CHICAGO (WLS) — Soldier Field presents a significantly transformed appearance compared to four decades ago. Back then, the Chicago Bears faced off against the Los Angeles Rams in a playoff showdown. As the two teams prepare to meet again this Sunday, Bears fans are hopeful for a repeat of past triumphs.
That memorable clash took place during the NFC Championship, with the victorious team earning a spot in the Super Bowl set for January 1986. The game was graced by iconic Bears players, including legends like Walter Payton, who would eventually be enshrined in the Hall of Fame.
This contest also featured a face-off between two renowned head coaches, Mike Ditka for the Bears and John Robinson for the Rams. Despite the formidable leadership on both sides, the match proved to be one-sided.
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Tom Thayer, who has long served as the Bears’ radio analyst, was part of the offensive line for the 1985 team that captured the Super Bowl title.
“It was the most confident group of players I’ve ever been around,” Thayer reflected. “It felt almost certain that we would go out there and secure the win.”
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Thayer’s Super Bowl jersey and trophy are on display at his home. He says this season’s Bears team has been fun to watch.
Hall of Fame defensive tackle Dan Hampton, another ’85 Bear, had a quarterback sack and a forced fumble in that NFC Championship game against the Rams. The Bears won it easily 24 to nothing. He believes the current Bears can win this time around as well.
“They’re not scared of anybody,” Hampton said. “They think they can match up with anyone, anywhere.”
The ’85 Bears were full of colorful characters like “The Fridge,” William Perry, and the punky quarterback Jim McMahon.
Thayer says the current team has plenty of characters as well, led by the “Iceman” quarterback Caleb Williams. Thayer says they have the talent to make this a truly memorable season.
“This ride has been as enjoyable as any sports ride we’ve had in Chicago of any of the sports,” Thayer said.
Sunday night should be by far the most frigid temperatures the Rams have played in. He says that should play to the Bears advantage. he Rams have not played in below freezing temperatures while the Bears are used to the cold.
No matter the result however, the ’85 Super Bowl Bears say they are rooting for the current team to end the 40-year championship drought.
“We want the Bears to win, and unfortunately they haven’t,” Hampton said. “This is the first time I can say what they’re doing makes us all proud and we can’t wait for this week.”
The Bears were overwhelming favorites coming into the game against the Rams 40 years ago. Oddsmakers however have the Rams as the favorite for Sunday’s game.
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