History of Chicago Bears in Timeline
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago competing in the NFL as part of the NFC North division. They have a rich history, boasting nine NFL Championships, including one Super Bowl victory. The Bears hold NFL records for the most Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees and retired jersey numbers. Their historical success in NFL championships and total victories is second only to their rivals, the Green Bay Packers.
1919: A.E. Staley Company formed a football team
In 1919, the A.E. Staley Company's Fellowship Club formed a football team.
1919: Club Founded by A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company
In 1919, the Chicago Bears club was founded by Augustus Eugene Staley, owner of A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company, and was owned by the company.
1919: Decatur Staleys established
In 1919, the Decatur Staleys club was established by the A. E. Staley food starch company and won the Central Illinois Championship.
September 17, 1920: Became professional
On September 17, 1920, the franchise became professional.
1920: Halas took over the team
In 1920, George Halas took over the team when it became a charter member of the NFL.
1920: Bears become a charter member of the NFL
In 1920, the Chicago Bears became a charter member of the NFL.
1920: Inaugural season for Decatur Staleys
In 1920, the Decatur Staleys' inaugural regular season was completed in the newly formed American Professional Football Association.
1920: Rivalry with Chicago Cardinals began
In 1920, the Staleys/Bears rivalry with the Chicago Cardinals began and lasted until 1959.
1920: Oldest Continuing NFL Matchup Begins
In 1920, the rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Arizona Cardinals (then the Chicago Cardinals) began as an intense intra-city rivalry, marking the start of the oldest continuing matchup in the NFL.
1920: Staley's Logo Used by Decatur Staleys
In 1920, when the team was known as the Decatur Staleys, they used A. E. Staley's logo as football was intended to help promote the company.
1920: George Chamberlain contacted
In March of 1920, George Chamberlain telephoned to build the company's Fellowship Club team into a team that could compete successfully.
1920: Trestman wins in coaching debut, after Halas
Marc Trestman becomes the fourth head coach in Bears history to win in his coaching debut, after George Halas in 1920.
1920: Bears-Packers Rivalry Begins
The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears began in 1920, marking the start of one of the NFL's most historic rivalries.
1921: Staley Transfers Team Ownership to Halas
In 1921, A. E. Staley transferred ownership of the team to George Halas for $5,000, who kept the 'Staleys' name for one year and added Edward "Dutch" Sternaman as a co-owner.
1921: Full control turned over to Halas and Sternaman
In 1921, full control of the team was turned over to George Halas and Edward "Dutch" Sternaman.
1921: Rivalry with Green Bay Packers began
In 1921, the Bears' rivalry with the Green Bay Packers began; George Halas got the Packers expelled from the league to prevent their signing of a particular player.
1921: Bears Victory Over Packers
In 1921, the Chicago Bears (then known as the Staleys) secured their first victory over the Green Bay Packers in a shutout, winning 20–0.
1921: Captured NFL Championship
In 1921, the Chicago Bears captured the NFL Championship.
1921: Staleys and Bulldogs Rivalry Begins
In 1921, the rivalry between the Canton/Cleveland Bulldogs and the Staleys/Bears emerged as two NFL powerhouses.
1921: Team Moved to Chicago and Renamed
In 1921, the team moved to Chicago and was renamed the Chicago Staleys.
January 28, 1922: Bears Incorporated as New League Team
On January 28, 1922, the Chicago Bears were incorporated as "a new league team" at an NFL meeting, following a name change and ownership arrangements after being the Decatur Staleys.
1922: Name changed to Bears and move to Wrigley Field
In 1922, George Halas changed the team name from the Staleys to the Bears and the team moved into Wrigley Field.
1922: NFL Renamed
In 1922, the American Professional Football Association was renamed the National Football League (NFL).
1923: Bears allow 50 points in two straight weeks, first since 1923
The Bears allowed 50-point games in two straight weeks, becoming the first team since the 1923 Rochester Jeffersons to allow at least 50 points in consecutive games.
1924: Bears Claimed Championship
In 1924, the Bears claimed the Championship after defeating the Cleveland Bulldogs, but finished in second place behind Cleveland due to an NFL rule.
1924: First Ejection of Players in NFL History
The 1924 matchup between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears featured the first-ever ejection of players in an NFL game, when Frank Hanny of the Bears and Walter Voss of the Packers were ejected for punching each other.
1925: Red Grange Joined the Roster
In 1925, Red Grange joined the Chicago Bears, and the Bears embarked on a barnstorming tour.
1925: Packers Claim First Win Over Bears
In 1925, the Green Bay Packers claimed their first victory over the Chicago Bears, winning 14–10.
1926: Grange Left for AFL's New York Yankees
In 1926, Red Grange left the Bears for the AFL's New York Yankees after a failed contract talk.
1930: Lions-Bears Face Off
In 1930, The Detroit Lions and Bears had their first face off. The Detroit Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. The Spartans won 7-6.
