There has been a lot of talk recently about where the Bears will play when their contract at Soldier Field is up. There is a very good chance the Bears are leaving. It may be 10 years away but its never a bad time for some Soldier Field nostalgia. So why not look back at the five most memorable Bears moments in Soldier Field history. Plus it’s nice to get a break from the Roquan Smith and Teven Jenkins talk for a little bit. Also I enjoy hearing from Bears fans that disagree with me on lists like this. It’s rather amusing.
The fridge rushes for a touchdown
Rushing probably isn’t the right word to describe this play, but that’s what it was. In a season full of memorable plays, and players this was one of the best. On a Monday night against the hated Packers during the great season of 85, the well over 300 pound William “the refrigerator” Perry scored from 1 yard out on a handoff from Jim McMahon. It wouldn’t be Perry’s last rushing touchdown that season.
Vasher’s 108 yard return
On a windy low scoring Sunday afternoon in 2005, the Bears found themselves down 3-0 the 49ers just before the half. With just seconds left in the 1st half, 49ers kicker Joe Nedney missed a 52 yard field goal wide right as time expired. Nathan Vasher would return the missed field goal 108 yards for a touchdown to give the Bears the lead at halftime. One of the most unbelievable turn of events in Soldier Field history.
Mike Brown’s ot pick six’s
2001 was a magical season for the Bears, Despite ending in heartbreak against the Eagles. Nothing was more magical then Mike Brown’s back to back game winning interception returns for touchdowns. The probability of it is off the charts. In a game at home against the 49ers that was looking bleak, the Bears staged an incredible comeback to force overtime. In the first possession of overtime 49ers receiver Terrell Owens short armed a Jeff Garcia pass when he caught a glimpse of Brian Urlacher coming. This caused a deflection that Mike Brown picked off and took in for the game winning score. The very next week at home the Bears staged an even more unlikely comeback against the Cleveland Browns to force overtime. Again on the first possession of overtime a deflected pass fell into the arms of Mike Brown who took it to the house for the win.
Payton breaks Jim Brown’s record
On a Sunday afternoon in 1984 against the New Orleans Saints, Walter Payton would make Bears history. It wasn’t the most exciting play but it’s what it accomplished that made it so special. Needing just 2 yards to break Jim Brown’s all time NFL rushing record the Bears called ” toss 28 weak”. Taking the toss from Jim McMahon, Payton would get more then enough with a gain of six on the play. Never in the history of the game was a player more deserving of a record. Payton had battered his way to the record with out having one pro-bowl lineman in his career to that point.
Marshall leads the way
The Bears defense dominated the Rams in the 85 NFC championship game like that had most teams that season. Late in the game the Rams were down 17-0. The game was pretty much in the books but the Rams held out hope. The ball was Just across mid field into Bears territory. As the Rams broke the huddle and came to the line snow began to fall on Soldier Field. Rams quarterback Dieter Brock took the snap and dropped back to pass. Hall of Famer Richard Dent hit Brock from his blind side causing Brock to fumble. Wilber Marshall was there to scoop it up. Marshall would break an Eric Dickerson tackle taking it in for the score and leading the Bears to the Superbowl. I dare you to find a happier moment in Soldier Field history.
Honorable mention The “Fog Bowl“
It wasn’t a play. It was half a game. In the divisional round of 1988 playoffs, the Bears hosted the Philadelphia Eagles. The game started out very normal, but what would follow would be one of the most bizarre games in NFL history. A fog as thick as you can fathom would engulf Soldier FIeld right before halftime making it impossible to see more then 15 yards. The officials however continued the game. The Bears would go on to defeat the Eagles and their Head Coach, former 85 Bears D coordinator Buddy Ryan. As soon as the game ended the fog would disappear. The Bears still have 10 more seasons left in this historic stadium. Maybe they will make new memories to be on this list. Cherish these remaining years in this old stadium. You dont know what you got til it’s gone.
