NFC Central Division Maness saw limited action in eight games, returning two punts and catching one pass in his brief NFL career. We present them here for purely educational purposes. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | Still, he wasn't idle that season, serving as an assistant to then-defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. In a student vs teacher matchup, the Bears shut out the Cowboys, handing them the worst loss in franchise history, as well as the first time they were shut out in 15 years. He remains active with weightlifting and still stops by Halas Hall frequently, where the weight room is named in his honor. Page, Eller and Marshall played in four Super Bowls together, but the trio came up short in each game. Over the next four seasons, Dooley compiled a record of 20-36, including one of the team's worst marks in its history, 1-13 in 1969, despite having standout players such as Gale Sayers and Dick Butkus. Matt has covered Super Bowls, Final Fours, all four professional sports, college athletics, and community sports. Led by two-time MVP Kurt Warner, 2000 league MVP Marshall Faulk, receivers Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt, Az-Zahir Hakim, and offensive lineman Orlando "Pancake" Pace, the Rams led the NFL in scoring each season from 1999-01. The story of the 1981 New York #Jets, the "Talk of the Town." In the Super Bowl XX preview, the Bears defense was able to find their groove by forcing 4 turnovers on New England, and allowing them to only score a touchdown in the fourth quarter. Riggins and the Hogs dominated Super Bowl XVII. [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. In promoting Cabral, Buffaloes coach Dan Hawkins said, "no one person has had more influence in the success of Colorado football than Brian Cabral.". "Baring Their Teeth,", "Wilber Marshall's return of a fumble against the Los Angeles Rams is an enduring memory of the 1985 Chicago Bears ESPN Chicago", "Just how crazy good was the 1985 Chicago Bears defense? A veteran coach who held positions with seven NFL teams, four colleges and two high schools in a 38-year career, Plumb was an offensive specialist. That tenure included stops at Notre Dame, Cal, the Philadelphia Eagles, the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints before he initially wrapped up his coaching career with the Bears. The song's popularity led to it being #41 on the US Billboard Hot 100,[40] and the song funded $300,000 in profit for the Chicago Community Trust to help needy families in Chicago with clothing, shelter, and food, hence Walter Payton's rap lyric: "now we're not doing this because we're greedy, the Bears are doing it to feed the needy". He was promoted to his current position of associate head coach/linebackers coach in 2008. Before the Cowboys were branded as "America's Team," their defense was given one of the greatest nicknames ever. The Bears hopes for a perfect season were thwarted when Dan Marino and the Dolphins defeated the McMahon-less Bears on Monday Night Football, 3824, and kept the '72 Dolphins the only undefeated regular season in league history (it wouldn't be until 2007 when the 2007 New England Patriots were able to tie this record). Since 2007 he has coached with the San Diego Chargers, first as linebackers coach and now as defensive coordinator. Frequently Asked Questions about the NFL and Football, Pro-Football-Reference.com Blog and Articles, Subscribe to Stathead Football: Get your first month FREE. It almost had that sort of aura to it," said Ken Valdiserri, the team's longtime PR and marketing director. [4][5] 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. Hughes spent nearly 40 years in football as a player and coach. . With future Hall of Famer Mike Singletary (#50) flanked by the supremely athletic Wilber Marshall (#58) and Otis Wilson (#55), the linebacking unit ranked in at #5 of the greatest linebacking corps in NFL history in NFL Top 10. His legendary 42-yard touchdown run put Washington in front to stay. 1 / 10 Legion of Boom: Current Seahawks secondary led by Richard Sherman and Earl Thomas. Hughes passed away in 2000 at the age of 72. He also coached at Utah and Wake Forest and with the Buffalo Bills. He was a cornerstone in turning around the Bears defense. