Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers: The NFL’s most important rivalry
By Daniel
Dec 29, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Isaiah Frey (31) makes a tackle on Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
The Connection to the NFL’s Past
This is the oldest rivalry in NFL history.
These two teams first faced off on November 27th, 1921. Ninety-three years later, this sunday’s game will be the 189th meeting all-time. The Bears’ franchise has been in the NFL since its formation in 1920 and the Packers joined the following year. These two franchises have been in the same cities longer than any other teams in the NFL. These two organizations ooze history and have two of the best ‘football cultures’ in the country. Chicago was the most feared team in the NFL in the 1930s and 1940s when the NFL was being formed into what it would become. The Packers won the most pre-Super Bowl World Championships with nine and is referred to as “Titletown, USA”. Both of these teams were integral to the growth of the league and responsible for the first truly dominating teams in NFL history.
Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers fans arrive for the game against the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Many of the early images of the NFL includes these two rivals. The names associated with these franchises alone are incredible. George Halas helped build the NFL, as did Curly Lambeau. Halas was with the Bears from 1920-1981 and Lambeau was with the Packers from 1921-1949. These two legends were with these historic franchises from the beginning and the stadiums these two rivals play in are even more historic. The Bears play in Soldier Field, the oldest stadium in the NFL, which opened in 1924. Although the Bears have only played there since 1971. The Packers play at Lambeau Field, a true mecca for all NFL fans, and have since 1957. These two stadiums are as historic as buildings get in professional football. They offer visions of the past from every remarkably intimate seat. Without these two teams, without this rivalry, without these stadiums, the NFL would lose its most vibrant connection to the past.
Plus, these two franchises both boast relatively unchanged jerseys stretching back to the days before color television.