RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Originally named the Decatur Staleys, the club was established by the A. E. Staley food starch company of Decatur, Illinois as a company team. This was the typical start for several early professional football franchises. The company hired George Halas and Edward "Dutch" Sternaman in 1920 to run the team. The 1920 Decatur Staleys season was their inaugural regular season completed in the newly formed American Professional Football Association (later renamed the National Football League (NFL) in 1922).
Full control of the team was turned over to Halas and Sternaman in 1921. Official team and league records cite Halas as the founder as he took over the team in 1920 when it became a charter member of the NFL.
The team relocated to Chicago in 1921, where the club was renamed the Chicago Staleys. Under an agreement reached by Halas and Sternaman with Staley, Halas purchased the rights to the club from Staley for US$100.
In 1922, Halas changed the team name from the Staleys to the Bears. The team moved into Wrigley Field, which was home to the Chicago Cubs baseball franchise. As with several early NFL franchises, the Bears derived their nickname from their city's baseball team (some directly, some indirectly – like the Bears, whose young are called "cubs"). Halas liked the bright orange-and-blue colors of his alma mater, the University of Illinois, and the Bears adopted those colors as their own, albeit in a darker shade of each (the blue is Pantone 5395, navy blue, and the orange is Pantone 1665, similar to burnt orange).
The Staleys/Bears dominated the league in the early years. Their rivalry with the Chicago Cardinals, the oldest in the NFL (and a crosstown rival from 1920 to 1959), was key in four out of the first six league titles. During the league's first six years, the Bears lost twice to the Canton Bulldogs (who took two league titles over that span), and split with their crosstown rival Cardinals (going 4–4–2 against each other over that span), but no other team in the league defeated the Bears more than a single time. During that span, the Bears posted 34 shutouts.
The Bears' rivalry with the Green Bay Packers is one of the oldest and most storied in American professional sports, dating back to 1921 (the Green Bay Packers were an independent team until they joined the NFL in 1921). In one infamous incident that year, Halas got the Packers expelled from the league in order to prevent their signing a particular player, and then graciously got them re-admitted after the Bears had closed the deal with that player.
Shek, Rank & Handsome Hank welcome newly-crowned Super Bowl champ Michael Bennett into Studio 66 for a rangy, jive-free conversation about the Super Bowl after-party, Michael Sam, Peyton Manning, surfing on Jupiter, his brother and Bears tight end Martellus Bennett, the difficulty of tackling Cam Newton, and the Seahawks-49ers rivalry. The fellas also kibitz about the Cleveland Browns' melodrama and Shek's new favorite TV show 'True Detective'. Also, Black Tie turns a new leaf...sort of. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at
Black Monday reaction / A room filled with heroes – Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, and Marc Sessler –
Black Monday reaction / A room filled with heroes – Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling, and Marc Sessler – discuss all the fallout from Black Monday, including Tom Coughlin stepping down as the Giants head coach, and the Colts agreeing to a contract extension with head coach Chuck Pagano. Then, the heroes cash in on their regular season “Go Get My Lunch” propositions before checking in with Chicago correspondent, and weekly game picks champion, Kevin Patra. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Draft winners and losers / A room filled with some heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler and Conor
Draft winners and losers / A room filled with some heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler and Conor Orr -- breaks down the 2015 NFL Draft, picking out the biggest winners and losers after the final selections are made in the Windy City. Elsewhere, Chris Wesseling and Kevin Patra call in from Chicago to deliver their first-hand impressions of the offseason's showpiece event. - - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 350: Where will Mariota go? / Live from Chicago, Shek is joined by Handsome Hank, Bucky Brooks and producer Black
DDFP 350: Where will Mariota go? / Live from Chicago, Shek is joined by Handsome Hank, Bucky Brooks and producer Black Tie to discuss how the quarterbacks will impact the 2015 NFL Draft: Is Marcus Mariota really worth the 2nd overall pick (15:58) and will a team reach for one of the remaining QBs in the 1st round (17:57)? - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Week 14 preview & Cowboys - Bears recap / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and
Week 14 preview & Cowboys - Bears recap / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- preview a busy Week 14 NFL schedule and recap the Thursday Night game between the Cowboys and Bears. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Playoff picture / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- react to the latest
