Chicago Bears vs Dallas Cowboys
A historic collision between the NFL's original dynasty and America's most famous team.
The Chicago Bears vs. Dallas Cowboys rivalry stands as one of the most storied and enduring matchups in NFL history, bridging two of the league's most iconic franchises. Often dubbed a clash between 'America's Team' and the original dynasty of professional football, this series has defined eras from the 1960s through the modern age. It represents a collision of distinct identities: the gritty, defensive-minded legacy of Chicago against the flash, star power, and cultural dominance of Dallas.
- Series Status
- One of the most-played regular-season rivalries in NFL history
- Defining Era
- 1980s (Super Bowl XX era vs. 1970s/80s Cowboys dynasties)
- Key Bears Figures
- Walter Payton, Mike Ditka, Dick Butkus
- Key Cowboys Figures
- Roger Staubach, Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith
Lore & Background
The rivalry reached its fever pitch during the 1980s, serving as a proxy war for the NFL's identity. The Bears' 'Monsters of the Midway' defense, anchored by the legendary 46 scheme and Mike Ditka’s fiery leadership, clashed repeatedly with Tom Landry’s stoic precision and the Cowboys' high-octane offense. These matchups were national spectacles that often dictated playoff seeding and division supremacy, cementing a mutual respect born of fierce competition.
In Their Own Story
From the frozen turf of Soldier Field to the sheltered dome of Texas Stadium, these matchups highlighted a stark divide in NFL geography and philosophy. In the 1970s, Roger Staubach’s Cowboys provided the first true test for a Bears team still finding its identity under Walter Payton. By the mid-80s, the dynamic shifted into outright antagonism; when Ditka’s physical defenders faced Landry’s disciplined squad, every snap felt like territorial warfare. These weren't just games; they were weekly reminders of opposing philosophies, with Chicago's defense often grinding down Dallas's precision until the playoffs brought the ultimate reckoning.
Reader's Guide
This rivalry was forged during an era when NFC scheduling rotations forced frequent meetings between the Central and East divisions. While they met regularly throughout the 1970s, the series peaked in the mid-80s as both teams vied for conference supremacy. The defining moment arrived on January 5, 1986: a Divisional Round showdown where Chicago’s defense held Dallas to a single touchdown en route to Super Bowl XX. What sustains the intensity is the sheer volume of meetings; no other NFC franchises have faced each other as often outside their own divisions. Even when neither team holds the league's top record, a Bears-Cowboys game draws national attention simply because both organizations refuse to accept mediocrity.
Did You Know?
- The two teams have played each other more than any other pair of NFC franchises outside their own divisions.
- Their 1985 playoff meeting is often cited as one of the most dominant defensive performances in NFL postseason history.
- Both franchises hold the distinction of being among the oldest and most valuable sports teams in the world.
- The rivalry has featured Hall of Fame quarterbacks from both sides, including Roger Staubach and Jim McMahon.