'85: The Greatest Team in Pro Football History

Before the 1985 season, Chicago sports fans experienced a long history of disappointment. The Cubs, White Sox, and Black Hawks failed to remain competitive, while the Bears had not won a championship since 1963, leading to frustrated fans resorting to pouring beer on players after games.

In the 1980s, the Chicago Bears began drafting talented players like Jim McMahon and Mike Singletary, which disrupted the losing culture of the team. The arrival of these skilled players infused hope into the fanbase, as the Bears started to seek relevance in the NFL.

Mike Ditka was hired as the head coach in 1982, bringing a new level of toughness to the Bears. He boldly predicted that the Bears would reach the Super Bowl within three years, although he warned that many current players would not be with the team to see it happen.

As tensions rose between head coach Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, the Bears' roster became divided. The defense, driven by Ryan's tough coaching style, began to excel and earned a reputation for being one of the most formidable units in NFL history.

Jim McMahon, a rebellious quarterback with unique playing styles, joined the Bears in 1983 and quickly became a focal point of the team's offense. His unconventional approach often challenged Ditka’s calls, yet his leadership inspired confidence and dreams of championship glory.

In 1984, the Bears won their division for the first time in years, a moment celebrated with heartfelt emotions among players. This achievement marked the beginning of newfound hope, punctuated by the iconic Gatorade dump over coach Ditka.

The Bears faced the San Francisco 49ers in the 1984 NFC Championship game but suffered a humiliating defeat, losing 23-0. Despite the setback, the team was fueled with determination, taking the loss as a catalyst to work towards winning the Super Bowl the following year.

The 1985 season began with the Bears dominating the league, finishing 12-0 to clinch the division. Despite a challenging loss to the Miami Dolphins, the team remained steadfast with the goal of winning the Super Bowl, showcasing their resolve.

Following their only loss of the season, the Bears filmed the 'Super Bowl Shuffle' video, asserting their confidence in reaching the Super Bowl. Despite initial hesitations from key players, the video captured the team's spirit and served to rally fans and players alike.

On January 26, 1986, the Chicago Bears triumphed over the New England Patriots with a stunning 46-10 victory. Every player had the opportunity to participate, marking a celebration of collectively hard-won success, as Chicago basked in newfound glory.

Despite the jubilant victory, many, including coach Ditka, felt regret that star running back Walter Payton did not score a touchdown in the Super Bowl. The game plan aimed to stop Payton, forcing him into a supporting role as a decoy, leaving a bittersweet feeling among fans.

The city celebrated with a victory parade that drew around 45,000 fans, rallying together in frigid temperatures. The Bears players reveled in the joy of their triumph, while those missing the parade, like Pro Bowler Jimbo Covert, felt a deep sense of regret for not attending.

Just days after the Super Bowl, the Challenger space shuttle tragedy overshadowed the Bears' celebration, bringing a somber mood to the city. This highlighted the impact of their success, as the Bears briefly united a diverse city that faced a national tragedy.

After their triumphant season, the Bears struggled to maintain their momentum, with key players dropping out and injuries plaguing their roster. Despite the tag of the greatest single season team ever, they could not replicate the Super Bowl success in subsequent years.

The legacy of the '85 Chicago Bears continued to resonate for decades, with players reflecting on their unique bond and shared experiences. This bond is credited for their success, while many fans and former players believe they could have achieved even more championships if they stayed together.