Denver's defense put up impressive performances over the Steelers and Raiders -- offenses that featured a combined 12 future Hall of Famers -- in the playoffs before holding their own against the Cowboys' prolific offense in Super Bowl XII. Bart - This is a Hebrew name that means furrow. Led by two-time Defensive Player of the Year Joe Greene, perennial Pro Bowler L.C. He amassed an impressive 1,488 career tackles, 885 of which were solo efforts. Since then, he has served as player liaison/operations assistant, director of player and staff development and co-director of the Bears' training camp operations. Both of those records would stand until Super Bowl XXIV in New Orleans four years later, when the 49ers defeated the Denver Broncos by 45 points, 5510. He was a standout at the University of New Mexico, which is the alma mater of Bears star Brian Urlacher. The players he dutifully watched over gave him a memorable sendoff: He rode in a limo to and from work on his final day as a member of the Bears organization. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. High quality 85 Bears-inspired gifts and merchandise. Hammer'' seems appropriate. Bears backup Steve Fuller then threw a 69-yard pass to Willie Gault, and eventually snuck in for a 1-yard touchdown. When a team wins like that, you become family. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Bell played for $77,000 the year before, and made the 1985 Pro Bowl roster, but asked for $950,000 annually, which would have made him the highest-paid player on the team. From 1982-1992 the Bears won six NFC Central titles, had dozens of all All-Pro selections and even more Pro Bowl appearances. Simpson to a mere 49 rushing yards in the divisional round. He spent five years with the Eagles as linebackers coach and returned to the Bears for three seasons as defensive coordinator (2004-06). What a way to go out. "C'mon, you mothers," Foreman told the group, "give us a yard.". The Super Bowl Shuffle Super Bowl XX Media (4 of 25) Most memorable Super Bowl moments of all time", "1985 Chicago Bears Visit the White House | The White House", "President Obama Honors the 1973 Super Bowl Champion Miami Dolphins", "Bert Bell Award Professional Player of the Year", "Mike Singletary Hired as 49ers Head Coach Yahoo! Not including LB Elijah Norris, DL Abdullah Anderson, and DL Cavon Walker. One oddity in the Bears victory was that Payton had a relatively poor performance statistically running the ball and never scored a touchdown in Super Bowl XX, his first and only Super Bowl appearance in a Hall of Fame career. While the entire unit has been hailed the Steel Curtain, the nickname -- the greatest for a unit in league annals -- was created initially for Pittsburgh's dominant defensive front. On the Patriots' ensuing drive, Dent forced running back Craig James to fumble, which was recovered by linebacker Mike Singletary at the 13-yard line. Frazier is in his fourth season as defensive coordinator and assistant head coach for the Minnesota Vikings. Kicker Kevin Butler kicked a 34-yard field goal in the first period. . Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Fittingly, Jones is created with coining the term "sack.". Mar 22, 2022. Unfortunately for them, the Cowboys' defense was historically good that day, as Dallas forced eight turnovers in a 17-point win. Chicago's first touchdown resulted on a New York punt attempt from their own 12-yard line. On the ensuing drive, Walter Payton sealed the victory with a 27-yard touchdown run, putting Chicago up for keeps 1610. He also earned an MBA from the University of Washington. Since retiring, Phillips has worked as a real estate agent and investor and also owns Home Court Properties (formerly Reggie Phillips Properties) in his native Houston. Read about Matts pick for Greatest Offense of all time, the 1999 St. Louis Rams. Gault continues to pursue an acting/screenwriting/producing career in Hollywood. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. National Football Conference Championship, Richard Dent, Super Bowl XX Most Valuable Player, 1988 Enshrinement Mike Ditka: 19611966 (player), 1993 Enshrinement Walter Payton: 19751987, 1998 Enshrinement Mike Singletary: 19811992, 2011 Enshrinement Richard Dent: 19831993, 1995, This page was last edited on 25 April 2023, at 23:33. Combined, Page, Eller and Marshall tallied an astounding 412.5 sacks during their careers. He returned to the collegiate ranks in 1993 at Iowa Wesleyan, served with the Detroit Lions from 1994 to '96, was head coach at McPherson College (Kansas) and Wayne State, and even returned briefly to the high school ranks. Pro Football Hall of Fame. pic.twitter.com/POLvSEwkAb. Over-the-Hill Gang: Nickname applied to the Redskins of 1970s due to abundance of veteran players. Known as "Hit Man" for his aggressive pursuit and tackling during his 12-year career (1976-87), all with the Bears, the Chicago native remains the team's all-time leader in interceptions (38) and was one of the most prolific tacklers in club history. The 1985 Bears defense ranked first in yards allowed and fewest points allowed. He spent one year with the L.A. Bodybuilding tight end James Thornton was tagged ''Robocop'' as a rookie for his seeming indestructiveness and the visor he wore on his helmet in 1988. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. : Jim Dooley (Offensive Consultant), Ted Plumb (Receivers) and Dick Stanfel (Offensive Line), Secretary of the Board of Directors: Virginia Halas McCaskey, Training Camp: UW Platteville (Platteville, Wisconsin), Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Monday, May 1, 2:31PM. The 1985 Chicago Bears are one of the few teams to consistently challenge the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins for the unofficial title of the greatest NFL team of all time. This nickname is more than just awesome. But nobody else better mess with your family, right?". You might fight in the backyard at the picnic for the last beer. He coached the Bears from 1982 to 1992 and amassed 106 wins and 62 losses. [4][8], The defense led the league in points allowed (198), yards allowed (4,135) and takeaways (54), a feat that wouldn't be accomplished again until the 2013 Seattle Seahawks defense. My name is Matt and I am an experienced sports writer, anchor, reporter and multimedia journalist! 1 draft choice Mark Carrier doesn`t have one yet, and since he`s a hard-hitting safety, ''M.C. A member of the Bears' video team under chief videographer Mitch Friedman, and the son of longtime Bears and NFL executive Bill McGrane. Since retiring from coaching, he has owned and operated radio stations and founded Reel EZ Display, a Chicago-based company. CHI Dennis McKinnon 20-yard pass from Jim McMahon (Kevin Butler kick). He was taken in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft. FIFTH ROW: Fred Caito, Willie Gault (83), Brian Bashnagel (84), Dennis McKinnon (85), Brad Anderson (86), Emery Moorehead (87), Pat Dunsmore (88), Mitch Krenk (89), Richard Dent (95), Keith. Hughes spent nearly 40 years in football as a player and coach. That's a total of 26.5 sacks for the starting defensive line alone in 1985. He was drafted in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft. [19] With the Bears in trouble and trailing 107 in the 4th quarter, a Steve McMichael safety proved to be the key play that turned the game. However, the Bears had the last laugh against their hated rival, winning 1610, and Perry scored his first career receiving touchdown along the way. Here's a look at where Bears players ranked on the list, including three players in the top 10. at Candlestick Park, San Francisco, California, Nine months after their humiliating defeat at the hands of the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game, the Bears claimed their revenge by sacking Joe Montana a then-career high seven times. . [43], Assisted the coaches from the coaching booth, National Football League Defensive Player of the Year Award, "ESPN.com Page2 Greatest NFL teams of all time", "100 Greatest Teams: Numbers 100-1 SUPERCUT", "1985 Bears Voted Best Super Bowl Winner", "Bears lighten their load, drop 'Refrigerator' Perry '86 Super Bowl star lost job as starter PRO FOOTBALL Baltimore Sun", "Chicago Bears' 1985 Super Bowl championship turns 25 this year: Les Frazier, Walter Payton fuel Week 1 win over Tampa Bay Buccaneers ESPN Chicago", "Hey-Let's check out the Viking Miracle (McMahon owns the Vikings)", "Green Bay Packers vs. Chicago Bears: A Look Back at the NFL's Oldest Rivalry", "When was last time Bears allowed 2 100-yard rushers? Kobe was taken too soon, but written in history forever, The sports that people play and watch the most, "The more often you have pushed the boundaries