Super Bowl XX will always be the Crown Jewel of achievements for the Chicago Bears. The arrival of the 2025 football season will mark the 40th anniversary of the Bears’ incredible 18-1 season. Of course, that season was capped off with a 46-10 shellacking of the New England Patriots at the Superdome in New Orleans on January 26th, 1986.
At the time, the Bears’ dominant win at Super Bowl XX seemed, for young onlookers anyway, like a display of heroism from a group of comic book superheroes. No team or outside influence could threaten or attempt to block their destined path to glory.
Ditka and company were to hoist the Lombardi Trophy that year without question. Even by non-Bears fans, any mention or thoughts that offered otherwise was considered blasphemous.
The “Monsters of the Midway” defense was led by Defensive Coordinator Buddy Ryan, and it was aptly named. Hall of Famer Mike Singletary and William “Refrigerator” Perry simply intimidated opposing offenses into submission.
Another example of the Bears’ defense simply obliterating any offensive scheme that was posed against them, was their 24-0 shutout of the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Championship. Even the great 49ers dynasty of the 1980’s took a backseat to the overpowering Bears in 1985.
“Sweetness”, the late, great Walter Payton was approaching the tail end of his illustrious and decorated career. The legendary running back still managed to tally over 1500 yards for the season, and contribute significantly to the Bears Super Bowl triumph.