1930: Training Camp Moved to Mills Stadium
In 1930, the Staleys/Bears moved their summer training camp to Mills Stadium in Chicago, departing from their home stadiums.
1931: Sternaman Offers to Sell Stake to Halas
In 1931, Dutch Sternaman offered to sell his stake in the Chicago Bears to George Halas for $38,000, so he could focus on other business ventures.
1931: Training Camp Moved to Loyola University Chicago
In 1931, the Chicago Bears moved their training camp to Loyola University Chicago.
1932: Halas partner left the organization
In 1932, after the financial losses of the Championship season, Halas' partner Dutch Sternaman left the organization.
1932: Bears and Spartans Meet in First Postseason Game
In 1932, the Chicago Bears and the Portsmouth Spartans (later the Detroit Lions) met in the first-ever postseason game in NFL history, with the Bears winning 9–0.
1932: Defeated the Portsmouth Spartans in the first NFL playoff game
In 1932, the Chicago Bears defeated the Portsmouth Spartans in the first NFL playoff game, held indoors at Chicago Stadium.
1933: Bidwill Purchases Stock in Team
In 1933, Charles Bidwill purchased $5,000 in stock of the Chicago Bears, to support the team financially.
1934: Bears Undefeated Regular Season
In 1934, the Chicago Bears completed an undefeated 13–0 regular season but were defeated by the New York Giants in the championship.
1934: Training Camp Moved to Lane Tech College Prep High School
In 1934, the Chicago Bears moved their training camp to Lane Tech College Prep High School.
1934: NFL Championship Game
In 1934, the New York Giants defeated the Bears in the NFL Championship.
1934: Giants Win Sneakers Game
In 1934, the New York Giants defeated the Chicago Bears in the NFL Championship Game, in a game known as the Sneakers Game.
1935: Training Camp Moved to St. John's Northwestern Military Academy
In 1935, the Chicago Bears began conducting training camps at a prominent location, St. John's Northwestern Military Academy in Delafield, Wisconsin, for a decade.
1937: Bears and Rams in the Same Division
During the 1937 NFL season, the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears played in the same division.
1937: Sammy Baugh drafted, rivalry heats up
In 1937, the Washington Commanders drafted quarterback Sammy Baugh, intensifying the rivalry with the Chicago Bears as both teams frequently met in the NFL Championship Game.
1939: Luckman set Bears passing records
Between 1939 and 1950, Sid Luckman set the Bears' passing records for most career touchdowns, yards, and completions.
1939: Halas purchased the Newark Tornadoes
In 1939, George Halas purchased the American Association's Newark Tornadoes and renamed them the "Bears".
1940: NFL Championship Game victory and Nickname
In 1940, quarterback Sid Luckman led the Bears to the NFL Championship Game over the Washington Redskins with a score of 73-0, and the team acquired the nickname "Monsters of the Midway".
1940: First Chicago Bears Logo Introduced
In 1940, the Chicago Bears introduced their first official logo, depicting a black bear running with a football.
1940: Bears Victory Over Redskins
In 1940, the Chicago Bears secured the biggest margin of victory in an NFL game with a 73–0 victory over the Washington Redskins in the NFL Championship Game.
1940: Bears defeat the Commanders 73-0
In 1940, the Chicago Bears set a league record by defeating the Washington Commanders 73-0 in the NFL Championship game, marking the largest margin of victory in league history.
1941: Bears Defeat Packers in Postseason
In 1941, the Chicago Bears defeated the Green Bay Packers in the NFL postseason, later winning the 1941 NFL Championship Game.
1941: The Bears and Packers first playoff meeting
The Bears reached the NFC Championship Game, where they played Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field – only the second playoff meeting between the two storied rivals, the only other game played in 1941.
1942: Bears Undefeated Regular Season
In 1942, the Chicago Bears completed an undefeated 11–0 regular season but were defeated by the Redskins in the championship.
1946: New Logo Featuring Navy Blue Bear Introduced
In 1946, the Chicago Bears introduced a new logo that featured a navy blue bear on top of a football.
1947: Luckman Led Bears to Victories
From 1940 to 1947, quarterback Sid Luckman led the Bears to victories in four out of the five NFL Championship Games in which they appeared.
1949: Halas Buys Stock from Bidwill's Widow
In 1949, George Halas bought $50,000 worth of Chicago Bears stock from Violet, the widow of Charles Bidwill, who originally purchased the stock in 1933.
1950: Luckman set Bears passing records
Between 1939 and 1950, Sid Luckman set the Bears' passing records for most career touchdowns, yards, and completions.
1950: Helms Athletic Foundation Pro Football Hall of Fame Established
In 1950, the Helms Athletic Foundation Pro Football Hall of Fame was established, preceding the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1956: WBBM-TV was the Bears' unofficial "home" station
From 1956, WBBM-TV was the Bears' unofficial "home" station.
