About the Chicago Bears
Since 1919, the Chicago Bears have been a part of football history. Originally the Decatur Staleys, they moved to Chicago in 1921 and became the Bears in 1922. The Bears were one of the first teams to play professional football, winning ten out of thirteen games in their inaugural season as the Staleys.
In 1919, the American Professional Football Association was formed. One of the first teams to join, the Staleys were located in Decatur. Winning 80% of their games that first year, they showed the world that this franchise was one to watch. The next year, ownership of the team was sold and they were moved to Chicago where they have been ever since. In 1922, the Staleys were renamed the Bears.
In Chicago, the home of the Bears was Wrigley field until 1971 when they moved to Soldier Field, where they remain. Soldier Field seats more than 61,000 fans. Renovations in 2001 successfully updated the stadium, making it a more enjoyable and comfortable place to watch the games. Aside from the football games, there are colonnaded walks, a courtyard, and memorials to veterans and soldiers for the fans to enjoy.
The Chicago Bears are not only a great football team, but also are involved in community charities and programs throughout Chicago. They speak at schools in the area, encouraging children and helping to show them what is possible to achieve. They also contribute to reading programs, encouraging literacy in children, and they support our military both by organizing letter writing campaigns where local children send letters to recently returned troops, and by visiting wounded soldiers in the hospital. These are just a few of the many charitable events and contributions made by the team. Children seem to be a high priority for this group.
The Chicago Bears have won nine major championships in the NFL, including Super Bowl XX. They have 26 members in the Hall of Fame, more than any other team, and can claim more victories than any other NFL franchise.
The Chicago Bears are one of the few NFL teams that don't have a cheerleading squad. The Honey Bears contract ran out in 1985 and the owners decided not to renew it. However, the Bears do have an official drum line that plays before, after, and during games. They play in different areas throughout the stadium, and can be found in the parking lot before kickoff. They also appear at various events for the team.
Although their recent seasons have not taken them to a Super Bowl, the Bears have consistently proven they are a team to watch, and they won’t let anyone hold them down for long. Go to a Bears game and you’re in for a great day of fun, entertainment, and football.