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Taylor's NFL career was short: one season with the Bears (1985) and another with the San Diego Chargers (1986). The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Fittingly, the MVP of Miami's first Super Bowl win was a defensive player: safety Jack Scott, whose two interceptions helped the Dolphins secure the franchise's first Super Bowl win. Step inside Halas Hall as four former players speak with the 2017 rookie class about the team's history as well as life before, during, and after the NFL. Shop affordable wall art to hang in dorms, be. Dan Hampton then tipped a Marino pass into the air, but it sailed downfield for 30 yards before landing in the hands of Clayton, who went into the end zone to make it 3817. He played with Chicago through 1986 before ending his career with a brief stint with the Redskins in 1987. The Jets' lack of postseason success is what ultimately led to them not being higher on this list. Not many nicknames capture the essence of an era and a city much like this one. After shutting out their first two playoff opponents, the Bears famously embarrassed the New England Patriots. Armstrong is also called ''Happy Boy'' by his teammates since he`s always goofing off. That attention to detail caught the eyes of the Detroit Lions, who hired Gentry in 2001 as a scout. [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? This cut the lead to 10-7 and importantly, on the play, Washington's punter injured his knee and was sidelined for the remainder of the game. The nickname made a resurgence with the Bears' Super Bowl run in 1985. None combined complete domination with wild fun like the '85 Bears. All rights reserved. Please do buy them through the site, it doesnt cost you anything and you buy everything at Amazon anyway. An All-America tight end from UCLA, Wrightman was drafted by the Bears in 1982, but a contract dispute led him to sign with the Chicago Blitz of the rival USFL. After Matt Forte announced his retirement Wednesday, ChicagoBears.com ranked the running back's 10 best games with the Bears. The group played a vital role in the Vikings winning the 1969 NFL title, Minnesota's first and last championship. He had done extensive on-air work as a radio broadcaster for several years on a number of Chicago-area stations. Chicago finally pulled ahead on a 16-yard Walter Payton TD run near the end of the third quarter, and held on for a 1710 victory. Through the NFL's first 102 seasons, several units were so memorable that a nickname was bestowed upon them. He is retired, with the exception of taking part each year in the Texas vs.The Nation game. It also brought about the fact that the Bears solidified their position as THE team in town.". Chocolate - This can be one of the bear names as it is also associated with the brown color bear. No. Find out more. A world-class runner and hurdler, he qualified for the 1980 men's Olympic track team, but the U.S. boycotted those games in Moscow. Chicago then drove to the 3-yard line, but had to settle for another field goal from Butler after rookie defensive lineman William "Refrigerator" Perry was tackled for a 1-yard loss while trying to throw his first NFL pass on a halfback option play. All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. He remained with the Bears through 1989, then played with Philadelphia in 1990 and '91 before retiring. It was the Bears' first NFL Championship title since 1963 and their most recent championship. The Bears' iconic 46 defense (named after the jersey number of former Bears' safety, Doug Plank), led by mercurial defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, was an "attack from all angles" scheme that resulted in, arguably, one of the greatest overall team defenses in league history. We will promote things to help pay for everything. Charles Tillman likely being one of them considering how many people call him . [11] Before the team's season opening game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, players Al Harris, Todd Bell and Richard Dent requested to be traded. It was unprecedented that the Bears had such a great regular season considering they were just 1-3 in the preseason. Take a look at some of the best photos of former Bears players wearing the team's orange jerseys from 2004-2011. He's still regarded as one of the greatest offensive linemen in University of Michigan history, starting all 36 games he played with the Wolverines. The nicknames spoke for their personalities: "Danimal . 2004-2023 CBS Interactive. [16], This was the Bears last victory at Candlestick Park. He founded and chairs the Tony Dorsett/McGuire Memorial Celebrity Golf Outing that to date has raised nearly $5 million to help 90 severely handicapped and mentally challenged residents that reside in the McGuire Home. Two plays later, Bears fullback Matt Suhey scored on an 11-yard touchdown run to increase the lead to 133. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. But after an incomplete pass and a 4-yard loss, they had to send in punter Rich Camarillo again, and receiver Keith Ortego returned the ball 12 yards to the 41-yard line. 58. The season the New York Sack Exchange cemented itself and the organization finally made it back to the playoffs. Friedman spent 21 years as director of video services, filming all games and practices with the Bears from 1974 to 1994 before leaving the team. The Joliet native has not strayed far from his roots: He is one of many members from the '85 Bears that continue to reside full-time in the Chicagoland area. After the Bears scored on a Kevin Butler field goal, Marino hit Mark Duper on a crossing pattern for 52 yards. In the '85 season, Wilson had 10.5 sacks. Rookies