in practice, the easier it is to push that crucial bit harder and longer in matches. Hall of Famers Walter Payton, Mike Singletary and Dan Hampton, . If you would like to see a game featured or are involved in a sport we haven't covered yet, please get in touch at hello@thesporting.blog or post to our Facebook page. [31], at Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana. The Oak Park native was primarily a reserve offensive lineman who played guard and tackle and was a key cog on special teams. Sadly, Gayle suffered a terrible tragedy Oct. 4, 2007, when girlfriend Rhoni Reuter and the couple's unborn child were shot and killed in their Deerfield home. Sweetness. He signed with the Bears in the off-season as a free agent. Many believe that the 1985 Bears are the greatest defense ever and will never be touched again. The Broncos' 1977 AFC Championship run was fueled by an aggressive defense that boasted five Pro Bowlers: defensive end Lyle Alzado, linebackers Randy Gradishar and Tom Jackson, cornerback Louis Wright and safety Bill Thompson. The team was corralled by hard-nosed Mike Ditka. That was probably true, as only one member of that defense -- linebacker Nick Buoniconti -- is in the Hall of Fame. Please see our Contributors and Sources page for data source details. Voices", "NFL Videos: Leslie Frazier hired as Vikings head coach", "Ron Rivera hired as new Washington Redskins coach", "CU fires Dan Hawkins; Brian Cabral named interim football coach", "Jeff Fisher to coach St. Louis Rams next season ESPN", "Super Bowl XX champion Bears still beloved", 1985 Chicago Bears Season at www.bearshistory.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=1985_Chicago_Bears_season&oldid=1151739154. ", "1985 Bears-Dolphins on Monday Night Football: A perfect season evaporated", "Monday Night Football MNF's Greatest Games: Chicago-Miami 1985", "Taking a Look in the Bears History Book: Wilber Marshall, Part 1", "1985 Chicago Bears' dominated New York Giants in playoff opener, proving they were locked in for Super ending ESPN Chicago", Brennan, Christine. Since retiring, Waechter and his wife have built a successful agricultural supply firm in Grand Island, Neb. The Bears then scored in the third quarter, but any momentum they gained was lost when Butler muffed the ensuing kickoff, which Dolphins rookie Alex Moyer recovered at the Bears 46. Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. The New York Stock Exchange had plenty of style, they also had substance. ''Kool Mo D'' and Lemuel Stinson`s ''Lemonhead,'' because of his resemblance to the character on the box of Lemonhead candies. Greenwood, and menacing linemen Dwight White and Ernie Holmes, the unit led the Steelers to their first two Super Bowl wins of the decade. (NFL Films)FULL VIDEO: https://t.co/5OqpYmn5AjJET X: https://t.co/pqEImVyzzA pic.twitter.com/ujeR3vSvTm. Perry's touchdown and McMahon's rushing touchdowns are widely considered as scoring opportunities that were denied to Payton. A lifelong avid outdoorsman, Wrightman purchased the 190-acre Lazy Bear ranch in Weiser, Idaho, considered one of the best hunting and fishing resorts in the country, which he still operates today. Today, Morrissey works as a financial consultant and public speaker and also spends time working with the Chicago Bears Youth Football Camps. After retiring from the NFL, Suhey, who resides with his family in the northern suburbs, became an investment banker and has served as executor of Payton's estate since his death in 1999. The 2018 class of undrafted free agents signing with the Bears. Phillips' career in the NFL was short -- just four seasons -- but he made the most of it, earning a Super Bowl ring with the Bears as a rookie (he remained with the team through 1987 before playing his final season in 1988 with the Phoenix -- now Arizona -- Cardinals). Find out more. The Nation collegiate exhibition game. The irony of the defense's success was that two of the Bears' top defensive players, linebacker Al Harris and strong safety Todd Bell, missed the entire season due to contract disputes. Photos of Bears football during the years spent at Wrigley Field. The list below goes over the cute bear names we love. Greene had an interception and a fumble recovery, while White recorded the first safety in Super Bowl history. Hey! Later, the Dolphins would increase their lead to 3110. The