Everything You Need to Know About the Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are one of the most storied franchises in NFL history. Founded in 1919, the Bears have been a part of the league for over 100 years and have won nine championships, including one Super Bowl. The Bears have a rich history and are one of the most popular teams in the league. Today, they remain a competitive team with a passionate fan base.
When were the Chicago Bears formed?
The Bears played their first game ever on October 3, 1920, when they were still known as the Decatur Staleys. This was the inaugural game in the history of the franchise. At Staley Field in Decatur, in front of an estimated crowd of 1,500 people, the Decatur Staleys defeated the Moline Tractors by a score of 20-0.
What other names did they go by?
In 1921, Decatur and several other teams combined to form the American Professional Football Association. The Decatur Staleys were renamed the Chicago Staleys, and they finished in 3rd place in the league. In 1922, they changed their name again. This time they were called the Chicago Bears, and they finished as runners-up in their first season as the Bears. The franchise was purchased by George Halas in the summer of 1922 for $100.
How did they get their logo?
In the 1920s, the Decatur Staleys had a logo that featured a bear with the initials of their team inside it. It was thought that this was a good fit for a team that played in “the Windy City” of Chicago, so when the team moved to Chicago, they kept the same logo.
What is their home city and have they moved?
Initially, the team played their home games at Staley Field in Decatur, Illinois, which was a high school football field. When they joined the National Football League (NFL), they needed a new place to play. They eventually moved to Wrigley Field, which had been home to the Chicago Cubs baseball team. For many years, they shared this stadium with the Cubs, and they continued to play their home games there until 1970. In 1970, they moved to Soldier Field. Soldier Field can seat up to 61,000 people, making it the largest capacity stadium in the NFL.
Who is their current head coach in 2022?
In November 2018, Matt Eberflus was named interim head coach. He was promoted to head coach the following month. Eberflus had served as the defensive coordinator for the previous two seasons.
Have they ever won the Super Bowl?
The Chicago Bears won the Super Bowl once, in 1985, when they defeated the New England Patriots 46-10.
What was their best season?
The 1985 Chicago Bears season was the franchise’s 66th regular season and 16th post-season completed in the National Football League (NFL). The team posted an NFC-best 13–3 record under head coach Mike Ditka. The Bears qualified for the postseason for the sixth straight season. This was their best season until the 1985 Chicago Bears season.
The most famous Chicago Bears alumni of all time
Walter Payton was drafted by the Bears in the first round (4th overall) of the 1975 NFL Draft. He played his entire 13-year career with the Bears, mainly as a running back. He is considered one of the greatest NFL players of all time.
The Chicago Bears retired Payton’s jersey number (34). After he died in 1999, the Bears renamed Soldier Field’s stadium entrance after him. A charitable trust in his honour was also created to help disadvantaged youth.
Mike Ditka is a former NFL football player and coach, who most notably coached the 1985 Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl win. He is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Ditka played for the Bears from 1961 to 1966, winning the Rookie of the Year award in 1961 and making five Pro Bowl appearances.
The Chicago Bears 2022 roster
The Chicago Bears 2022 roster is made up of Matthew Adams, Angelo Blackson, Patrick Scales, Trevor Simeon, and a few others. The team looks to add depth and new talent in the next few seasons to help solidify the team as a leader in the league.