Chicago Bears Insider: 10 Things I Am Thankful For
Published by Bryan Dietzler on November 23, 2010
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
It’s that time of year again. Time for turkey, family get-togethers and, of course, football. This is one of my favorite times of year, as I am sure it is for so many people out there.
One thing that I have always been thankful for is football, in particular, Chicago Bears football. Ever since I became a fan back in the early 1980s, I have always enjoyed the Chicago Bears being part of the NFL and the many memories they have given me over the past couple of decades. To me, they are the greatest team, ever.
So, as we sit back and think about what we are thankful for this Thanksgiving, I would like to share 10 things about the Bears that I am thankful for. These 10 things don’t just encompass this season, but involve a variety of things from the Bears’ long, 91-year history.
So, please take a look at the 10 things that I am most thankful for when it comes to the Chicago Bears, in no particular order.
1. Soldier Field
People who say that this is terrible place to play don’t take into account the history that this place represents, not only to the city of Chicago but to Bears fans everywhere. Built as a monument to the soldiers of World War I, Soldier Field is a monument not only to the greatness of our servicemen and women but also to the Chicago Bears.
Just think how many games have been played there and how many memories the Bears and their fans have in that facility. Inside, it’s a beautiful memorial to soldiers as well as to Bears history. It’s truly a remarkable place to visit and watch games.
2. Walter Payton
Walter Payton is my all-time favorite Chicago Bear and, without him, the Bears may not have done so well in the mid-80s. Payton helped lead the Bears to the Super Bowl during the 1985-86 season, and was one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
His do-or-die attitude and his physical style are things that many of us remember about him today. It’s great to have known about a player like Payton.
3. Mike Ditka
Love or hate him, he’s definitely someone who is one of the most valuable people to ever don a Bears uniform or walk the sidelines. Ditka was a very popular player when he played with the Bears, bringing a certain fire and passion when he played tight end. He brought that same kind of passion to the Bears when he coached them back in the 1980s.
It’s easy to say that, without Ditka coaching the Bears during their run to the Super Bowl back in the middle 80s, Chicago may not have won so many games and gone on to win the Lombardi Trophy. You have to give Ditka maximum credit for that season.
4. The Super Bowl Shuffle
This is now a classic and something that we Bear fans like to pull out of the box or off the shelf every now and then to watch, get a laugh and rekindle some old memories. The Super Bowl Shuffle, to me, was always a bold prediction. At the time the Bears did that, I was afraid that they would jinx themselves.
Of course, everything turned out OK and the Bears rolled on to the Super Bowl. The Super Bowl Shuffle is a nice thing to have around to watch every now and then when you need a pick-me-up or want to get a little inspiration before a Bears game.
5. Julius Peppers
I have been a fan of Peppers ever since he was in college, and having him come to the Bears was like getting an early Christmas present. Peppers has certainly not disappointed in his first year with the Bears. After his solid game against the Dolphins last week (with three sacks), I, along with many other Bears fans, I am sure, feel that he has finally started to “arrive.”
But Peppers does so much more, and has done a lot to help the team already this season. He’s allowed others to make plays while he takes on double teams. He’s also helped cause holding and false-start penalties, which have helped increase Chicago’s chances to win this season. He’s definitely made an impact and should be able to keep doing so for several seasons to come.
6. George Halas
This list wouldn’t be complete without having the guy who started it all. Of course, without Halas, there wouldn’t have been any Chicago Bears football club, so we have to give him all the credit in the world for starting the Bears and helping shape them into the team that they are today.
Halas’ gruff demeanor rubbed off on his players and the Bears became known as the Monsters of the Midway. Halas’ teams put fear in the hearts of their opponents and won games with stunning regularity during the middle of the last century. He was a character with a lot of interesting things to say. Some players loved him and some hated him, but you have to like the guy who helped found the Bears and kept them growing into the team that they are today.
7. The Bears Media
The media in Chicago have always done an excellent job covering the Chicago Bears. There is no team in the NFL as well-covered as the Chicago Bears. We have scores of newspaper writers and radio and television reporters covering the Bears and providing us with information whenever we need it.
The media have helped bring us closer to the Bears, have helped us learn more about the organization and have given us a view of how things work with our favorite team. Yes, sometimes the media may be a pain, but you have to give them a lot of credit for bringing us the news and updates on our favorite team, the Bears.
8. Bears Linebackers
The Chicago Bears have always had great linebackers over the course of their history. From Bill George to Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary and Brian Urlacher, Chicago has managed to get some great talent into the position. By the time these players end their careers in Chicago, they are discussed as being some of the most feared and talented players at the position of all time.
Just looking at those four names, you have three Hall of Fame players and one more who should easily make the Hall of Fame. The Bears really know how to develop linebackers and will continue to do so in the future.
9. Jim McMahon
Some people like him and some people don’t, but no one single player represents the kind of character that the Bears had during that Super Bowl season than Jim McMahon. If you were asked to name players from that team, most likely you would start off with McMahon because he was the most colorful character and perhaps the most well-known.
McMahon and his antics during the 1985-86 season are well known and still talked about today. We should all remember his antics with the headbands, which drew the ire of former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, as well as some of the crazy things that he did during Super Bowl Week in New Orleans. The Bears, or the NFL, may never see another character like him again.
10. Defensive Lines
I am a fan of defense and have been since the Bears rolled through NFL offenses during their run to their Super Bowl victory in 1986. I have always admired the defensive lines that Chicago has been able to put together. Just like the linebackers that the Bears have had in the past, Chicago has had some great defensive linemen.
Some of the key members of the Bears defensive lines of the past include Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael and the once-good Tommie Harris. Hampton is in the Hall of Fame already, and Dent definitely deserves to be.
When you think of the Bears defense, you often think of their defensive line, and they have had some good ones over the years.
What are you thankful for when it comes to the Chicago Bears?
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