Playoff picture / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- react to the latest NFL news including the Cleveland Browns naming Brian Hoyer as the Week 14 starter. Plus, the guys also preview TNF between the Cowboys and Bears and discuss the playoff picture. - - - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 291: Week 3 picks & A.J. Hawk / Shek, Handsome Hank and NFL.com writer Elliot Harrison preview Week 3’s
DDFP 291: Week 3 picks & A.J. Hawk / Shek, Handsome Hank and NFL.com writer Elliot Harrison preview Week 3’s best games including the Seahawks vs. Broncos, Chargers vs. Bills and Bears vs. Jets. They also debate which running back they would rather have: Le’Veon Bell or Giovani Bernard? Plus, Shek chats with friend of the show and Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 290: Early-season forecast / Shek is joined by Daniel Jeremiah to discuss the early season forecasts of the Bills,
DDFP 290: Early-season forecast / Shek is joined by Daniel Jeremiah to discuss the early season forecasts of the Bills, Bears, Steelers, Lions and more. Plus, potential trade destinations for the Giants' Eli Manning. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL Week 2 recap / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- recap every
NFL Week 2 recap / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- recap every Sunday game from Week 2 in the NFL. Highlights include the Chargers upset against the Seahawks, the Saints falling to 0-2 and the Bears' comeback victory over the 49ers. Plus, find out what RGIII's injury could mean for the Redskins and which player currently looks like the best running back in the NFL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 285: Daniel Jeremiah & Mike Ditka / Shek is joined by Daniel Jeremiah to preview the NFC North, Peyton
DDFP 285: Daniel Jeremiah & Mike Ditka / Shek is joined by Daniel Jeremiah to preview the NFC North, Peyton Manning's taunting and debate who will win in a Quarterback Battle Royale. Also, Shek goes 1-on-1 with former coaching legend Mike Ditka to discuss the 2014 Bears, Pete Carroll's coaching style and Mike's first encounter with a member of the Dameshek family decades ago. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 270: Mike Singletary / Shek, Rank and Elliot Harrison welcome in Chicago Bears legendary linebacker Mike Singletary for a wide-ranging
DDFP 270: Mike Singletary / Shek, Rank and Elliot Harrison welcome in Chicago Bears legendary linebacker Mike Singletary for a wide-ranging conversation about Singletary's NFL career. Topics include the peak and fall of the '80s Bears, their rivalry with Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins and where '85 Bears' D ranks in NFL history. Plus, Singletary opens up about the Vernon Davis altercation and why he couldn't carry on as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers before fulfilling a life-long dream for Shek. It's a dream episode, indeed -- take a listen, won't you? - - - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Lance Briggs in studio, Running Back Roulette / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal,
NFL ATL: Lance Briggs in studio, Running Back Roulette / A room full of heroes -- Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler and Chris Wesseling -- welcomes Chicago Bears linebacker and seven-time Pro Bowler Lance Briggs into Studio 66, grilling him on last season, how he feels about his career to this point and what the future holds for him and his team. Elsewhere, the gang plays a game of "Running Back Roulette," analyzing the biggest backfield names in the free agent class and where they fit best around the league. So, tune in and join the conversation on Twitter by using @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 233: Packers Randall Cobb, Daniel Jeremiah / Shek, Rank & Handsome Hank welcome wide receiver Randall Cobb into Studio 66 to
DDFP 233: Packers Randall Cobb, Daniel Jeremiah / Shek, Rank & Handsome Hank welcome wide receiver Randall Cobb into Studio 66 to discuss the state of the Green Bay Packers; catching the division-winning TD pass against the Bears; ranking today's QBs and his Mt. Rushmore of current cornerbacks; and more. Daniel Jeremiah also checks in from the road to project who'll shine at the 2014 NFL Scouting Combine and what it'll take for the Browns to make a quick turnaround in 2014. Plus, producer Black Tie's "Shout Outs" makes a return. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Brandon Marshall interview / A room full of heroes -- Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Chris Wesseling and Marc
NFL ATL: Brandon Marshall interview / A room full of heroes -- Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler -- welcome Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall to the studio, chat playoffs with NFL Media's Andrew Siciliano and get you caught up to date on the latest headlines from around the league. Join the conversation on Twitter: @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 219: Packers A.J. Hawk & Week 17 recap / Shek & Rank are joined by linebacker A.J. Hawk who
