Chicago's Beloved '85 Bears Still Captivating Fans Decades Later

The Shufflin' Crew's legacy lives on as the city awaits a new Super Bowl champion

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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Forty years after winning Super Bowl XX, the 1985 Chicago Bears remain a beloved part of the city's sports history. Former quarterback Jim McMahon and defensive lineman Dan Hampton continue to entertain fans with stories from their championship season, as the current Bears team tries to create new memories and eclipse the legacy of the iconic Shufflin' Crew.

Why it matters

The enduring popularity of the '85 Bears highlights Chicago's deep connection to its sports history and the lasting impact of that championship team. As the city eagerly awaits its next Super Bowl winner, the '85 Bears serve as a benchmark that newer teams must measure up to, underscoring the challenge of living up to the city's championship pedigree.

The details

At a recent event at the Hard Rock Casino in Rockford, Illinois, McMahon and Hampton entertained a crowd of several hundred Bears fans with familiar anecdotes about their Super Bowl-winning season. McMahon joked that 40 years later, they're "still talking about this [bleep]," while Hampton's band, the Chicago 6, performed songs celebrating the team's dominance. The event featured the auctioning of Bears memorabilia, with proceeds going to support youth sports in the Rockford community.

  • The 1985 Chicago Bears won Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986.
  • The 25th anniversary of the Super Bowl win was in 2010.
  • The 40th anniversary of the Super Bowl win was in 2026.

The players

Jim McMahon

The former quarterback of the 1985 Chicago Bears, known as the "Punky QB" for his rebellious persona and iconic look.

Dan Hampton

A Hall of Fame defensive lineman for the 1985 Chicago Bears, who now performs with his band, the Chicago 6.

Walter Payton

The legendary running back for the 1985 Chicago Bears, who was once a drummer for the Chicago 6 band.

Mike Ditka

The head coach of the 1985 Chicago Bears, known for his fiery personality and clashes with players like Jim McMahon.

Ben Johnson

The current quarterback of the Chicago Bears, leading the team's resurgence and captivating a new generation of fans.

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What they’re saying

“It's been 40 years and we're still talking about this [bleep].”

— Jim McMahon, Former Quarterback, 1985 Chicago Bears (Hard Rock Casino in Rockford)

“People still like to talk about it, and until the Bears win another Super Bowl, '85 is what they're going to talk about.”

— Jim McMahon, Former Quarterback, 1985 Chicago Bears (Hard Rock Casino in Rockford)

“I think they were. The other teams, they just weren't as well liked as this one. This team was a dynamic group that played — almost to the hilt — the underdog, come-from-behind, never-say-die character that everybody grows up loving. Those are the kinds of things that catch fire.”

— Dan Hampton, Hall of Fame Defensive Lineman, 1985 Chicago Bears (Chicago Sun-Times)

“We were the greatest thing since sliced bread. For a time, the Second City was not second. It was pre-eminent.”

— Dan Hampton, Hall of Fame Defensive Lineman, 1985 Chicago Bears (Chicago Sun-Times)

“You have no idea. No idea.”

— Dan Hampton, Hall of Fame Defensive Lineman, 1985 Chicago Bears (Chicago Sun-Times)

What’s next

The Chicago Bears will look to build on the momentum of their recent success and capture their first Super Bowl championship since the iconic 1985 team, with quarterback Ben Johnson and the current squad aiming to create new memories for the city's passionate fan base.

The takeaway

The enduring legacy of the 1985 Chicago Bears underscores the city's deep connection to its sports history and the challenge for newer teams to live up to the championship pedigree established by iconic squads. As the current Bears strive for their own Super Bowl glory, the '85 Shufflin' Crew remains a benchmark that captivates Chicago's sports fans, proving that some sports stories never truly fade away.