Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers: The NFL’s most important rivalry

Dec 16, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Clay Matthews (52) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Green Bay Packers defeat the Chicago Bears 21-13. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Stories That This Rivalry Holds

There isn’t a more storied rivalry in the NFL. Literally storied.

The stories that surround this rivalry are legendary in every way. Animosity has existed since the first matchup between these two franchises. Back in 1921 Chicago was a respected power and Green Bay was just a small challenger. Prior to their first game, which was held at Wrigley Field, Packers fans invaded downtown Chicago on the midnight train. Early in the morning prior to their first game Green Bay fanatics and the team’s band ran about the Loop playing loud music as they marched in and out of hotel lobbies, while fending off police. Apparently they then headed to Wrigley Field and caused a bit more trouble before kickoff. This was before these teams even played, people. This rivalry runs deep.

Sep 14, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; The Tundraline drum team performs for fans in the parking lot before game between the Green Bay Packers and the New York Jets at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Over the years the hostility on the field began to build up. In 1945 Bears tackle Lee Artoe delivered a strong punch to Larry Craig of the Packers’ face during a game. Green Bay wasn’t able to exact revenge for the rest of the contest, but they eventually would. Later in the season these rivals met at Wrigley Field and the Packers had their chance for revenge. During the action Green Bay’s back Ken Keuper landed a forearm to Artoe’s face, knocking him to the ground. In all, Artoe suffered a broken jaw, broken nose, and lost 11 teeth. Revenge indeed.

In the 1960s Lombardi had the Packers playing great football, but Halas was still in Chicago and his Bears were still a potent team. Right before a matchup between these two teams there was a knock on the Packers’ locker room door. A very old Halas had something he wanted to tell Lombardi. As Green Bay’s coach approached Halas said, “Vince, I just want to tell you one thing. You better have your team ready because we’re going to kick your ass.” How intense is this rivalry? The most respected man of the NFL’s first 50 years of existence couldn’t help but talk trash at a fellow future Hall of Fame coach minutes before a game. Beautiful. There are dozens of more stories like this throughout the history of this rivalry. Remember when Packers’ Charles Martin body slammed Bears’ quarterback Jim McMahon to the turf in 1986? Unfortunately we don’t have time to dig deep into all of them. As an added wrinkle to this year’s game, former Bears’ great Julius Peppers is lacing ’em up in Green and Yellow. This is his first return trip to Chicago and should be interesting to witness.