wind, blowing at 13mph, caught the ball just enough for punter Sean Landeta to completely miss it, and Shaun Gayle picked it up and ran 5 yards for a touchdown. The year before they were 10-4. The 12-1 Bears hosted the 3-10 Colts and were 20-point favorites in Week 14. It symbolizes the first great era of Broncos football, an era that included the franchise's first trip to the Super Bowl. His legendary 42-yard touchdown run put Washington in front to stay. McMahon finished the game with 216 passing yards, while running back Walter Payton rushed for 94 yards. the Bluejays just beat a strong Baylor Bears team 85-76 thanks to strong . He is retired, with the exception of taking part each year in the Texas vs.The Nation game. Although other players such as Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael and Richard Dent got most of the headlines, Waechter was an outstanding and versatile backup on the defensive line, able to play on the outside as well as in the middle. He signed with the Bears in the off-season as a free agent. A nickname that really hasn't faded over time. Charles Neal Anderson is ''Charley'' and Tom Waddle, with his hair straight up, is ''Woodstock,'' the comic-strip bird in Peanuts. He returned to the Bears in 1981 as a defensive consultant before moving to a role as a scout and evaluator of opposing teams' game film, a role that proved crucial, particularly during the Super Bowl season of 1985. (Schedule and Results), Playoffs:Won Divisional Round 21-0 vs. New York GiantsWon Conference Championship 24-0 vs. Los Angeles RamsWon Super Bowl 46-10 vs. New England Patriots, Other Notable Asst. Thomas was also involved this year in a joint effort with the Chicago Public Schools to encourage residents to fill out the U.S. Census. The Rams are a Smith. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. It perfectly summed up the dominance of Buddy Ryan's bunch, but similar to the 1940s, no specific unit officially claimed. Obama noted that the only loss the 1985 Bears had was to the Dolphins. For those unaware, the 1985 Chicago Bears are widely considered to be among the best football teams to ever hit the gridiron. Miami allowed just one touchdown in Super Bowl VIII, as Miami's defense played a massive role in the Dolphins going a combined 32-2 during the '72-73 seasons. It is widely believed that Ryan wanted to be the man to take over the reins but was passed over. The 1985 Chicago Bears are one of the few teams to consistently challenge the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins for the unofficial title of the greatest NFL team of all time In 2007, the 1985 Bears were ranked as the second-greatest Super Bowl championship team on the NFL Network's documentary series America's Game: The Super Bowl Champions, ranking behind only the 1972 Dolphins. We're family, man. Davenport then ran in, and the Dolphins led 2410. The early '40s Bears were dominant, and the nickname certainly added to their fame. Beauty. The Time article revealed a quote that demonstrated how dominant the Steel Curtain was. video. Leslie Frazier had a short-lived career, playing from just 1981-1985. See the sights from the festivities in Canton Ohio as Brian Urlacher received his gold jacket, rode in the HOF parade, and spoke at his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We are an Amazon Affiliate partner and as such receive commission payments if you buy items through the site. The group played a vital role in the Vikings winning the 1969 NFL title, Minnesota's first and last championship. The former TCU standout and College Football Hall of Fame member played just one season in the NFL, but what a year it was as the Bears went on to win Super Bowl XX. This matched the 49ers' mark from the year before and tied the then-record for most wins in a regular season; the record would be reached twice more in 1998 (Minnesota Vikings) and 2004 (Pittsburgh Steelers) before the New England Patriots ended the 2007 NFL season with a 160 regular season record. Well needless to say, there was something different about that game, and there were some things happen that night, that were really strange. Week 4 saw Chicago trailing 10-0 early to the Joe Theismann-led Washington Redskins. He finished as the Bears' first or second leading tackler each of his last 11 seasons.
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