1958: Game Attracts Record Crowd
The 1958 game between the Rams and the Chicago Bears attracted 100,470 fans, the largest crowd in Bears history.
1959: Rivalry with Chicago Cardinals ended
In 1959, the Staleys/Bears rivalry with the Chicago Cardinals ended.
1961: Mike Ditka joins the Bears
In 1961, Mike Ditka joined the Chicago Bears as a tight end.
1961: Bears in "Rah Rah Bear" Animated Short
In 1961, the Chicago Bears were featured in the Hanna-Barbera animated short "Rah Rah Bear", where Yogi Bear helps the Bears beat the New York Giants.
1961: The Bears behind the NFL record for interception touchdowns
In 2011, The Bears became the first team in NFL history to return six interceptions for touchdowns in the first seven games of the season, with another pick-six by Brian Urlacher in Week 9 bringing Chicago two behind the record set by the 1961 San Diego Chargers.
1962: Wishbone-C Logo Introduced
In 1962, the Chicago Bears introduced their trademark "wishbone-C" logo, which was initially white with a black outline.
1963: Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's first induction class
In 1963, George Halas was a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's first induction class.
1963: Original Class of Inductees
In 1963, George Halas, Bronko Nagurski, and Red Grange were part of the original class of inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
1963: Eighth NFL Championship
In 1963, the Chicago Bears captured their eighth NFL Championship.
July 27, 1964: Willie Galimore and Bo Farrington Killed in Car Accident
On July 27, 1964, Chicago Bears players Willie Galimore and Bo Farrington were killed in an automobile accident near the team's training camp when Galimore's Volkswagen left the road.
1964: Bears largest Defeat
In 1964, the largest defeat in club history was a 52–0 loss against the Baltimore Colts.
1966: Mike Ditka leaves the Bears
In 1966, Mike Ditka's tenure as a tight end for the Chicago Bears came to an end.
1968: Percival Kicks Game-Winning Field Goal
In 1968, Chicago Bears kicker Mac Percival kicked the game-winning field goal via a successful fair catch kick against the Green Bay Packers.
1969: Finished last in their division
After the merger, the Bears finished the 1969 season last place in their division.
1969: End of Division Play with the Rams
The 1969 NFL season marked the end of the era where the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and the Chicago Bears played in the same division.
February 1970: Halas elected NFC President
In February 1970, at the merger between the NFL and the American Football League, George Halas was elected the first President of the National Football Conference.
1970: Finished last in their division
After the merger, the Bears finished the 1970 season last place in their division.
1970: Death of Brian Piccolo
In 1970, Brian Piccolo died of embryonal carcinoma.
1970: Renovations to Wrigley Field
In 1970, the Chicago Bears played elsewhere due to renovations at Wrigley Field.
1970: Played last game at Wrigley Field
In 1970, the Chicago Bears played their last home game at Wrigley Field.
1971: Soldier Field Changes to AstroTurf
Before the 1971 season, Soldier Field's playing surface was changed from natural grass to astroturf.
1971: Brian's Song TV Movie Released
In 1971, the American TV movie Brian's Song, starring Billy Dee Williams as Gale Sayers and James Caan as Brian Piccolo, was released, depicting their friendship and struggles.
1971: Bears Move to Soldier Field
In 1971, the Chicago Bears relocated to Soldier Field after playing at Wrigley Field for 50 years.
1971: Brian's Song aired on ABC
In 1971, the movie Brian's Song, starring James Caan and Billy Dee Williams, aired on the American television network ABC.
1972: 1972 Miami Dolphins undefeated season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved an undefeated season and post-season, becoming the only franchise in history to do so at that time.
1972: Miami Dolphins
In 1972, unlike the Miami Dolphins, the Chicago Bears did not win the championship game.
1972: Dolphins' Perfect Season
The Miami Dolphins' perfect season in 1972 remained intact after they defeated the Chicago Bears in 1985, handing the Bears their only loss.
1972: minor leagues collapse
This practice continued sporadically until 1972, and ended with the collapse of several minor leagues along with the NFL labor disputes in the 1970s.
1975: Walter Payton Started Playing for Bears
In 1975, Walter Payton began his career playing running back for the Bears, lasting until 1987.
1975: Drafted Walter Payton
In 1975, the Chicago Bears drafted Walter Payton from Jackson State University.
1975: Training Camp Moved to Lake Forest College
In 1975, the Chicago Bears moved their summer training camp to Lake Forest College.
1976: Chicago Honey Bears Cheerleading Squad Begins
In 1976, the Chicago Honey Bears cheerleading squad was formed, marking the beginning of the team's cheerleading presence.
1977: Payton won NFL MVP
In 1977, Walter Payton won the NFL Most Valuable Player award in the 1977–78 season.
1977: Original Halas Hall Opens
In 1977, the original Halas Hall opened as the practice and front office facility for the Chicago Bears.
