History of Super Bowl XX in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 16, 2025

Super Bowl XX, held on January 26, 1986, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, saw the Chicago Bears dominate the New England Patriots with a final score of 46-10. This victory marked the Bears' first NFL championship since 1963, a significant win before the modern Super Bowl era fully took hold. The game showcased the Bears' dominant defense and offensive prowess, securing their place in NFL history.

December 14, 1982: NFL owners voted to award Super Bowl XX to New Orleans

On December 14, 1982, NFL owners voted to award Super Bowl XX to New Orleans during the owners' mid-season meeting in Dallas. This marked the sixth time New Orleans would host the Super Bowl.

March 1985: NBC Radio wins NFL broadcast contract

In March 1985, NBC Radio outbid CBS Radio for the nationwide NFL contract. Don Criqui was the play-by-play announcer, with Bob Trumpy as the color analyst.

1985: The Super Bowl Shuffle

During the 1985 season, the Chicago Bears recorded "The Super Bowl Shuffle", a rap song and music video. This novelty song reached number 41 on the Billboard charts and received a Grammy Award nomination.

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January 26, 1986: Super Bowl XX

On January 26, 1986, Super Bowl XX was played at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, where the Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots by a score of 46–10.

1986: NFL instructed officials to strictly enforce the 10-second run-off rule

At the end of the first half of Super Bowl XX in 1986, controversial calls led to the NFL instructing officials to strictly enforce the 10-second run-off rule at the start of the 1986 season.

1987: Grammy Award Nomination

In 1987, "The Super Bowl Shuffle" received a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals.

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2011: White House Invitation

Twenty-five years after the championship, in 2011, the surviving members of the Chicago Bears team were invited to the White House by President Barack Obama.