DDFP 219: Packers A.J. Hawk & Week 17 recap / Shek & Rank are joined by linebacker A.J. Hawk who gives a behind-the-scenes look at the Green Bay Packers' thrilling victory over the Chicago Bears and facing the San Francisco 49ers on Wild Card Sunday. Handsome Hank and Elliot Harrison then join to tie a bow on the 2013 NFL regular season with topics including: which team suffered the worst playoff-ousting defeat, what the guys would do if they were general managers of an NFL team, and which non-playoff team is a lock for the postseason next year. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Week 16 recap / A room full of heroes -- Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler, Chris Wesseling,
NFL ATL: Week 16 recap / A room full of heroes -- Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler, Chris Wesseling, and Kevin Patra -- recap all of the Week 16 action including the blowout “Sunday Night Football” matchup between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. Don’t miss the key takeaways and analysis from each game. Also, help the heroes by nominating them for the 2013 Stitcher Awards at stitcher.promotw.com. Join the conversation on Twitter: @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 216: Week 16 picks / Shek welcomes Elliot Harrison and 'Around The League' hero Marc Sessler into Studio 66
DDFP 216: Week 16 picks / Shek welcomes Elliot Harrison and 'Around The League' hero Marc Sessler into Studio 66 for spirited edition of "Dead or Alive", with a focus on teams fighting to make the playoffs. The fellas then turn to the weekly Red Challenge Flag picks segment, including Saints at Panthers, Bears at Eagles, Cowboys at Skins and Patriots at Ravens. Finally, “Has Black Tie seen it?” sparks a heated discussion about the “Lord of the Rings” movie franchise. No jive - this is a very strong episode. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Week 6 Preview / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler and Chris Wesseling are joined
NFL ATL: Week 6 Preview / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Marc Sessler and Chris Wesseling are joined by Handsome Hank to preview all of the upcoming action in Week 6. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah also joins the show to help the gang look ahead. The crew also defends its hero picks and recaps the “Thursday Night Football” matchup between the New York Giants and Chicago Bears. Join the conversation on Twitter: @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
NFL ATL: Dolphins Brian Hartline & TNF preview / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus and Chris
NFL ATL: Dolphins Brian Hartline & TNF preview / A room full of heroes, Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus and Chris Wesseling welcome Miami Dolphins wide receiver into Studio 66 where they talk about his season, fantasy football and old Jim Carrey movies. The crew also talks about the disappointing players this season and previews the “Thursday Night Football” matchup between the New York Giants and Chicago Bears. Also, find out which team the heroes ‘stick a fork in’ this season. Join the conversation on Twitter: @NFL_ATL or #NFLATL. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 194: Week 5 recap / Shek & Rank are joined in Studio 66 by @MoveTheSticks Daniel Jeremiah to talk
DDFP 194: Week 5 recap / Shek & Rank are joined in Studio 66 by @MoveTheSticks Daniel Jeremiah to talk about the QB-heavy headlines of Week 5, including: Tony Romo vs. Denver; Colin Kaepernick's recent struggles; what the Texans should do going forward; and the future of Josh Freeman. Jeremiah's British doppelganger Handsome Hank also shadows the door of Studio 66 to talk Dolphins & Bears, plus he's bearing gifts in the form of his favorite English crisps. It's a delicious show - give a taste test, won't you? - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 190: Week 3 recap / Shek & Rank are joined in Studio 66 by 'Around The League' scribe/podcaster Chris
DDFP 190: Week 3 recap / Shek & Rank are joined in Studio 66 by 'Around The League' scribe/podcaster Chris Wesseling & Miami Dolphins superfan Handsome Hank to break down the fast starts of Chicago, New Orleans & Miami and the deep holes dug by the likes of the Steelers, Falcons, Redskins & Packers in a spirited edition of 'Dead or Alive'; the gang also finds to time to breakdown Cialis ads and (almost) discuss 'Breaking Bad'. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 171: Urlacher, Hawk & Bettis / #DDFP hits the road at the Tahoe Celebrity Golf tournament as Dameshek chats with
DDFP 171: Urlacher, Hawk & Bettis / #DDFP hits the road at the Tahoe Celebrity Golf tournament as Dameshek chats with recently-retired Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher about life after the NFL, most difficult players to tackle and just how good the Bears should be this season. Podcast favorite and Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk then joins the show to discuss the best and worst case scenario for the Packers this season and sings a duet of "Man in the Mirror" with Shek. Plus, former Pittsburgh Steelers great Jerome Bettis shares his thoughts on the AFC North and the best mode of transportation. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 105: Inside the NFL with Jay Glazer / Shek & Rank kibitz with Jay Glazer about Dez Bryant and
