Super Bowl XX
The Bears' defense delivered a masterclass in dominance to claim their first Super Bowl title.
Super Bowl XX stands as the crowning achievement of the Chicago Bears' most dominant era, cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in NFL history. Played on January 26, 1986, at the Louisiana Superdome, this championship game featured the 15-1 Bears against the New England Patriots. The contest is remembered not just for the lopsided final score, but for a defensive performance that has rarely been equaled in professional football history.
- Opponent
- New England Patriots
- Final Score
- 46-10
- MVP
- William 'The Refrigerator' Perry
- Head Coach
- Mike Ditka
- Defensive Coordinator
- Buddy Ryan
Lore & Background
Super Bowl XX became the stage for this defense to fully unleash its potential. While the offense contributed significantly, it was the defensive unit that dictated the terms of engagement from the opening kickoff. The game is perhaps most famous for the inclusion of defensive tackle William 'The Refrigerator' Perry in offensive formations, a novelty that resulted in a historic touchdown and captured the imagination of fans worldwide.
In Their Own Story
The humid air inside the Superdome crackled with a tension that only a 15-1 team and a championship could generate. As the final whistle blew, the scoreboard displayed a number that would haunt the NFL for decades: 46-10. But the fourth quarter belonged to the absurdity of glory. The roar wasn't for a deep pass or a breakaway run; it was for 'The Fridge.' When William Perry, a 325-pound defensive tackle, lined up at fullback in goal-line formation, the stadium erupted into pure, unadulterated joy. As he plowed over the Patriots' line for a touchdown, Mike Singletary stood on the sideline, helmet off, watching his brothers dismantle their opponents with surgical brutality and childlike glee—a moment where strategy met spectacle to etch a legacy into eternity.
Reader's Guide
The 1985 season wasn't just a winning streak; it was the absolute zenith of Chicago Bears culture. It was an era defined by unapologetic physicality, where Buddy Ryan's '46 Defense' didn't just stop offenses—it terrified them. Under Mike Ditka's iron fist, this team became a machine that prioritized stopping the run above all else, creating a spectacle as entertaining to watch as it was impossible to play against.
This victory redefined the franchise, resurrecting the 'Monsters of the Midway' moniker for a modern generation. The 46 Defense became the blueprint for how a unit could single-handedly carry a team to the summit. Decades later, the sheer camaraderie and intensity of that roster remain the unbreakable gold standard against which every future Bears squad is measured.
More than a trophy, Super Bowl XX was a cultural earthquake that united Chicago in a way few events ever have. It proved that relentless grit could silence any offensive fireworks and that defense truly wins championships. The enduring legacy isn't just the ring; it's the belief that when the Bears play with heart, discipline, and a little bit of 'Fridge,' anything is possible.
Did You Know?
- William 'The Refrigerator' Perry became the first defensive lineman to score a touchdown in a Super Bowl.
- The Bears' defense held the Patriots to just 10 points, the lowest score allowed by any team in a Super Bowl at that time.
- Richard Dent was named the game's MVP after recording three sacks and forcing two fumbles.
- The 46 Defense was named after the jersey number of safety Doug Plank, who helped pioneer the scheme.