Chicago Bears: 2025 Roster, Players, Schedule, Super Bowl Wins and More

The Chicago Bears play out of the NFC North division and have a storied history dating back to the 1920s in Illinois. The franchise subsequently moved to Chicago the following year and is one of only 2 active franchises that got their start from the NFL in 1920. The other being the Arizona Cardinals.

In terms of their standing within the league, the Bears have won 9 league championships and boast a Super Bowl win. Not to mention, the Chicago Bears have recorded more victories than any other franchise in the league. The principal owner of the Bears, Virginia Halas McCaskey, is the oldest owner in the NFL.

The Chicago Bears have gone through several notable eras throughout their history, and the 1983-85 period sticks out as significant. Under the tutelage of former owner George Halas, along with taskmaster ‘Iron Mike’ Dikta, the Bears went on to snag a chip at Super Bowl XX. Additionally, Mike Dikta is the only person in the modern iteration of the NFL to win a chip as a player and a coach.

Overview of the Chicago Bears

Historical Background of the Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are one of the oldest and most iconic teams in the National Football League (NFL). They were originally founded in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, a company team sponsored by the A.E. Staley Company in Decatur, Illinois. In 1920, they became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association, which was renamed the NFL in 1922. The team's founder, George Halas, played a crucial role in moving the team to Chicago in 1921 and rebranding them as the Chicago Bears a year later. The name "Bears" was inspired by the Chicago Cubs, as the team shared Wrigley Field with the baseball club.

Under the leadership of George Halas, who served as a player, coach, and owner over several decades, the Bears quickly grew into a powerhouse. They were known for their physical style of play and innovative tactics, particularly the use of the T-formation, which changed the way football was played. During the 1930s and 1940s, the Bears won multiple NFL championships and earned a reputation as one of the league's premier teams. Their fierce rivalry with the Green Bay Packers also began during this period, becoming one of the most famous in sports history.

One of the most memorable chapters in the Bears’ history came with the 1985 team, coached by Mike Ditka. Powered by a legendary defense featuring stars like Mike Singletary and Richard Dent, the Bears dominated the league and captured their first and only Super Bowl title with a win in Super Bowl XX. Over the years, the Bears have produced a long list of Hall of Fame players, including Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers, and Brian Urlacher. Today, the Chicago Bears remain a symbol of tradition, toughness, and passion in American football.

Notable Milestones and Achievements

• Founded in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, the franchise moved to Chicago in 1921 and was renamed the Bears. The team is one of the NFL’s oldest and most storied franchises, deeply tied to the league’s origins thanks to founding owner and coach George Halas.
• Early NFL Powerhouse: The Bears were dominant in the league's early years, winning eight NFL Championships before the Super Bowl era (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963), including a 73–0 win over Washington in the 1940 NFL Championship Game—still the most lopsided victory in league history.
• Super Bowl XX Champions (1985): The Bears captured their lone Super Bowl title with a legendary season under head coach Mike Ditka. Known for the overpowering “46 Defense” led by coordinator Buddy Ryan, the team went 15–1 and crushed the Patriots 46–10 in the Super Bowl. Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, linebacker Mike Singletary, and defensive end Richard Dent were central to the team’s success, with Dent winning Super Bowl MVP honors.
• Historic Defense Legacy: The Bears have long been known for dominant defense, from the "Monsters of the Midway" in the 1940s to the 1985 squad and even into the modern era with stars like Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, and Khalil Mack.
• NFC Championships: The Bears have won four NFC Championships (1985, 1988, 2006, and 2024 appearance pending official update), marking them as one of the conference’s historic teams.
• 2006 Super Bowl Run: Behind head coach Lovie Smith, dynamic returner Devin Hester, and a stout defense, the Bears reached Super Bowl XLI. Hester famously returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown—the first time in Super Bowl history—but Chicago fell to Peyton Manning’s Colts 29–17.
• Playoff Appearances: The Bears have made over 25 playoff appearances, with division titles spanning from the 1930s through the 2020s.
• Pro Football Hall of Famers: The franchise boasts one of the highest numbers of Hall of Famers in the NFL, including Walter Payton, Dick Butkus, Gale Sayers, Mike Ditka, George Halas, Sid Luckman, and Brian Urlacher. Their legacy continues to inspire generations of players and fans.
• Soldier Field Legacy: The Bears have played at Soldier Field since 1971. Though renovated in 2003, it remains one of the league’s most iconic stadiums. The franchise is currently exploring relocation options in Arlington Heights, with the goal of building a modern domed facility while honoring its deep history.
• The "Monsters of the Midway" nickname remains synonymous with Bears football—tough, physical, and defense-oriented.

Major Rivalries of the Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers

The NFL’s oldest rivalry, dating back to 1921, the Bears-Packers feud is the league’s most iconic. The two teams have met more than 200 times, with decades of classic matchups, bitter battles, and legendary players. From George Halas vs. Vince Lombardi to Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers vs. the Bears’ elite defenses, this rivalry defines Midwestern football and NFL tradition.

Minnesota Vikings

As NFC North opponents, the Bears and Vikings have shared a long-standing regional rivalry since the Vikings entered the league in 1961. The games are often hard-hitting and weather-affected, with playoff implications regularly on the line. Soldier Field and U.S. Bank Stadium both provide loud, tough environments.

Detroit Lions

Another divisional rivalry dating back decades, the Bears and Lions have played on Thanksgiving multiple times and annually in gritty NFC North clashes. With both franchises experiencing rebuilds and resurgences, the rivalry has new energy as both aim for long-term contention.

