The 1985 Chicago Bears are not just one of the most dominant teams in NFL history—they are a cultural phenomenon. From their ferocious defense to their charismatic personalities, this team redefined what it meant to be champions. At the heart of their success were legendary players like Dan Hampton, Mike Singletary, and Gary Fencik, who embodied the toughness and swagger of Chicago football. And as we remember their greatness, we also honor the late Steve McMichael, a warrior who contributed immensely to their legacy.
This deep dive into the ’85 Bears will explore:
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The Unstoppable Defense – A unit so dominant it changed the game.
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The Legends: Hampton, Singletary, Fencik, and McMichael – Profiles of the men who made history.
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The Super Bowl Run – How they bulldozed their way to glory.
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The Cultural Impact – Beyond football, the Bears became icons.
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Why They’re the Greatest Ever – A case for their all-time supremacy.
1. The Unstoppable Defense: The Monsters of the Midway Reborn
The 1985 Bears defense wasn’t just great—it was historically dominant. Consider these numbers.
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12.4 points allowed per game (1st in NFL)
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64 total takeaways (an NFL record at the time)
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Two shutouts in the playoffs (including a 21-0 demolition of the Giants and a 46-10 Super Bowl rout of the Patriots)
Coordinated by the genius Buddy Ryan, the 46 Defense was an aggressive scheme designed to overwhelm offenses with relentless pressure. Every player had a role, and they executed it perfectly:
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Defensive Line: Dan Hampton, Steve McMichael, Richard Dent, and William Perry collapsed pockets.
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Linebackers: Mike Singletary, Otis Wilson, and Wilber Marshall were heat-seeking missiles.
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Secondary: Gary Fencik, Dave Duerson, and Mike Richardson punished receivers.
This unit didn’t just stop opponents—it humiliated them. In Week 11, they sacked Cowboys QB Gary Hogeboom seven times in a 44-0 shutout. In the playoffs, they allowed just 10 total points in three games. No defense before or since has matched their combination of intimidation and execution.
2. The Legends: Hampton, Singletary, Fencik, and McMichael
Dan Hampton – The Unsung Destroyer
A six-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer, Dan “Danimal” Hampton was the heart of the Bears’ defensive line. His ability to play both defensive tackle and end made him invaluable. Despite 12 knee surgeries, he played through pain and anchored the trenches. His leadership and relentless motor set the tone for the entire defense.
Mike Singletary – The Soul of the Defense
With his intimidating stare and unmatched instincts, Mike Singletary was the defensive captain and emotional leader. A 10-time Pro Bowler and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, he was the ultimate middle linebacker. His famous “hit stick” tackles and film-study obsession made him the smartest player on the field.
Gary Fencik – The Hard-Hitting Ball Hawk
As the last line of defense, Gary Fencik was a cerebral yet vicious safety. The Bears’ all-time leading tackler among defensive backs, he had 38 career interceptions and was a master of Ryan’s complex schemes. His intelligence and toughness made him the perfect leader for the secondary.
Steve McMichael – The Indomitable Warrior (RIP)
The recent passing of Steve “Mongo” McMichael reminds us of his immense impact. A two-time Pro Bowler, he was the enforcer on the defensive line, teaming with Hampton to dominate interior linemen. His motor never stopped, and his personality made him a fan favorite. His battle with ALS in later years only reinforced his toughness—he was a Bear through and through.
3. The Super Bowl Run: A Path of Destruction
The Bears’ 1985 season was a 15-1 masterpiece, with their only loss coming controversially on a Monday Night Football upset by the Dolphins. But when the playoffs arrived, they were unstoppable:
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Divisional Round: Bears 21, Giants 0
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The defense held New York to 181 total yards and forced four turnovers.
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Walter Payton rushed for 93 yards and a TD.
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NFC Championship: Bears 24, Rams 0
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Another shutout. Richard Dent had two sacks, and the Rams never crossed midfield in the second half.
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Super Bowl XX: Bears 46, Patriots 10
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The most lopsided Super Bowl win at the time.
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Richard Dent (MVP) had 1.5 sacks and forced two fumbles.
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William “The Refrigerator” Perry scored a TD, and the defense held New England to -19 rushing yards in the first half.
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This wasn’t just a championship—it was a statement.
4. The Cultural Impact: More Than a Football Team
The ’85 Bears transcended sports:
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“The Super Bowl Shuffle” – They rapped before even making the Super Bowl, an all-time flex.
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Mike Ditka & Buddy Ryan – The fiery head coach and defensive mastermind made for must-see TV.
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Pop Culture Icons – From SNL appearances to Jim McMahon’s headbands, they were everywhere.
They were larger than life, and their swagger made them America’s team.
5. Why They’re the Greatest Ever
Some argue for the 2007 Patriots, 1972 Dolphins, or 2013 Seahawks, but no team combined dominance, personality, and cultural impact like the ’85 Bears.
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Best Defense Ever? Yes. No unit since has matched their sheer intimidation.
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Unmatched Swagger – They knew they were great and didn’t care who knew it.
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Legacy – Nearly 40 years later, they’re still the standard for defensive greatness.
A Team for the Ages
The 1985 Chicago Bears were more than champions—they were a force of nature. With legends like Hampton, Singletary, Fencik, and McMichael, they crafted a season for the ages. As we remember Steve McMichael, we also celebrate a team that will never be forgotten.
Rest in peace, Mongo. And long live the ’85 Bears—the greatest team ever.
