30 Facts About Steelers Vs. Bears

Steelers vs. Bears: A Historic Rivalry

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears have a storied history in the NFL. Both teams boast rich traditions, passionate fanbases, and numerous memorable moments. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this classic matchup.

1. The Steelers and Bears first met on September 20, 1936. The Bears won that game 26-7.

2. The Bears lead the all-time series against the Steelers with a record of 19-7-1.

3. The Bears have outscored the Steelers 563-431 in their head-to-head matchups.

4. The longest winning streak in this rivalry belongs to the Bears, who won 10 consecutive games from 1936 to 1953.

5. The Steelers' longest winning streak against the Bears is three games, achieved from 2005 to 2009.

Memorable Games and Moments

Throughout the years, several games between these two teams have stood out for their excitement and significance.

6. In 1995, the Steelers defeated the Bears 37-34 in overtime, a game remembered for its thrilling back-and-forth action.

7. The 2005 matchup saw the Steelers win 21-9 in a snowy game at Heinz Field, a key victory on their way to winning Super Bowl XL.

8. The Bears' 40-23 victory in 2013 featured a standout performance by running back Matt Forte, who rushed for 87 yards and scored two touchdowns.

9. In 2017, the Bears won 23-17 in overtime, with Jordan Howard rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns.

10. The 2021 game was a nail-biter, with the Steelers narrowly winning 29-27 thanks to a last-minute field goal by Chris Boswell.

Legendary Players

Both teams have had numerous legendary players who have left their mark on this rivalry.

11. Walter Payton, one of the greatest running backs in NFL history, played for the Bears from 1975 to 1987. He had several standout performances against the Steelers.

12. "Mean" Joe Greene, a cornerstone of the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" defense, played from 1969 to 1981 and was a dominant force in games against the Bears.

13. Bears linebacker Dick Butkus, known for his ferocious play, faced the Steelers multiple times during his career from 1965 to 1973.

14. Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, a four-time Super Bowl champion, had several memorable games against the Bears during the 1970s.

15. Brian Urlacher, a Hall of Fame linebacker for the Bears, played from 2000 to 2012 and was a key figure in the Bears' defense during matchups with the Steelers.

Coaching Legends

The rivalry has also featured some of the most respected coaches in NFL history.

16. George Halas, the legendary Bears coach and founder, led the team from 1920 to 1967, amassing 318 wins, including many against the Steelers.

17. Chuck Noll, who coached the Steelers from 1969 to 1991, won four Super Bowls and had several notable victories over the Bears.

18. Mike Ditka, who coached the Bears from 1982 to 1992, led the team to a Super Bowl XX victory and had a 3-1 record against the Steelers.

19. Bill Cowher, the Steelers' head coach from 1992 to 2006, had a 2-2 record against the Bears during his tenure.

20. Mike Tomlin, the current Steelers coach since 2007, has faced the Bears multiple times, with a record of 2-3.

Iconic Stadiums

The venues where these teams have clashed also hold a special place in NFL history.

21. Soldier Field, home of the Bears since 1971, is one of the oldest stadiums in the NFL and has hosted numerous memorable games against the Steelers.

22. Heinz Field, the Steelers' home since 2001, is known for its passionate fans and has been the site of several key matchups with the Bears.

23. Before Heinz Field, the Steelers played at Three Rivers Stadium from 1970 to 2000, where they faced the Bears multiple times.

24. The Bears' previous home, Wrigley Field, hosted games against the Steelers from 1921 to 1970.

25. The Steelers' original home, Forbes Field, saw several early matchups with the Bears from 1909 to 1924.

Fun Facts and Trivia

Here are some lesser-known tidbits about the Steelers vs. Bears rivalry.

26. The Bears' mascot, Staley Da Bear, once raced the Steelers' mascot, Steely McBeam, in a halftime show, with Staley winning by a nose.

27. The Steelers and Bears have never faced each other in the playoffs.

28. The Bears' largest margin of victory over the Steelers was a 38-7 win in 1941.

29. The Steelers' largest margin of victory over the Bears was a 37-3 win in 1995.

30. Both teams have a strong tradition of defense, with the Bears' "Monsters of the Midway" and the Steelers' "Steel Curtain" being two of the most iconic defensive units in NFL history.

Final Whistle on Steelers vs. Bears

Steelers vs. Bears games have always been thrilling. From historic matchups to unforgettable plays, these two teams never disappoint. The Steelers, with their six Super Bowl titles, and the Bears, boasting a rich history and nine championships, bring a unique flavor to the NFL. Their clashes are more than just games; they're a showcase of grit, strategy, and passion.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, knowing these 30 facts adds depth to your appreciation. From legendary players like Terry Bradshaw and Walter Payton to iconic moments, every fact highlights why this rivalry is special. So next time the Steelers face the Bears, you'll watch with a bit more insight and excitement. Football isn't just a sport; it's a story, and Steelers vs. Bears is one of its best chapters.