1978: Worst season since the NFL's change to 16-game seasons in 1978
In 2016, the Bears compiled a 3–13 record (their worst since the NFL's change to 16-game seasons in 1978)
1978: Trestman wins in coaching debut, after Armstrong
Marc Trestman becomes the fourth head coach in Bears history to win in his coaching debut, after Neill Armstrong in 1978.
1979: George Halas Jr. death
In 1979, George Halas Jr. died of a heart attack.
1979: Mugs Halas Jr. Passes Away
In 1979, Mugs Halas Jr. passed away, resulting in his estate acquiring a 19.67% interest in the Chicago Bears.
1979: Honey Bears Uniform Changed to White Bodysuit
In 1979, the Chicago Honey Bears' uniform was changed to a white bodysuit with navy blue sleeves.
1979: Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame Founded
In 1979, the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame was founded to honor sports greats associated with the Chicago metropolitan area.
1980: Bears largest Home Victory
In 1980, The largest home victory for the Bears came in a 61–7 result against the Green Bay Packers.
1980: Honey Bears Uniform Changed to White Bodysuit with Orange Sleeves
In 1980, the Chicago Honey Bears' uniform was changed to a white bodysuit with orange sleeves and navy blue trim.
1980: End of Annual Games with the Rams
The Chicago Bears and the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams played annually until the 1980 NFL season.
1981: Steve McMichael Started Consecutive Games Streak
In 1981, Steve McMichael began his streak of consecutive games played by a Bear, which lasted until 1993.
1982: Mike Ditka hired as Bears coach
In 1982, George Halas hired former Bears tight end Mike Ditka to coach the team.
1982: End Zones Painted
Until the 1982 season, the end zones and midfield at Soldier Field were unpainted. That year, the word "Chicago" was painted in Highway Gothic in both end zones.
October 31, 1983: George Halas Passes Away
On October 31, 1983, George Halas, the club's president and principal owner, passed away, marking the end of an era for the Chicago Bears.
November 1, 1983: Virginia McCaskey Took Over as Majority Owner
On November 1, 1983, a day after George Halas' death, his daughter Virginia McCaskey took over as the majority owner of the team.
1983: Mark Bortz Made Playoff Appearance
From 1983, Mark Bortz made the most Bear playoff appearances, with 13.
1983: Wishbone C Logo Added to Midfield
In 1983, the end zone design returned, and a large wishbone "C" Bears logo was painted at midfield.
1984: Payton eclipsed Jim Brown's NFL rushing record
In 1984, Walter Payton eclipsed Jim Brown's NFL career rushing record.
1984: Training Camp Moved to University of Wisconsin–Platteville
In 1984, the Chicago Bears moved their pre-season training camp to Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium at University of Wisconsin–Platteville.
1984: Bears reach NFC Championship game
In 1984, the Chicago Bears reached the NFC Championship game but lost to the San Francisco 49ers 23-0.
1984: Training Camp Ends at Lake Forest College
In 1984, the Chicago Bears' summer training camp at Lake Forest College concluded.
1984: Honey Bears Uniform Changed to White Bodysuit with Orange Sleeves
In 1984, the Chicago Honey Bears' uniform remained a white bodysuit with orange sleeves and navy blue trim.
1985: Tom Thayer Played for the Bears
From 1985, Tom Thayer played for the Bears.
1985: Last NFL Championship Until 1985
In 1963, it was the Chicago Bears last NFL Championship, which would be its last until 1985.
1985: Kevin Butler Started Scoring for Bears
In 1985, Kevin Butler started his career as the Bears kicker, scoring 1,116 points until 1995.
1985: Bears win Super Bowl XX and Ditka uses Perry as running back
In 1985, Mike Ditka used 315-pound defensive tackle "Refrigerator" Perry as a running back in a touchdown play against the Packers at Lambeau Field. Also in 1985, the Bears won Super Bowl XX, their first NFL Championship since the AFL-NFL merger, after dominating the NFL with their 46 defense and the novelty rap song "The Super Bowl Shuffle".
1985: Bears and Giants Meet in Playoffs
In 1985, The Chicago Bears and the New York Giants met in the playoffs. The Bears won the game en route to Super Bowl XX.
1985: Bears Depicted in Punky Brewster Episode
In 1985, the Bears were depicted in an episode of the cartoon version of the NBC sitcom Punky Brewster, where they are playing the Green Bay Packers.
1985: "The Super Bowl Shuffle" Recorded
In 1985, the Chicago Bears recorded the song "The Super Bowl Shuffle", which reached number forty-one on the Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy Award, becoming a pop culture phenomenon.
1985: Dolphins defeat Bears on Monday Night Football
In 1985, the Miami Dolphins handed the Chicago Bears their first and only regular-season loss on Monday Night Football, preserving the 1972 Dolphins' undefeated record.
