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Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have played 207 times in the past 100 years. Here’s the history of how the rivalry has unfolded each decade.

By Kori Rumore and Jemal R. Brinson
Chicago Tribune
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Except for two years — 1922 and 1982 — the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers have played each other every season since 1921.

They are the two oldest teams in continuous operation in the National Football League with a rivalry spanning 204 regular season games and two playoff meetings. The Packers hold a slight lead in the series with 105 wins to the Bears’ 95, with six ties.

Here’s a look back, decade by decade, at how the teams have fared and the highlights — and lowlights — of their matchups.

Jump to a decade

1920s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 27, 1921

George Halas scores the final touchdown in the teams’ first meeting. At the time, the Bears were known as the Staleys.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Staleys (Bears), 20-0

This story published in the Nov. 28, 1921, edition of the Chicago Tribune.

This story published in the Nov. 28, 1921, edition of the Chicago Tribune. (Chicago Tribune Archives)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Dec. 19, 1926

An icy field keeps teams’ Soldier Field debut a low-scoring affair.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Tie, 3-3

The Bears' Paddy Driscoll gains six yards in the second half of the game at Soldier Field on Dec. 19, 1926. As published in the Dec. 20, 1926 edition of the Chicago Tribune.

The Bears' Paddy Driscoll gains six yards in the second half of the game at Soldier Field on Dec. 19, 1926. As published in the Dec. 20, 1926 edition of the Chicago Tribune. (Chicago Tribune Archives)



1930s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Dec. 11, 1932

Bronco Nagurski slides 56 yards to the end zone, forcing a playoff game inside Chicago Stadium.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Bears, 9-0

As published in the Chicago Tribune on Dec. 12, 1932.

As published in the Chicago Tribune on Dec. 12, 1932. (Chicago Tribune Archives)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Sept. 25, 1932

The only scoreless meeting between the Bears and Packers.

Location: City Stadium, Green Bay

Result: Tie, 0-0



1940s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Dec. 14, 1941

The first playoff game between the teams.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Bears, 33-14

The Bears' dressing room is a scene of joy as owner-coach George Halas celebrates with players, members of the staff and well-wishers after Chicago's 33-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the playoff for the Western Division National League title on Dec. 14, 1941.

The Bears' dressing room is a scene of joy as owner-coach George Halas celebrates with players, members of the staff and well-wishers after Chicago's 33-14 victory over the Green Bay Packers in the playoff for the Western Division National League title on Dec. 14, 1941. (Chicago Tribune historical photo)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 2, 1941

A monster upset causes nine reported heart attacks.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Packers, 16-14

Packers back Cecil Isbell scores in the first quarter of a game against the Bears at Wrigley Field on Nov. 2, 1941. As published in the Nov. 3, 1941, edition of the Chicago Tribune.

Packers back Cecil Isbell scores in the first quarter of a game against the Bears at Wrigley Field on Nov. 2, 1941. As published in the Nov. 3, 1941, edition of the Chicago Tribune. (Chicago Tribune Archives)



1950s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 6, 1955

The highest-scoring game in the rivalry.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Bears, 52-31

Ed Brown, Bears quarterback, gains 6 yards during a game against the Packers on Nov. 6, 1955. As published in the Nov. 7, 1955, edition of the Chicago Tribune.

Ed Brown, Bears quarterback, gains 6 yards during a game against the Packers on Nov. 6, 1955. As published in the Nov. 7, 1955, edition of the Chicago Tribune. (Chicago Tribune Archives)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 9, 1952

The Packers win in Chicago for the first time since 1941.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Packers, 41-28

Green Bay Packers quarterback Tobin Rote rushes for a seven-yard gain against the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field on November 9, 1952. The Packers won the game 41-28.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Tobin Rote rushes for a seven-yard gain against the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field on November 9, 1952. The Packers won the game 41-28. (Tribune photo by Al Struck)



1960s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 26, 1967

The final game between Bears coach George Halas and Packers coach Vince Lombardi.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Packers, 17-13

Packers Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi greets Bears Hall of Fame head coach George Halas on Nov. 26, 1967, at Wrigley Field. This was the last time these two titans of the NFL met as adversaries.

