Chicago Bears: The Complete Illustrated History

by Lew Freedman

One of only two remaining charter members of the National Football League, the Chicago Bears are a team steeped in history. With nine pro football championships and twenty-six hall of famers, the Bears are also among the most successful franchises in all of professional sports. Revised and updated to include the latest seasons on the gridiron, Chicago The Complete Illustrated History brings the team’s vibrant history to life. Beginning with the franchise’s 1919 origins as the Decatur Staleys, this lavishly illustrated book presents the highs and lows from more than nine decades of football. Here is the story of the first dynasty under George “Papa Bear” Halas; the “Monsters of the Midway” of the 1940s; the team’s resurgence in the late 1960s; its 1985 Super Bowl win; and the run for the title in 2006. Former Chicago Tribune sportswriter and longtime Bears aficionado Lew Freedmen highlights the legends who have donned Bears uniforms, outsize characters like Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, Sid Luckman, Mike Ditka, Dick Butkus, Gayle Sayers, Walter Payton, Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher, and many more. He includes the numbers behind the stories---the stats and team records---as well as pivotal plays in Bears’ history, from Halas’ T-formation to William “The Refrigerator” Perry’s touchdown runs. The book presents a key chapter of sports history and offers a fitting tribute to one of football’s most beloved teams.

Genres: Sports

192 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book that gives a good history of my favorite team Da Bears

[Darren Azul]

I like this book so far, the illustrations and quotes from the players are really good and nice to read.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read! Learned alot about Papa Bear Halas, and I liked learning about THE original NFL team! #dabears