Dallas Cowboys

Though not in the same division, the Bears and Cowboys have shared postseason history and national attention, especially in the 1990s and 2000s. Classic matchups, tough defenses, and primetime games have built this into a notable interconference rivalry.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles and Bears have had some memorable postseason clashes, including the infamous “Double Doink” game in the 2018 Wild Card round, when a missed game-winning field goal by Cody Parkey ended Chicago’s season. Their matchups are typically physical and intense.

Major Contracts of the Chicago Bears

• Caleb Williams (Quarterback)- The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft is on a fully guaranteed four-year, $39.46 million rookie contract, with a fifth-year team option. Williams is expected to be the franchise cornerstone.
• D.J. Moore (Wide Receiver)- Moore is entering the final year of his three-year, $61.9 million extension signed with the Panthers before being traded to the Bears. He remains a WR1 and critical weapon in the passing game.
• Rome Odunze (Wide Receiver)- Drafted 9th overall in 2024, Odunze is on a four-year, $22.64 million rookie contract, giving the Bears a dynamic receiving duo under team control through at least 2027.
• D’Andre Swift (Running Back)- Signed a three-year, $24 million deal in 2024 free agency. Swift brings explosiveness to the backfield and is a versatile fit in Shane Waldron’s offensive scheme.
• Cole Kmet (Tight End)- In 2023, Kmet signed a four-year, $50 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid TEs in the league. He remains a red-zone threat and reliable blocker.
• Joe Thuney (Guard)- The veteran lineman signed a three-year, $60 million contract with Chicago in 2025 after being released by Kansas City. At 33, he brings leadership and All-Pro experience to the interior.
• Jonah Jackson (Guard)- Jackson is in Year 2 of his three-year, $34.5 million contract signed in 2024 free agency. A dependable run blocker, he helps solidify the offensive line alongside Thuney.
• Drew Dalman (Center)- Acquired in free agency, Dalman signed a three-year, $22.5 million contract in 2025. A reliable communicator and technician, he anchors the offensive line in front of Williams.
• Darnell Wright (Right Tackle)- The 2023 first-round pick is under a four-year, $20.9 million rookie contract and has emerged as a building block on the right side of the offensive line.
• Montez Sweat (Defensive End)- Sweat signed a four-year, $98 million extension after being traded from Washington in 2023. A premier pass-rusher, he’s the highest-paid defender on the team.
• Dayo Odeyingbo (Defensive End)- Signed in 2025 free agency to a three-year, $33 million deal, Odeyingbo adds versatility and size to the defensive front.
• Grady Jarrett (Defensive Tackle)- Jarrett joined the Bears on a two-year, $26 million contract in 2025. The 32-year-old veteran provides leadership and interior pressure.
• Tremaine Edmunds (Inside Linebacker)- Edmunds is in Year 3 of his four-year, $72 million deal signed in 2023. A coverage linebacker with elite athleticism, he remains the centerpiece of the linebacker corps.
• T.J. Edwards (Outside Linebacker)- Signed a three-year, $19.5 million contract in 2023, Edwards has been a tackling machine and leader on and off the field.

Notable Coaches and Players

• George Halas – Founder, legendary coach, and owner; led the Bears to 6 championships.
• Mike Ditka – Coached the Bears to their Super Bowl XX win in 1985; also a former Bears player.
• Lovie Smith – Led the Bears to Super Bowl XLI in 2006.
• Matt Nagy – Won NFL Coach of the Year in 2018.
• Walter Payton (RB) – One of the greatest running backs in NFL history; nicknamed "Sweetness."
• Dick Butkus (LB) – Feared linebacker, symbol of toughness in the NFL.
• Gale Sayers (RB) – Electrifying running back known for his speed and agility.
• Brian Urlacher (LB) – Defensive leader of the Bears in the 2000s; Hall of Famer.
• Mike Singletary (LB) – Heart of the legendary 1985 defense.
• Sid Luckman (QB) – Hall of Fame quarterback; master of the T-formation offense.
• Richard Dent (DE) – Super Bowl XX MVP; dominant pass rusher.
• Devin Hester (KR/PR/WR) – Arguably the greatest return specialist in NFL history.
• Bronko Nagurski (FB/DT) – Early NFL star known for his power and versatility.
• Red Grange (HB) – "The Galloping Ghost" helped legitimize professional football in the 1920s.

Who Are the Starters for the 2025 Season?

As of now, the Chicago Bears' projected starting lineup is as follows:

Offense

• Quarterback: Caleb Williams
• Running Back: D’Andre Swift
• Wide Receiver 1: D.J. Moore
• Wide Receiver 2: Rome Odunze
• Slot Wide Receiver: Velus Jones Jr. / Tyler Scott
• Tight End: Cole Kmet
• Left Tackle: Braxton Jones
• Left Guard: Joe Thuney
• Center: Drew Dalman
• Right Guard: Jonah Jackson
• Right Tackle: Darnell Wright

Defense

• Left Defensive End: Dayo Odeyingbo
• Defensive Tackle: Grady Jarrett
• Right Defensive End: Montez Sweat
• Outside Linebacker (OLB) 1: T.J. Edwards
• Inside Linebacker (ILB): Tremaine Edmunds
• Outside Linebacker (OLB) 2: Jack Sanborn
• Cornerback 1: Jaylon Johnson
• Cornerback 2: Kyler Gordon
• Free Safety: Jaquan Brisker
• Strong Safety: Kevin Byard

The Schedule of the Chicago Bears

The full NFL schedule will be released in May 2025, but we already know who the Bears are set to face this season. Here's a breakdown of their home and away matchups:

Home Games

• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Minnesota Vikings
• Arizona Cardinals
• Los Angeles Rams
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• New England Patriots
• Seattle Seahawks
• Tennessee Titans

Away Games

• Detroit Lions
• Green Bay Packers
• Minnesota Vikings
• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• Houston Texans
• Indianapolis Colts
• San Francisco 49ers
• Washington Commanders