'85: The Greatest Team in Pro Football History (2017) Timeline Explained – Every Event in Order

The 1985 Bears are widely regarded as one of the greatest teams because they posted a 15-1 regular season record, had the most dominant defense in NFL history (the famous 46 defense), and won Super Bowl XX with a decisive 46-10 victory. Their defense recorded multiple shutouts during the playoffs and held opponents to historically low scoring totals. The combination of their dominant performance, iconic personalities, and the 'Super Bowl Shuffle' cultural moment cemented their legacy.

Foreshadowing: The defense's dominance was built through years of preparation under defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's tough coaching style.

• 1985 chicago bears
• greatest nfl team
• super bowl xx
• 46 defense
• dominant defense

Tension between head coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan stemmed from their fundamentally different coaching philosophies. Ditka ran a free-spirited, player-friendly offensive approach, while Ryan drilled the defense with a strict, drill-sergeant mentality. This created a divided locker room where offensive and defensive players clashed during training. Despite the friction, both coaches were retained, Ditka by management and Ryan at the insistence of owner George Halas, creating a uniquely split team dynamic that somehow worked.

Foreshadowing: This tension was visible from the earliest training sessions under Ditka.

• mike ditka
• buddy ryan
• coach conflict
• bears coaching staff

Jim McMahon earned a rebellious reputation because he frequently challenged authority and operated outside typical NFL player conduct. He refused to sign his contract promptly after being made to wait, showing defiance toward the organization. On the field, he often changed plays at the line of scrimmage rather than strictly following Ditka's calls. He also added personal endorsements to his headgear, something other players didn't do. Despite these infractions, his intelligence and leadership skills earned respect from teammates and helped transform the team's belief in reaching the Super Bowl.

Foreshadowing: McMahon's rebellious nature was evident from his initial contract negotiations.

• jim mcmahon
• rebellious quarterback
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• ditka and mcmahon

The Bears suffered a humiliating 23-0 defeat against the San Francisco 49ers in the 1984 NFC Championship game because they were simply outplayed at both ends of the field. The 49ers' offense and defense dominated completely, leaving the Bears scoreless. This loss served as a harsh awakening for the young Bears team, who had won their first division title that season. The entire team left San Francisco vowing to return the following year with the determination to secure a Super Bowl berth, using the defeat as motivation for the 1985 season.

Foreshadowing: The Bears' first division title in 1984 was celebrated, but the team knew more work was needed.

• bears 49ers 1984
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• san francisco 49ers

The 'Super Bowl Shuffle' was a music video recorded by the Chicago Bears on December 3, 1985, shortly after their only loss of the season to the Miami Dolphins. The video featured players rapping and dancing while showcasing their personalities. Key players like Jim McMahon and Walter Payton were initially hesitant about the timing, fearing it might appear arrogant if they lost the Super Bowl. Eventually, they participated separately, with their segments added later. The video became a cultural phenomenon and helped cement the team's iconic status beyond just football.

Foreshadowing: The video was recorded after the Dolphins loss, showing the team's confidence despite setbacks.

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• bears music video
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• 1985 bears

Walter Payton did not score a touchdown in Super Bowl XX because the Patriots' game plan specifically focused on stopping him. New England keyed their defense on the Bears' legendary running back, forcing him into a limited role as a decoy and blocker. Despite being one of the greatest running backs in NFL history and the face of the franchise, Payton was effectively shut down by the Patriots' defensive strategy. This omission became a lasting regret for both Payton and coach Mike Ditka, leaving the victory somewhat bittersweet for the star player.

Foreshadowing: The Bears' victory parade celebrating the championship was tempered by this unresolved personal goal.

• walter payton
• super bowl xx
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• patriots defense payton

The Challenger space shuttle disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, just two days after the Bears' Super Bowl victory on January 26. This tragic event that killed seven astronauts cast a shadow over the Bears' championship celebration in Chicago. The city, which had been flooding the streets in frigid temperatures to celebrate, suddenly found its joy dampened by national mourning. The Bears' victory briefly united the city during a time of profound grief, highlighting how sports can provide a unifying force even amid tragedy.

Foreshadowing: The somber mood arrived immediately after the team's greatest triumph.

• challenger disaster
• space shuttle challenger
• bears celebration 1986
• january 1986

The Bears couldn't sustain their success after 1985 due to several factors: lack of focus among players, injuries that plagued key personnel including Jim McMahon, and the natural roster turnover that occurs in the NFL. Additionally, the team struggled to replicate the unique chemistry and motivation that drove their historic 1985 season. Many players and fans believe that had the core group stayed together longer, they could have won additional championships. Despite being tagged as the greatest single-season team ever, the Bears never reached those heights again.

Foreshadowing: Mike Singletary and other players later reflected that staying together longer could have meant more titles.

• bears decline after 1985
• why bears couldn't repeat
• bears dynasty
• 1985 bears legacy