1986: Bears Begin Stadium Discussions
Since 1986, the Chicago Bears have been attempting to negotiate for a new stadium due to disagreements with the city over Soldier Field's maintenance.
1987: Walter Payton Played Last Game for Bears
In 1987, Walter Payton played his last game for the Bears after starting in 1975, only missing one game.
1987: Estate Challenges Ownership Sale
In 1987, the executor of Mugs Halas' estate challenged the legality of the 1981 corporate reorganization, which led to disputes over the ownership stake in the Chicago Bears.
1988: Cardinals Move to Phoenix
In 1988, the Cardinals moved to the Phoenix metropolitan area, further diminishing the importance of the rivalry with the Chicago Bears.
1988: Bears Buy Mugs' Ownership Stake
In 1988, the Chicago Bears bought the 19.67% ownership stake of the team from the estate of Mugs Halas for $17.5 million.
1988: Bears reach NFC Championship game
In the 1988 season, Mike Ditka led the Bears to the NFC Championship game.
1988: Soldier Field Returns to Natural Grass
In time for the start of the 1988 season, the playing surface at Soldier Field was changed back to natural grass.
1990: Stake Sold to Businessmen
In 1990, the Chicago Bears sold their ownership stake to Chicago-area businessmen Andrew McKenna and Patrick Ryan for an undisclosed sum.
1990: Giants and Bears Meet in Playoffs
In 1990, the New York Giants and Chicago Bears met in the playoffs. The Giants won the game en route to Super Bowl XXV.
1992: Tom Thayer's Last Season with the Bears
Tom Thayer's last season with the Bears was 1992, after playing since 1985.
1993: Don Shula surpassed Halas' Victories Record
In 1993, Don Shula surpassed George Halas' record for most career victories as a coach.
1993: Steve McMichael's Last Consecutive Game
In 1993, Steve McMichael concluded his record of 191 consecutive games played by a Bear, which started in 1981.
1993: "Bill Swerski's Superfans" Sketch Ends
In 1993, the recurring sketch "Bill Swerski's Superfans" on Saturday Night Live, inspired by Mike Ditka, stopped after Ditka was fired.
1994: Mark Bortz last Playoff Appearance
In 1994, Mark Bortz last Playoff Appearance.
1994: Bears reach the playoffs
In 1994, under head coach Dave Wannstedt, the Bears made it to the playoffs.
1995: Kevin Butler Last Season
1995 was Kevin Butler's last season as the Bears kicker.
1995: "Bearman" Started Cheerleading
In 1995, Don Wachter, known as "Bearman", started cheerleading for the Chicago Bears, running across the field with a large Bears flag during player introductions and after each team score.
1995: Fox won NFC rights
In 1995, Fox won the NFC rights, ending WBBM-TV's role as the Bears' unofficial "home" station since 1956.
1995: Bears first playoff win since 1995
In 2006, the Bears won their first playoff game since 1995.
1996: "Bearman" Donned Costume
In 1996, Don Wachter, also known as "Bearman", donned his costume of face paint, bear head and arms, and a number 46 jersey, while cheerleading for the Bears.
1996: Midfield Logo Changes to Bears Head
In 1996, the midfield wishbone "C" logo was changed to a large blue Bears head, and the end zone design were painted with "Bears" in cursive.
1996: The Bears miss the playoffs
In 2011, after starting the season 7-1, the Bears missed the playoffs with a record of 10–6 (after starting the season 7–1, the first team to start with the record and miss the playoffs since the 1996 Washington Redskins)
1997: Bears finish last in the division
In 1997, the Chicago Bears finished last in their division, marking the beginning of four consecutive last-place finishes.
1997: End of Halas Hall as Practice and Front Office Facility
In 1997, the original Halas Hall ceased to be the practice and front office facility for the Chicago Bears.
January 1999: Dick Jauron hired as head coach; Ted Phillips replaces Michael McCaskey as president
In January 1999, Dick Jauron was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears after Dave McGinnis backed out. Mrs. McCaskey fired her son Michael as president, replacing him with Ted Phillips.
1999: Payton died
In 1999, Walter Payton died from a rare form of liver cancer.
1999: Bears Considered Part of the Cheese League
In 1999, the Chicago Bears were considered a member of the "Cheese League," along with the Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints, and Kansas City Chiefs, each team practicing at a different university in Wisconsin.
1999: Orange Bear Head Becomes Secondary Logo
In 1999, the orange bear head becomes the Chicago Bears secondary logo, later becoming primary in 2023.
1999: Classic Design Returns
In the 1999 season, the artwork on Soldier Field returned to the classic "Chicago" and "C" design.
1999: Trestman wins in coaching debut, after Jauron
Marc Trestman becomes the fourth head coach in Bears history to win in his coaching debut, after Dick Jauron in 1999.
2000: Bears finish last in the division
In 2000, the Chicago Bears finished last in their division, marking the end of four consecutive last-place finishes.
