The Chicago Bears, one of the NFL’s oldest franchises, have a rich history that spans over a century. However, in the Super Bowl era, their story is a mix of glory and what-ifs. Let’s examine the Bears’ Super Bowl history.
The Crowning Achievement: Super Bowl XX
The 1985 Chicago Bears team is often considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Led by legendary head coach Mike Ditka, the Bears lost just one game en route to Super Bowl XX.
Led by RB Walter Payton, QB Jim McMahon, LB Mike Singletary, and DT William “Refrigerator” Perry, the Bears shut out their first two postseason opponents, the New York Giants (winning 21-0) and Los Angeles Rams (beating them 24-0).
On January 26, 1986, the Bears faced the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome. What followed was nothing short of a beatdown. The Bears’ suffocating defense, known as the “46,” completely shut down the Patriots’ offense. Meanwhile, the Bears’ offense put on a show, even allowing Perry to score a touchdown.
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The Bears ultimately hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, winning 46-10. Richard Dent won Super Bowl MVP after forcing two fumbles and recording two sacks. Chicago dominated that postseason, outscoring their opponents 91-10.
This game cemented the ’85 Bears as one of the most memorable teams in NFL history. The “Super Bowl Shuffle” became a cultural phenomenon, and the team’s larger-than-life personalities captured America’s imagination.
The One That Got Away: Super Bowl XLI
It would be 21 years before the Bears made it back to the big game. Led by head coach Lovie Smith, the 2006 season saw the Bears return to the Super Bowl.
Led by LB Brian Urlacher, WR Devin Hester, and QB Rex Grossman, the Bears won the NFC North with a 13-3 record and then defeated the Seattle Seahawks and New Orleans Saints on their path to the Super Bowl.
Super Bowl XLI, played on February 4, 2007, pitted the Bears against the Indianapolis Colts. Hester, who is widely regarded as the best kick returner of all time, returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown. It marked the first time that this happened in Super Bowl history, and it has yet to happen since.
Of course Devin Hester took the opening kickoff of the Super Bowl to the house.
(Super Bowl XLI: Feb. 4, 2007) @D_Hest23 @ChicagoBears pic.twitter.com/gUaO6WflCc
— NFL Legacy (@NFLLegacy) January 22, 2019
However, Peyton Manning and the Colts proved too much for the Bears, defeating them 29-17. Manning earned Super Bowl MVP honors.
For Bears fans, this loss was a bitter pill to swallow. It highlighted the team’s ongoing struggle to find a franchise quarterback, a theme that would continue for years to come.
Near Misses and What-Ifs
While the Bears have only made two Super Bowl appearances, they have had their share of seasons where they came close:
1988 Season
The Bears finished 12-4 but ultimately lost in the NFC Championship Game to the San Francisco 49ers, 28-3. The Niners would go on to defeat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XXII 20-16.
2010 Season
The 2010 campaign ended with another NFC Championship Game appearance, this time losing to their longtime rivals, the Green Bay Packers. However, the Packers won 21-14 and they went on to defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLV.
2018 Season
This would go down in history as the “Double Doink” game, as Cody Parkey’s game-winning field goal attempt was blocked and hit the crossbar twice. The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles ended the Bears’ playoff run in the Wild Card round.