DDFP 105: Inside the NFL with Jay Glazer / Shek & Rank kibitz with Jay Glazer about Dez Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys, Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jay Cutler’s demeanor with the Chicago Bears. Shek also makes his Week 10 "speed picks" before controversy surrounding producer Black Tie's "Shout-outs" ensues. Then the "ATL Debate Club" wrap the show comparing the New England Patriots to hit TV series, "The Office." - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP 98: Matt Forte and Golden Tate / Shek & Rank talk to Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte about
DDFP 98: Matt Forte and Golden Tate / Shek & Rank talk to Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte about hanging out with quarterback Jay Cutler, the backfield competition with Michael Bush and his all-time favorite movie. The guys also yap with Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Golden Tate about whether he starts himself on his own fantasy football team. Then, Matt 'Money' Smith helps the gang answer fans’ twitter questions about food, super hero costumes and, of course, more food. And finally, Dan Hanzus and Marc Sessler wrap up the show with another installment of the “ATL Debate Club”. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP: The Dave Dameshek Football...Movie? / For the first time since moving into Studio 66 in the Dave Dameshek Podcenter,
DDFP: The Dave Dameshek Football...Movie? / For the first time since moving into Studio 66 in the Dave Dameshek Podcenter, Shek & Rank open the phone lines to kibitz with listeners; next, 'New Girl' star/ Bears fan/ Shek doppelganger Jake Johnson calls in to discuss - among other things - his upcoming audition for Rank's passion project 'Dave Dameshek: The Movie'; and finally, the first Land of the Fox Showdown in many moons focuses on Batman vixens. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP: Hooey, applesauce and stuffing / Shek and Rank discuss what in the world of pigskin they're thankful for; what'll
DDFP: Hooey, applesauce and stuffing / Shek and Rank discuss what in the world of pigskin they're thankful for; what'll become of the Bears & Texans without their starting QBs; Thanksgiving side dishes; then, jump into the flux-capacitated DeLorean to next Tuesday. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
DDFP: Dave Karaoke's with TJ Houshmandzadeh...sorta. / Shek & Rank track down Carson Palmer's former teammate/recent workout partner TJ Houshmandzadeh
DDFP: Dave Karaoke's with TJ Houshmandzadeh...sorta. / Shek & Rank track down Carson Palmer's former teammate/recent workout partner TJ Houshmandzadeh to discuss the state of the new Raider QB's elbow; cleaning his shoes with a Terrible Towel; and what music he listens to when he works out. Plus, the fellas debate the likelihood of Green Bay going undefeated; the Harbaugh/Schwartz Jim-Broglio; and England's own Handsome Hank stops in for a preview of Bucs/Bears and a discussion about the war of words between Rex Ryan & Norv Turner. And to wrap things, the guys take the DeLorean up to 88mph and travel to next Tuesday to see how eight Week Seven games turn out. - - Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.com
Mike Ditka interviewed outside his Dallas home about retiring from football and possibly beginning his...
WFAA Interview with the Dallas Cowboys' Mike Ditka / Mike Ditka interviewed outside his Dallas home about retiring from football and possibly beginning his coaching career. March 1973.
On November 3, 1968, the Chicago Bears visited the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field...
1968 NFL Week 8 • Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers - Radio Broadcast / On November 3, 1968, the Chicago Bears visited the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a classic NFL rivalry clash. Coached by Jim Dooley, the Bears were aiming to even their season record, facing the Packers led by coach Phil Bengtson, who were struggling slightly below .500. This game was not just a regular matchup; it was steeped in the intense rivalry and history between these two storied franchises. At this point in the season, both teams were dealing with varying challenges but still held onto playoff aspirations, setting the stage for a tightly contested game. The Packers' quarterback Bart Starr and the Bears' Virgil Carter were pivotal figures, with their performances underpinning their teams' strategies and hopes for the season.
During the game, the Bears and Packers showed strong defenses and strategic play that kept scoring low and tensions high. The Bears' kicker Mac Percival was crucial, scoring two field goals, including a critical 43-yarder. Virgil Carter, despite modest passing statistics, added a touchdown on the ground that proved decisive. On the Packers' side, Bart Starr connected with Carroll Dale for a 50-yard touchdown pass, showcasing the aerial threat they posed. The game's flow was marked by strategic punting and field position battles, with both teams exchanging the lead in the final quarter, reflecting the close competition typical of their historic rivalry.
The Bears emerged victorious with a narrow 13-10 win, which shifted their season record to an even 4-4, while the Packers moved to 3-5-1. The 1968 season, remembered for its pivotal moments and the intense playoff races in the NFL, saw both teams fighting hard but ultimately not making a significant impact in the postseason.