Chicago Bears History: A Century of NFL Excellence and Innovation

The Chicago Bears history is a rich tapestry woven through the very fabric of the National Footall League. As one of the only two remaining NFL charter members, the Bears’ legacy began in 1920 when they were known as the Decatur Staleys. They were named after the A.E. Staley food starch company that they represented. The team initially played in an indepedent league, clinching the Central Illinois Championship in 1919. This early success set the stage for the Bears to become an NFL powerhouse in the decades to come.

The Birth of a Franchise: From Decatur Staleys to Chicago Bears

            The George Halas legacy is inextricably linked to the Chicago Bears history. Hired in 1920 to manage the team, Halas was a former University of Illinois player and professional with the Hammond Pros. He guided the Staleys into the American Football League, soon to be known as the NFL. In 1921, the team moved to Chicago and was renamed the Chicago Staleys. The following year marked a pivotal moment in Bear championship history. Halas purchased the team for a mere $100 and christened them the Chicago Bears.   Buy Chicago Bears game tickets here.

Chicago Bears History: The Dominant Early Years

            As an NFL charter member, the Bears quickly established themselves as a dominant force.  Bears championship wins tally is impressive, with victories in 1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, and 1946. The last victory, in1963, brought the total to eight NFL championships. The crowning achievement came in 1985 with their Super Bowl XX victory. The win solidifying the teams’ status as one of the most successful franchises in league history. This winning tradition has contributed to the team’s value, with Fobes magazine reporting in 2020 that the Chicago Bears were worth a staggering $3.5 billion.

            The early years of the Bears franchise were marked by fierce rivalries. The Chicago Cardinals, the other remaining NFL charter member, provided cross-town competition from 1920 to 1959. The Canton Bulldogs were another notable early rival. Although no current team traces its lineage to Canton, the city’s contribution to football history is honored by the presence of the NFL Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.  

George Halas signs Red Grange to the Pro Game

            Financial struggles were common for professional football teams in the early days. The Windy City football team often played at Wrigley Field, attracting modes crowds of 5,000 to 6,000 fans, while college games drew tens times that number. To legitimize professional football and boost attendance, Halas made a groundbreaking move in 1925 by signing Red Grange, the era’s top college player from the Univesity of Illinois. This signing was so impactful that it led to an NFL policy still in effect today: players can only be signed to professional contracts after their senior class has graduated.   In additional to Grange, Bronko Nagurski another star running back, and eventual Hall of Fame player, was part of the 1932 and 1933 championship teams. See Osprey Lifestyle gear for hiking, biking and travel.

Monsters of the Midway: Defensive Prowess and Offensive Revolution

            The 1930s and 1940s saw the emergence of the “Monsters of the Midway,” a nickname earned due to the Bear’s dominating defenses. Key players of this era included Bronko Nagurski, who contributed to the 1932 and 1933 championship teams, and quarterback Sid Luckman, who led the Bears to four championships in the 1940s. The 1940 title game agains the Washington Redskins was particularly noteworthy, with the Bears winning 73-0, a score that remains the most lopsided in NFL history. This game also introduced the innovative T-formation, featuring two running backs on the field instead of one.  

The Advent of the Middle Linebacker

            The 1963 championship team showcased talent like tight end Mike Ditka and Bill George. George, who began his career in 1952, is credited alongside Tom Landry for the development of the 4-3 defensive configuration and the middle linebacker position. This era of Chicago Bears legends continued with Hall of Famers Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers joining the team in the mid-1960s. See NFL Ticket Exchange: Your source for all NFL tickets.

            The Bears played at Wrigley Field through 1970, before moving to Soldier Stadium, where they continue to play today.  George Halas retired as head coach in 1967, but remained as owner until his death in 1983.  He was part of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963.  His daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey is remains as the principal owner, along with her 11 children and two nephews.  Collectively, they own over 80% of the team.  

The Modern Era: Super Bowl Triumph and Continued Excellence

            The modern era of Bears football saw a return to glory under coach Mike Ditka, a former Bears player himself. Ditka led the team to their Super Bowl XX victory in 1985. The team featured the legendary running back Walter Payton. The Bears also had one of the greatest defenses in NFL history, known as the “46” defense. Payton, who played for the Bears from 1975 to 1987, was league MVP in both 1977 and 1985. The championship team’s defense included Hall of Famers Mike Singletary and Richard Dent, further cementing the Bears’ reputation for defensive excellence.

Bears Today: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

Recent years have seen continued recognition of Bears greats. Kick returner Devn Hester and defensive tackle Steve McMichael were inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2024. The team’s commitment to building for the future was evident in the 2024 draft. They selected quarterback Caleb Williams as the first overall pick, signaling a new chapter in Chicago Bears history. Transform your health with Ora Organic.

The Chicago Bears currently play in the National Football League (NFC) North Division along with the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings. 

Barry Schustermann

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