascinating origin story. The team was founded by George Halas and Edward “Dutch” Sternaman in 1919 as a semi-professional football club based out of Decatur, Illinois.
Decatur Staleys Origin
The team initially went by the name "Staley Athletic Club," after A.E. Staley, who sponsored them financially during their early years. However, when they joined what is now known as the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, they had to change it due to league rules that prevented corporate sponsorship from being used for namesakes at that time. So they shortened it to "Decatur Staleys."
In 1921 Halas moved his beloved franchise from Decatur to Chicago, where he renamed them the Bears – which remains their official moniker today – but many old-school fans still refer fondly refer back to those original days with an affectionate nod towards its origins: The Decatur Staleys! So next time you watch your favorite NFL game or talk sports with friends, remember this fantastic pro football history!
Championship
Super Bowl 0
1986
NFL Championships 0
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
- 1920
- 1920
- 1920
- 1920
-
Decatur Staleys Team Formation
Originally named the Decatur Staleys, the club was established by the A. E. Staley food starch company of Decatur, Illinois in 1919 as a company team. This was the typical start for several early professional football franchises. The company hired George Halas and Edward “Dutch” Sternaman in 1920 to run the team and turned over full control of the team ... -
George Halas joins the APFA with the Staleys as one of the founding members
On September 17 1920: Halas joins the APFA with the Staleys as one of the founding members. The league has 14 teams and no fixed schedule. -
The Staleys play their first game of the season
October 3 1920: The Staleys play their first game of the season, defeating the Moline Universal Tractors 20-0 on the road3. October 10: The Staleys win their home opener, beating the Kewanee Walworths 41-03. -
Staleys finish with a 10-1-2 record and are recognized as the runners-up of the APFA
The Staleys finish with a 10-1-2 record and are recognized as the runners-up of the APFA behind the Akron Pros. They are led by Halas and Sternaman, who score most of the team’s points. They also have future Hall of Famers Guy Chamberlin and George Trafton on their roster.
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.
Decatur Staleys History
The Decatur Staleys, now known as the Chicago Bears, is among the oldest and most storied teams in NFL history. Founded in 1919 by George Halas and Dutch Sternaman, the team began its journey as a member of the American Professional Football Association (APFA). After just two seasons with this league, they moved to become part of what is now recognized as the National Football League (NFL) after it was formed from several other football leagues.
The Decatur Staleys history is filled with achievements that shaped the NFL. The team, later renamed the Chicago Bears, earned eight championships. These included the 1921 APFA title, the 1932 NFL Championship Game, back-to-back wins in 1933–34, three straight titles from 1941–43, and the 1985 Super Bowl XX victory. They also recorded 99 regular-season home wins between 1920–1959, a record unmatched to this day.
Many legends helped build the legacy of Decatur Staleys football. Red Grange became one of the greatest running backs in history, while Bronko Nagurski gained fame for his hard-hitting tackles. Sid Luckman defined the modern quarterback role, and Gale Sayers amazed fans with unmatched speed. Walter Payton earned recognition as one of the best running backs ever. Players like Dick Butkus and Mike Ditka added even more greatness.
Decatur Staleys Achievements
There is no doubt that the Decatur Staleys history plays a vital role in American sports culture. From their early beginnings to becoming the Chicago Bears, the team’s impact on football remains legendary. Their story represents not only victories on the field but also a lasting contribution to the growth of the NFL. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of fans across the nation.
The Decatur Staleys history is marked by remarkable achievements that shaped early professional football. In 1920, the team joined the American Professional Football Association, later renamed the NFL, and quickly made an impact. The Staleys won the 1921 league championship, setting a foundation of success. Their dominance and growth during this era remain a key part of football’s origins and the Chicago Bears’ legacy.
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