Packers Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi greets Bears Hall of Fame head coach George Halas on Nov. 26, 1967, at Wrigley Field. This was the last time these two titans of the NFL met as adversaries. (NFL photo by Vernon Biever via Getty Images)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Dec. 15, 1968

Packers third-string quarterback Don Horn prevents the Bears from clinching the NFC Central.

Location: Wrigley Field

Result: Packers, 28-27



1970s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Oct. 30, 1977

Walter Payton rushes for 205 yards — the second-highest total of his career.

Location: Lambeau Field

Result: Bears, 26-0

As published in the Oct. 31, 1977, edition of the Chicago Tribune.

As published in the Oct. 31, 1977, edition of the Chicago Tribune. (Chicago Tribune Archives)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 15, 1970

Injured Packers quarterback Bart Starr scores the winning touchdown with 3 seconds remaining in the game.

Location: Lambeau Field

Result: Packers, 20-19

In this Nov. 16, 1970, file photo, the Bears' Lee Roy Caffey, left, congratulates Packers quarterback Bart Starr after Starr scored the winning touchdown in Green Bay.

In this Nov. 16, 1970, file photo, the Bears' Lee Roy Caffey, left, congratulates Packers quarterback Bart Starr after Starr scored the winning touchdown in Green Bay. (PJS / AP)



1980s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Oct. 21, 1985

William “Refrigerator” Perry scores his first touchdown.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Bears, 23-7

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 23, 1986

Bears quarterback Jim McMahon’s shoulder is separated after a late hit, knocking him out for the season and dashing the team’s hopes to repeat as NFL champs.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Bears, 12-10

Green Bay Packer Charles Martin (94) checks his victim after slamming Bears quarterback Jim McMahon to the ground during a Nov 23, 1986 game in Soldier Field. The play occurred after a Packer interception in the second quarter. Referee Jerry Markbreit (9), who witnessed the act from a few feet away, assessed a 15-yard penalty to the Packers and ejected Martin. McMahon was out for the season after the hit. The Bears won the game, however, 12-10.

Green Bay Packer Charles Martin (94) checks his victim after slamming Bears quarterback Jim McMahon to the ground during a Nov 23, 1986 game in Soldier Field. The play occurred after a Packer interception in the second quarter. Referee Jerry Markbreit (9), who witnessed the act from a few feet away, assessed a 15-yard penalty to the Packers and ejected Martin. McMahon was out for the season after the hit. The Bears won the game, however, 12-10. (Tribune photo by Ed Wagner)



1990s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Nov. 7, 1999

“Walter Payton picked me up in the air,” Bryan Robinson says after blocking Packers’ 28-yard field-goal attempt on last play of first game since Payton’s death.

Location: Lambeau Field

Result: Bears, 14-13

Green Bay Packers kicker Ryan Longwell (8) has his field goal attempt blocked in the final seconds of the game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, in Green Bay, Wis. The Bears won 14-13.

Green Bay Packers kicker Ryan Longwell (8) has his field goal attempt blocked in the final seconds of the game against the Chicago Bears Sunday, Nov. 7, 1999, in Green Bay, Wis. The Bears won 14-13. (ANDY MANIS / AP)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Oct. 31, 1994

The Bears lose seventh straight “Monday Night Football” appearance in monsoon-like conditions while the Packers begin a 10-game winning streak in the series.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Packers, 33-6

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, wearing a throwback uniform, celebrates his 36-yard touchdown run against the Chicago bears on a cold, rainy night at Soldier Field on Oct. 31, 1994. The Packers won the game 33-6, launching a ten-game winning streak against the Bears. Chicago wouldn't win another game against the Packers until 1999.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre, wearing a throwback uniform, celebrates his 36-yard touchdown run against the Chicago bears on a cold, rainy night at Soldier Field on Oct. 31, 1994. The Packers won the game 33-6, launching a ten-game winning streak against the Bears. Chicago wouldn't win another game against the Packers until 1999. (Tribune photo by Chuck Berman)



2000s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Sept. 10, 2006

Rookie Devin Hester returns a fourth-quarter punt 84 yards for a touchdown — the first of his NFL career.

Location: Lambeau Field

Result: Bears, 26-0

The Bears shut out Brett Favre for the first time in his career, and Lovie Smith moved to 4-1 against Green Bay in his short time in Chicago. Rex Grossman continued to tease Bears fans with a good game, and the great Devin Hester arrived by returning a fourth-quarter punt for a touchdown in his first game.