and veterans take the field for practice during the first week of Organized Team Activities at Halas Hall. video. He led the team to seven playoff appearances over nine seasons. Celebrate National Brother's Day with these 14 current and former Bears players, all of which have brothers that also played in the NFL. Former Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael, a colorful and key member of the 1985 Super Bowl championship team, has announced that he was diagnosed with ALS earlier this year. After retiring from the NFL, Ortego returned to his native Louisiana and spent many years working for the Lake Charles, La., Public Works Department, most recently as assistant director in the administrative division. FIRST ROW: Steve Fuller (4), Kevin Butler (6), Maury Buford (8), Jim McMahon (9), Mike Tomczak (18), Thomas Sanders (20), Leslie Frazier (21), Dave Duerson (22), Shaun Gayle (23), Jeff Fisher (24), SECOND ROW: Jerry Vainisi, Matt Suhey (26), Mike Richardson (27), Dennis Gentry (29), Ken Taylor (31), Calvin Thomas (33), Walter Payton (34), Gary Fencik (45), Reggie Phillips (48), Mike Singletary (50), Jim Morrissey (51), Michael McCaskey, THIRD ROW: Pete McGrane, Cliff Thrift (52), Dan Rains (53), Brian Cabral (54), Otis Wilson (55), Tom Thayer (57), Wilber Marshall (58), Ron Rivera (59), Tom Andrews (60), Mark Bortz (62), Jay Hilgenberg (63), Henry Waechter (70), Ray Earley, FOURTH ROW: Brian McCaskey, Andy Frederick (71), William Perry (72), Mike Hartenstine (73), Jim Covert (74), Stefan Humphries (75), Steve McMichael (76), Keith Van Horne (78), Kurt Becker (79), Tim Wrightman (80), James Maness (81), Ken Margerum (82), Gary Haeger, 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 Ortego (96), Tyrone Keys (98), Dan Hampton (99), Clyde Emrich, SIXTH ROW: Mike Ditka, Ted Plumb, Ed Hughes, Dale Haupt, Jim LaRue, Johnny Roland, Steve Kazor, Dick Stanfel, Buddy Ryan, Jim Dooley. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. Still, he got a Super Bowl ring out of his brief stint in Chicago. He used to be an offensive lineman. Now 56, Rains played seven years for the Bears (1981-87). [21][22] Miami struck first when Marino hit Nat Moore for a 33-yard touchdown. It makes sense that its first star was someone who'd already lost everything, a ruined man, ill-treated, stripped to his essential qualities: speed, strength, power. "There's nothing like it, nothing that I think could ever be replicated in professional sports. William "the Refrigerator" Perry was brought on to score on offense, as he had done twice in the regular season. But the relationship he had with Buddy Ryan was not great. He was taken in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft. Simms was 14/35 for 209 yards while running back Joe Morris, the NFL's regular-season touchdown leader, finished with 32 yards on 12 carries. He also serves on the team's board of directors, founded McCaskey Sportsmedicine Clinic in Mount Prospect and is an auxiliary officer for the Des Plaines Police Department. Who can forget Iron Mike, Sweetness, The Punky QB, Mongo, Danimal, Samurai Mike, The Fridge, and Butthead? 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. As of February, 1, 2021, this was the last time the Bears had two 100-yard rushers in a game.[20]. We're family, man. . America's Team: Nickname given to the Cowboys of the 1970s due to their nationwide popularity. It was that internship of sorts that led Fisher into a lengthy coaching career: 1986-90 with the Philadelphia Eagles (defensive backs coach and then defensive coordinator), 1991 with the Los Angeles Rams (defensive coordinator), 1992-93 with the San Francisco 49ers (defensive backs coach) and then the Houston Oilers for the 1994 season as defensive coordinator. Sweetness. [17], The Bears defeated the Packers on Monday Night Football in a decisive 237 victory, with Perry becoming a folk hero after scoring his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run.[18]. They may be under-represented in Canton, Ohio, but the Dolphins' "No Name" defense has a unique place in NFL history as the only unit that did not lose a game for an entire season. With the Monsters of the Midway set to host the Steelers (whose defense was known as the Steel Curtain in the 1970s), senior writer Larry Mayer ranks his top 10 favorite NFL nicknames. He lives with his family in Nebraska City, Neb., where he is a successful real estate developer and home builder. Take a look at Bears team photos dating back to 1920. T-shirts, posters, stickers, home decor, and more, designed and sold by independent artists around the world. Marshall sued the NFL Players Association over total disability benefits and eventually won his case in 2008, but not before he was forced to declare bankruptcy. He contributed eight sacks in the 85 season. Matt graduated from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication and has worked for outlets like ABC News, Fox Sports Arizona, The Athletic, and many more!You can follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @mattblively to see all of his work! 20% off everything ends soon. Milky. The Bears defeated the Lions 243, while Walter Payton and Matt Suhey ran for 105 and 102 yards, respectively. He is still immortalized at the infamous Fraser Street Deli in State College, Pa., with a sandwich named in his honor (a lox and cream cheese bagel). He made 7 interceptions and 12 fumble recoveries. Camarillo, who punted 4 times in the first half, managed to pin the Bears back at their own 4-yard line with a Super Bowl record 62-yard punt. Not including LB Elijah Norris, DL Abdullah Anderson, and DL Cavon Walker. All orders are custom made and most ship worldwide within 24 hours. Raiders after eight seasons with the Bears. The Bears won their first twelve games of the season before losing to the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football. Monsters of the Midway: Introduced in the 1940s when Bears won four NFL titles. Ryan was on the Bears coaching staff before Ditka took over. Gault continues to pursue an acting/screenwriting/producing career in Hollywood. Since retiring, he's become a top investment strategist and advisor for Chicago-based Adams Street Partners, where he is a partner and head of business development. There are some teams that are fair-haired; there are some teams that are not fair-haired. 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. McMahon finished the game with 216 passing yards, while running back Walter Payton rushed for 94 yards. The win also gave the Bears the NFC Central division title. After the Patriots received the second half opening kickoff, they managed to get one first down, but then had to punt after Grogan was sacked twice. In the fourth quarter, defensive lineman Richard Dent forced Brock to fumble, and linebacker Wilber Marshall picked up the loose ball and returned it 52 yards for a touchdown. That's a total of 26.5 sacks for the starting defensive line alone in 1985. Singletary tied a Super Bowl record with 2 fumble recoveries. He also qualified as a member of the U.S. Olympic bobsled team in 1988. But the "Monsters of the Midway" moniker didn't allude to a particular unit during that point in time. It symbolizes the first great era of Broncos football, an era that included the franchise's first trip to the Super Bowl. He coached the Bears from 1982 to 1992 and amassed 106 wins and 62 losses. 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. The 1985 Bears were such a great team and defense that they really were more than that. With Mike Ditka at the helm and Buddy Ryan as the defensive coordinator, the Bears were set up to have one of the greatest runs on the defensive side of the ball, ever. No. A few of them were just fun and creative while being more of a reflection of the fan base than of the actual unit. Gayle played safety with the Bears from 1984 to '94, followed by a one-year stint with the San Diego Chargers in 1995 before retiring. In the coldest game of the season, the Bears recorded their second straight shutout, and third straight game without giving up a touchdown, against Atlanta, with defensive lineman Henry Waechter sacking Bob Holly in the endzone for a safety. Teddy bears are also cute and cute bear names would best fit those adorable cubs. 9. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Matt is also the uncle of Penn State quarterback Kevin Suhey. Or ''Juice,'' O.J. The early '40s Bears were dominant, and the nickname certainly added to their fame. First, their 46 points broke the previous record of 38 that had been scored by the Los Angeles Raiders in Super Bowl XVIII and again by the 49ers in Super Bowl XIX. (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. Los Angeles only gained 130 yards of total offense. With only 24 spots in each NFL team's Inner Circle at the 2023 NFL Draft, some of the Bears most loyal fans detailed their exciting experiences of being some of the select few just feet away from one of the sport's biggest stages. The 1985 season was the Chicago Bears ' 66th in the National Football League (NFL) and their fourth under head coach Mike Ditka . The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. The @RamsNFL Fearsome Foursome More #NFL100 rewinds now streaming on @TIDAL: https://t.co/HdqaOJGkN4 pic.twitter.com/LKgU96jMRY. But on third and goal, Gary Fencik stuffed a pitch play for a five-yard loss and the Colts' kicker missed a 22-yard-field goal attempt wide left. 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. He is expected to be one of the top candidates to start at fullback for the Nittany Lions this season. NFC Central Division Long a student of the arts even during his playing days, Gault went on to pursue an acting and modeling after hanging up his cleats. 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. But the Patriots defense still had no ability to stop Chicago's offense. He ended his career with single-season stints with Houston, Arizona and the New York Jets (1993-95).