2001: Bears achieve a 13-3 record and division title
In 2001, Jim Miller led the Chicago Bears to a 13-3 record and a division title, but they lost in the Divisional Round of the playoffs.
2001: Brian's Song Remake Released
In 2001, a remake of the movie Brian's Song aired on ABC, starring Sean Maher as Brian Piccolo and Mekhi Phifer as Gale Sayers.
2001: Training Camp Moved to Illinois
In 2001, the Chicago Bears moved their training camp to an Illinois practice facility after the Illinois General Assembly requested it to raise funds for remodeling Soldier Field. Before leaving UW–Platteville, the Bears donated $250,000 for a new computer lab named "The Bears Den".
2001: Bears reach the playoffs
In 2001, under head coach Dick Jauron, the Bears made it to the playoffs.
January 20, 2002: Soldier Field Closed for Rebuilding
On January 20, 2002, Soldier Field was closed for a complete rebuild, with only the exterior wall being preserved. This closure occurred the day after the Chicago Bears lost in the playoffs.
2002: Urlacher Featured in Nike Commercials
In 2002, Brian Urlacher, whose jersey was among the league's best-selling, was featured in Nike commercials with former Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Vick.
2002: Emmitt Smith broke Payton's NFL Record
In 2002, Emmitt Smith of the Dallas Cowboys broke Walter Payton's NFL record for career rushing yards.
2002: Training Camp Moved to Olivet Nazarene University
In 2002, the Chicago Bears moved their summer training camp to Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
2002: Renovations to Soldier Field
In 2002, the Chicago Bears played elsewhere due to renovations to Soldier Field.
2002: Bears record declines to 4-12
In 2002, the Chicago Bears' record declined to 4-12.
September 27, 2003: Rebuilt Soldier Field Reopens
On September 27, 2003, Soldier Field reopened after a complete rebuild, its second in the stadium's history. Many fans refer to the rebuilt stadium as "New Soldier Field".
2003: Super Fan Appearance
In 2003, Horatio Sanz made a single appearance as a Super Fan for the Cubs on "Weekend Update".
2003: Bears record improves but still miss the playoffs
In 2003, the Chicago Bears improved to a 7-9 record but still missed the postseason, leading to the firing of head coach Dick Jauron.
January 15, 2004: Lovie Smith hired as head coach
On January 15, 2004, Lovie Smith was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
2005: "Bearman" Allowed in Costume Again
In 2005, "Bearman" (Don Wachter) was allowed to wear his costume again after it was initially prohibited with the introduction of Staley Da Bear in 2003.
2005: Ditka co-starred in "Kicking & Screaming"
In 2005, Mike Ditka co-starred as himself alongside actor Will Ferrell in the comedy film "Kicking & Screaming".
2005: Bears win their division and reach the playoffs
In 2005, the Chicago Bears won their division and reached the playoffs for the first time in four years.
2005: Nagy named Coach of the Year
In 2018, Nagy was named Coach of the Year, the first Bears coach to be given the AP award since Lovie Smith in 2005.
2005: Bears Win NFC North Division
In the 2005 season, the Chicago Bears won the NFC North Division and the No. 2 Seed in the NFC Playoffs, earning them at least one home game in the postseason.
January 15, 2006: Bears Host First Playoff Game Since Reopening
On January 15, 2006, the Chicago Bears hosted their divisional round match against the Carolina Panthers, marking the first playoff game at Soldier Field since the stadium reopened; however, they lost the game.
February 17, 2006: Soldier Field Stripped of Landmark Designation
On February 17, 2006, Soldier Field was stripped of its National Historic Landmark designation.
November 12, 2006: Hester returned a missed field goal for a touchdown
On November 12, 2006, Devin Hester returned a missed field goal for a 108-yard touchdown, tying a previous record.
2006: Bears reach Super Bowl XLI
In 2006, the Chicago Bears clinched their second consecutive NFC North title and earned a trip to Super Bowl XLI, but lost to the Indianapolis Colts. Lovie Smith received a contract extension through 2011.
2007: Hester recorded another six touchdown season
In 2007, Devin Hester recorded another six touchdown season from returns.
2008: Matt Forte Started Playing for Bears
In 2008, Matt Forte started playing for the Bears and became the closest to Payton's record with 6,985 yards.
April 2, 2009: Bears acquire Jay Cutler in a trade
On April 2, 2009, the Chicago Bears acquired quarterback Jay Cutler from the Denver Broncos in exchange for Kyle Orton and draft picks.
2009: Yahoo! Sports Ranks McCaskeys as Third Worst Owners
In 2009, Yahoo! Sports listed the McCaskeys as the third worst owners in the NFL, criticizing their management of the Chicago Bears.
February 1, 2010: Mike Martz hired as offensive coordinator
On February 1, 2010, Mike Martz was hired as the offensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears.
