The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers is one of the oldest and most storied in NFL history. These two teams, both members of the NFC North division, have a long-standing animosity that stretches back more than 100 years. While this rivalry has seen its share of highs and lows for both teams, it remains a highlight of the NFL calendar, full of fierce competition, emotional intensity, and passionate fan bases.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the history, key moments, and cultural significance of the Bears vs Packers rivalry, offering insights into why this matchup continues to capture the attention of football fans nationwide.
The Origins of the Rivalry: Beginnings in 1921
The Bears-Packers rivalry is rooted in the early days of the National Football League (NFL), which was founded in 1920 as the American Professional Football Association (APFA). The Packers, based in Green Bay, Wisconsin, were one of the original teams of the league, while the Bears (then known as the Decatur Staleys) joined the league in 1920.
The teams first met in 1921, making it one of the longest-running rivalries in the NFL. Early in the 1920s, the Bears were a dominant team, having won the inaugural NFL Championship in 1921. However, Green Bay quickly developed its own identity and became a serious competitor.
Over the years, the rivalry became more intense, fueled by close games, contrasting team philosophies, and the development of legendary players and coaches on both sides. The Bears were known for their tough, physical play, while the Packers built a reputation for their disciplined, efficient offense and robust defense. These differences created an enduring contrast that made every matchup between the teams compelling.
Early Years: A Battle for Dominance
From the 1920s to the 1950s, both teams experienced periods of dominance. The Bears, led by legendary head coach George Halas, were consistently one of the league's top teams. Halas, who was also the owner of the Bears, was known as the "Father of the NFL" and helped shape the modern game.
The Packers, however, had their own legendary coach in Vince Lombardi, who took over in the 1960s. Lombardi's Packers turned into an NFL dynasty, winning five championships in seven years during the 1960s, including the first two Super Bowls. The Packers' success under Lombardi only added fuel to the rivalry, with fans of both teams taking great pride in their historical dominance.
Legendary Players
While coaches like Halas and Lombardi shaped the trajectory of the teams, it’s the legendary players who often define this rivalry. Here are a few names that stand out:
Walter Payton (Bears): One of the greatest running backs of all time, Payton was known for his toughness, vision, and versatility. Though the Bears’ offense often struggled during his career (1975–1987), Payton's performances against the Packers were always a spectacle to behold.
Brett Favre (Packers): Favre's tenure with the Packers (1992–2007) defined the modern era of this rivalry. A Hall of Fame quarterback known for his gunslinger mentality, Favre’s ability to make the big play made him a nightmare for Bears fans for nearly two decades. His competitive fire and passion for the rivalry were undeniable.
Aaron Rodgers (Packers): Perhaps the most successful quarterback in the history of the rivalry, Rodgers has often been the face of the Packers for over a decade. His ability to dominate the Bears with clutch performances, particularly in the final moments of games, has made him a hated figure in Chicago but a beloved one in Green Bay.
Dick Butkus (Bears): A Hall of Fame linebacker, Butkus was the heart of the Bears’ defense during the 1960s and early 1970s. His fierce playing style and no-nonsense attitude made him a key figure in Bears-Packers games, often elevating the intensity of the rivalry.
Ray Nitschke (Packers): A dominant linebacker for the Packers from 1958 to 1972, Nitschke epitomized the rugged, hard-nosed play that Green Bay teams were known for during their Super Bowl years. His fierce play against the Bears left an indelible mark on the rivalry.
Iconic Games and Moments
Over the decades, Bears vs Packers games have produced numerous iconic moments, from dramatic last-minute victories to hard-fought battles in the freezing cold. Here are some of the most memorable matchups:
1. 1967 “Ice Bowl” (NFL Championship Game)
Arguably the most famous game in the history of the rivalry, the 1967 NFL Championship Game — known as the “Ice Bowl” — took place in Green Bay in sub-zero temperatures, with wind chills reaching -48°F. The Packers, led by Vince Lombardi, defeated the Cowboys to win the NFL Championship, but it was the Bears who were the team Green Bay needed to overcome in the 1960s. The rivalry set the stage for the legendary moments that followed in future seasons.
2. 2010 NFC Championship Game
One of the most intense recent matchups, the 2010 NFC Championship Game was a dramatic battle for the right to go to Super Bowl XLV. The Packers won 21-14, with Aaron Rodgers throwing for over 200 yards and a touchdown. Despite a valiant effort from Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, the Packers’ defense came through with key stops, and Green Bay advanced to the Super Bowl. For Packers fans, this game was particularly sweet as it cemented the team’s return to glory after years of struggle.
3. November 29, 2018 – The Hail Mary Game
In a thrilling matchup at Soldier Field, the Packers came from behind to defeat the Bears 24-23. With under two minutes left, Aaron Rodgers orchestrated one of his most impressive drives, including a deep bomb to Geronimo Allison for a crucial third-down conversion. The Packers scored the game-winning touchdown with less than a minute remaining, adding another unforgettable chapter to the rivalry.
4. The "Double Doink" – 2018 NFC Wild Card Game
Though the game wasn’t technically against the Packers, the Packers were heavily involved in the drama surrounding the 2018 NFC Wild Card game between the Bears and the Philadelphia Eagles. The infamous "double doink" by Cody Parkey — a missed field goal attempt that bounced off both the upright and the crossbar — cost the Bears a chance at advancing. The Packers’ loss earlier that season was just another reminder of how competitive the division was.
The Modern Era: The Packers’ Dominance
In the 21st century, the Packers have generally had the upper hand in the rivalry, particularly with the presence of Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers has repeatedly tormented the Bears, including several last-minute game-winning drives and notable performances. His ability to win games in Chicago, often under intense pressure, has only deepened the rivalry. His famous quote "I own you" after a 2021 victory at Soldier Field still resonates with Bears fans and further fuels the fire.
However, the Bears have had their moments, especially when their defense is at its best. Chicago’s dominant defense in the late 2010s, which included stars like Khalil Mack and Roquan Smith, led to some fierce showdowns. The rivalry is never without drama, and every season, regardless of the teams' overall performance, brings a sense of anticipation and hope for both fan bases.
The Impact of the Rivalry
The Bears-Packers rivalry is about more than just football. It’s about the culture of each team’s fan base. Bears fans are known for their blue-collar attitude, their deep love for their team, and their sense of loyalty, even in tough times. Packers fans, on the other hand, pride themselves on the team’s rich history, their small-town roots, and the mystical aura of Lambeau Field, which is one of the most iconic stadiums in the league.
The rivalry has also had a significant impact on the NFC North division. Whether it's the Packers' dominance or the Bears’ moments of triumph, this rivalry has always kept the NFC North competitive and unpredictable.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Game
Bears vs Packers is more than just a rivalry; it’s a cultural phenomenon that transcends the sport of football. It’s about pride, passion, and a long history that no other NFL rivalry can quite match. Whether it's the clash of legendary players, the intensity of the games, or the stakes for playoff berths, Bears vs Packers remains a matchup that NFL fans look forward to every season.
As the two teams continue their journey through the 2020s, the rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. With new stars rising on both sides, including the Bears' young quarterback Justin Fields and the Packers' next-generation star Jordan Love, the next chapters in this iconic rivalry are sure to be just as thrilling and heated as those that came before.
For both teams and their fans, Bears vs Packers will always be one of the most important games of the season — a game that stands as a testament to the fierce competition and deep-rooted passion that defines the NFL.
