For a team that's been over four decades in the spotlight, it's hard to ignore the nagging feeling that the '85 Bears' story is never truly going away. It's like trying to put out a fire with gasoline - once you've sparked the flame of nostalgia and excitement, there's no turning back.
When Jim McMahon recently told an auditorium full of fans that "we're still talking about this" 25 years after Super Bowl 20, it was clear that even now, the Bears' legacy remains as captivating as ever. Whether it was McMahon himself regaling the crowd with tales of his time on the team or Dan Hampton and the Chicago 6 performing a set that included songs inspired by the '85 squad, there's an undeniable energy that still surrounds this iconic franchise.
So does it ever end? Hardly. While some may argue that the Bears are now nothing more than a relic of the past, others will tell you that their place in football lore is as secure as any current team - and that the 2025 Bears, with players like Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams leading the charge, might just be the new standard-bearers for the franchise.
But what really sets the '85 Bears apart from other teams of a bygone era? For Hampton, it's simple: "We were the greatest thing since sliced bread. For a time, the Second City was not second - it was preeminent." And that still resonates with fans today, even as new generations discover the magic of that unforgettable season.
As for whether this particular team will one day join its namesakes in the pantheon of football immortals? Only time will tell. But until then, we can rest easy knowing that the Bears' legacy remains firmly planted - and that when it comes to '85, there's no shortage of stories still waiting to be told.
As for the current team, they're on the cusp of something special. They've got a fan base aflame with interest and a roster packed with talent that has fans wondering what this season might hold. It's clear that the 2025 Bears are more than just a team - they're a movement, one that's pushing boundaries and breaking expectations.
But will it be enough to live up to the '85 standard? That remains to be seen.
When Jim McMahon recently told an auditorium full of fans that "we're still talking about this" 25 years after Super Bowl 20, it was clear that even now, the Bears' legacy remains as captivating as ever. Whether it was McMahon himself regaling the crowd with tales of his time on the team or Dan Hampton and the Chicago 6 performing a set that included songs inspired by the '85 squad, there's an undeniable energy that still surrounds this iconic franchise.
So does it ever end? Hardly. While some may argue that the Bears are now nothing more than a relic of the past, others will tell you that their place in football lore is as secure as any current team - and that the 2025 Bears, with players like Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams leading the charge, might just be the new standard-bearers for the franchise.
But what really sets the '85 Bears apart from other teams of a bygone era? For Hampton, it's simple: "We were the greatest thing since sliced bread. For a time, the Second City was not second - it was preeminent." And that still resonates with fans today, even as new generations discover the magic of that unforgettable season.
As for whether this particular team will one day join its namesakes in the pantheon of football immortals? Only time will tell. But until then, we can rest easy knowing that the Bears' legacy remains firmly planted - and that when it comes to '85, there's no shortage of stories still waiting to be told.
As for the current team, they're on the cusp of something special. They've got a fan base aflame with interest and a roster packed with talent that has fans wondering what this season might hold. It's clear that the 2025 Bears are more than just a team - they're a movement, one that's pushing boundaries and breaking expectations.
But will it be enough to live up to the '85 standard? That remains to be seen.