March 5, 2010: Bears sign Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor, and Brandon Manumaleuna
On March 5, 2010, the Chicago Bears signed Julius Peppers, Chester Taylor, and Brandon Manumaleuna, spending over $100 million.
November 18, 2010: Bears record franchise win number 700
On November 18, 2010, the Chicago Bears recorded franchise win number 700 in a win against the Miami Dolphins.
December 20, 2010: Hester Set NFL Record
On December 20, 2010, Devin Hester set an NFL record for most touchdowns on a punt or kickoff return, with his 14th career return against the Minnesota Vikings.
2010: Bears last clinch NFC North since 2010
On December 16, 2018, the Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North for the first time since 2010 with a victory over the Green Bay Packers.
2011: Lovie Smith's contract extended through 2011
Following the 2006 season, Lovie Smith's contract was extended through 2011.
2011: Hester Broke the Record
In 2011, Devin Hester broke the record for the most punt returns against the Carolina Panthers.
2011: Injuries derail Bears' season; Jerry Angelo and Mike Martz depart
In 2011, the Chicago Bears' season was derailed by injuries to Jay Cutler and Matt Forté. General manager Jerry Angelo was fired, Mike Martz resigned, and the team traded for Brandon Marshall. The Bears missed the playoffs and Lovie Smith was later fired.
2011: Packers Defeat Bears in Postseason
In 2011, the Green Bay Packers defeated the Chicago Bears in the postseason, en route to winning Super Bowl XLV.
2012: Tillman Set Record for Forced Fumbles
In 2012, Charles Tillman set the record for most forced fumbles in a single game with four against the Tennessee Titans. Also against the Titans, Chicago became the first team in league history to score a touchdown pass, a touchdown run, an interception return for a touchdown, and a blocked kick/punt for a score in the same quarter.
2012: WLEY-FM Aired Bears Games
In 2012, Spanish radio station WLEY-FM began airing Chicago Bears games.
March 20, 2013: Brian Urlacher's tenure with the Bears ends
On March 20, 2013, Brian Urlacher's 13-year tenure with the Chicago Bears ended when both sides failed to agree on a contract.
December 9, 2013: Ditka's number 89 jersey was retired
On December 9, 2013, the Bears retired Mike Ditka's number 89 jersey, marking the last number retired by the team.
2013: Halas Hall Expanded
In 2013, the Halas Hall complex underwent an expansion.
June 16, 2014: Stadium Damaged by Tornado
On June 16, 2014, the Ralph E. Davis Pioneer Stadium at University of Wisconsin–Platteville was damaged by a tornado, prompting the Chicago Bears to donate $50,000 to the school relief fund.
2014: WLEY-FM Aired Bears Games
2014 was the last year Spanish radio station WLEY-FM aired Chicago Bears games.
2014: Cutler Eclipsed Passing Record
In 2014, Jay Cutler eclipsed Sid Luckman's passing records.
2014: Improvements after 2014
In John Fox's first season as head coach, the Bears saw improvements from 2014, finishing the season with a 6–10 record.
January 8, 2015: Ryan Pace hired as general manager
On January 8, 2015, the Chicago Bears hired Ryan Pace as their new general manager.
January 16, 2015: John Fox hired as head coach
On January 16, 2015, John Fox accepted a four-year deal to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears.
2015: Cutler Broken Franchise Record
In 2015, Jay Cutler broke Sid Luckman's franchise record for most career passing touchdowns.
2015: Gould became the Bears' all-time scoring leader
In week 5 of the 2015 season, Robbie Gould became the Bears' all-time scoring leader, surpassing Kevin Butler.
2015: WRTO and WVIV-FM Aired Bears Games
Since 2015, WRTO and WVIV-FM have aired Chicago Bears games in Spanish.
2016: Bears compile a 3-13 record due to injuries
In 2016, the Chicago Bears regressed heavily, compiling a 3–13 record due to injuries to key players.
2017: Quarterbacks don't return for the 2017 season
In 2016, Jay Cutler, Brian Hoyer, and Matt Barkley were quarterbacks of the Bears and none of the three quarterbacks returned for the 2017 season.
2017: Bears draft Mitchell Trubisky; Fox's tenure ends
In 2017, the Chicago Bears drafted Mitchell Trubisky and finished the season 5-11. On January 1, 2018, John Fox was fired.
2017: Sale of Shares to McCaskey Family Approved
In 2017, the NFL approved a sale of shares from Mugs' children to the McCaskey family for an undisclosed amount.
January 1, 2018: John Fox fired as head coach
On January 1, 2018, John Fox was fired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, ending his tenure with a 14-34 record.
January 2018: Matt Nagy hired as head coach
In January 2018, Matt Nagy was hired as the new head coach of the Chicago Bears.
December 16, 2018: Bears clinch NFC North
On December 16, 2018, the Chicago Bears clinched the NFC North for the first time since 2010 with a victory over the Green Bay Packers.