The Bears shut out Brett Favre for the first time in his career, and Lovie Smith moved to 4-1 against Green Bay in his short time in Chicago. Rex Grossman continued to tease Bears fans with a good game, and the great Devin Hester arrived by returning a fourth-quarter punt for a touchdown in his first game. (Chicago Tribune file photo)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Sept. 29, 2003

Packers quarterback Brett Favre spoils the debut of a newly renovated Soldier Field with three touchdown passes.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Packers, 38-23

Pregame fireworks before the Bears game against the Green Bay Packers at the newly renovated Soldier Field, Chicago on Monday Sept. 29, 2003.

Pregame fireworks before the Bears game against the Green Bay Packers at the newly renovated Soldier Field, Chicago on Monday Sept. 29, 2003. (Jose M. Osorio/Chicago Tribune/CHICAGO TRIBUNE)



2010s

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Dec. 16, 2018

The Bears sack Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers five times on their way to clinching the NFC North for the first time in eight years.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Bears, 24-17

Chicago Bears outside linebackers Khalil Mack (52) and Leonard Floyd (94) sack Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on December 16, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago.

Chicago Bears outside linebackers Khalil Mack (52) and Leonard Floyd (94) sack Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) on December 16, 2018, at Soldier Field in Chicago. (Chris Sweda)

LOWLIGHT OF THE DECADE: Dec. 29, 2013

The Packers win the NFC North on a last-second touchdown.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Packers, 33-28

Chicago Bears' Brandon Marshall lies on the turf at end of 33-28 loss to Green Bay Packers in NFL game at Soldier Field in Chicago on on Dec. 29, 2013.

Chicago Bears' Brandon Marshall lies on the turf at end of 33-28 loss to Green Bay Packers in NFL game at Soldier Field in Chicago on on Dec. 29, 2013. (Scott Strazzante / Chicago Tribune)



2020s

Nov. 29, 2020

The Bears had an extra week before the game, although Tribune reporter Brad Biggs noted that extra time is hardly normal amidst the COVID-19 pandemic as the NFL ratchets up protocols and policies on what seems like a weekly basis now. “And wouldn’t you know it, the Bears got kicked around once again, falling behind 27-3 in the second quarter and then trailing 41-10 after three quarters,” Biggs wrote in his 10 thoughts after the game.

Location: Lambeau Field

Result: Packers, 41-25

Green Bay Packers' Darnell Savage intercepts a pass in the end zone in front of Chicago Bears' Darnell Mooney during the first half on Nov. 29, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis.

Green Bay Packers' Darnell Savage intercepts a pass in the end zone in front of Chicago Bears' Darnell Mooney during the first half on Nov. 29, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. (Matt Ludtke/AP)

Jan. 3, 2021

The Bears lost to the Packers 35-16 at Soldier Field, but still advanced to the postseason for the second time in three years.

The Bears could thank the Los Angeles Rams for the playoff berth after the Rams beat the Arizona Cardinals 18-7. The Cardinals needed a victory and a Bears loss to make the playoffs, so the Bears moved on to play next weekend instead.

The seventh-seeded Bears would be defeated by the second-seeded Saints in New Orleans in the wild-card round.

Location: Soldier Field

Result: Packers, 35-16

Kindle Vildor reacts after missing an interception during the second half against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 3, 2021.

Kindle Vildor reacts after missing an interception during the second half against the Green Bay Packers on Jan. 3, 2021. (Nam Y. Huh/AP)

Sources: Tribune reporting and archives; Pro Football Reference; Chicago Bears; Green Bay Packers; Pro Football Hall of Fame; Newspapers.com

Kori Rumore

Kori Rumore

The Missouri School of Journalism graduate uses data and archival materials to report stories. Rumore curates the weekly "Vintage Chicago Tribune" newsletter and wrote "He Had It Coming: Four Murderous Women and the Reporter Who Immortalized Their Stories" with Tribune photo editor Marianne Mather, a fellow Des Plaines native.

Jemal R. Brinson

Jemal R. Brinson is a former data visualization journalist for Chicago Tribune.

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