2018: Halas Hall Expanded Again
In 2018, the Halas Hall complex was expanded again.
2018: Nagy's combined wins in 2018 were the most
In 2019, Nagy's combined 20 wins in 2018 and 2019 were the most by a Bears head coach in his first two seasons.
May 20, 2019: Bears Unveiled Top 100 Players
On May 20, 2019, the Chicago Bears unveiled the Top 100 players in franchise history, as voted on by Hall of Fame writers Don Pierson and Dan Pompei, in honor of the team's centennial anniversary.
June 3, 2019: All-Time Team Announced
During the week of June 3, 2019, the Chicago Bears' All-Time Team was announced in parts each day, starting with defensive players, followed by specialists, and then offensive players.
2019: Bears send a package of draft picks that includes 2019 pick
In 2018, The Bears also acquired linebacker Khalil Mack in a block-blockbuster trade from the Oakland Raiders to further bolster their defense, sending a package of draft picks that includes 2019 and 2020 1st round draft picks in exchange.
2019: Last Training Camp at Olivet Nazarene University
In 2019, the Chicago Bears held their last summer training camp at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.
2019: Bears regress to an 8-8 record
In 2019, the Chicago Bears regressed to an 8-8 record.
2020: Bears send a package of draft picks that includes 2020 pick
In 2018, The Bears also acquired linebacker Khalil Mack in a block-blockbuster trade from the Oakland Raiders to further bolster their defense, sending a package of draft picks that includes 2019 and 2020 1st round draft picks in exchange.
2020: Training Camp moves to Lake Forest
In 2019, renovations to Halas Hall were completed, allowing the Chicago Bears to move Training Camp from Ward Field to Lake Forest for 2020.
2020: Forbes Valued Bears at $3.525 Billion
In 2020, Forbes magazine reported that the Chicago Bears franchise was worth $3.525 billion, making it the seventh richest franchise in the NFL.
2020: Covert and Sprinkle Joined Hall of Fame
In 2020, Jim Covert and Ed Sprinkle were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
2020: Training camp at Halas Hall
In 2020, the Chicago Bears began hosting training camp at Halas Hall after major renovations.
2020: Bears finish 8-8 and qualify for playoffs; Trubisky becomes a free agent
In 2020, the Chicago Bears finished with an 8-8 record and qualified for the playoffs, but lost in the opening round to the New Orleans Saints. The team did not re-sign Trubisky.
June 2021: Bears Submit Bid for Arlington International Racecourse
In June 2021, the Chicago Bears submitted a bid to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois, from Churchill Downs.
September 2021: Agreement to Purchase Arlington International Racecourse
In September 2021, despite negotiations to upgrade Soldier Field, the Chicago Bears entered into an agreement with Churchill Downs to purchase the Arlington International Racecourse for $197.2 million.
2021: Bears draft Justin Fields, finish 6-11, fire Nagy and Pace
In 2021, the Chicago Bears drafted Justin Fields, signed Andy Dalton, finished the season with a 6-11 record, and subsequently fired head coach Matt Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace.
January 25, 2022: Bears Hire Ryan Poles as General Manager
On January 25, 2022, the Chicago Bears hired Ryan Poles as their general manager, marking a significant change in the team's leadership.
2022: Agreement to Practice Through 2022
The Chicago Bears had an agreement to continue practicing at Olivet Nazarene University through 2022, although they ultimately moved their camp earlier.
February 15, 2023: Sale of Arlington International Racecourse Closes
On February 15, 2023, the sale of the Arlington International Racecourse, which includes 326 acres of space, closed, marking a potential development opportunity for the Chicago Bears.
2023: Hall of Fame Honorees
As of 2023, there are 59 honorees enshrined in the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame with connection to the Bears.
2023: Bears Hold Series Lead
As of the 2023 season, the Chicago Bears hold the series lead against the Cleveland/Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams with a record of 54-39-3.
2023: Bears Hold Series Lead Against Buccaneers
As of the 2023 season, the Chicago Bears hold the series lead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with a record of 40–22.
2023: Bears Lead All-Time Series Against Giants
As of the 2023 season, the Chicago Bears lead the all-time series against the New York Giants with a record of 36–25–2.
2023: Orange Bear Head Becomes Primary Logo
In 2023, the Chicago Bears made their orange bear head logo, previously a secondary logo since 1999, their primary logo.
April 24, 2024: Bears Reveal Plans for Lakefront Stadium Development
On April 24, 2024, the Chicago Bears unveiled plans for a $4.7 billion domed lakefront stadium development.
2024: Hester and McMichael Inducted
In 2024, Devin Hester and Steve McMichael were inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
January 21, 2025: Bears Hire Ben Johnson as Head Coach
On January 21, 2025, the Bears appointed Ben Johnson as the franchise's 18th head coach, adding a new leader to the team.
2025: Allen Inducted
In 2025, Jared Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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