Bears-Packers Rivalry
The oldest and most-played rivalry in the NFL.
The Bears–Packers rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. The rivalry began in the 1921 season when the Packers joined the American Professional Football Association (APFA). Since then, both teams have competed against each other every season, except for the 1922 and 1982 seasons. They have faced each other at least twice in all but one non-strike season since 1924. The Bears and Packers have been in the same conference or division since the NFL adopted its conference structure in the 1933 season. They were part of the NFL's Western Conference from 1933 until 1970. Following the AFL–NFL merger, the Bears and Packers were assigned to the National Football Conference (NFC) and the NFC Central, which was later rebranded as the NFC North during the 2002 NFL season. The Bears maintained a dominant winning record over the Packers for several decades, at two times leading the series by as many as 24 games. However, due to exceptional quarterback performances from the Packers and ongoing struggles and inconsistency from the Bears, the Packers surpassed the Bears in the overall series record during the 2017 season. Both teams began as company teams and are among the oldest franchises in the NFL. With 213 meetings, the rivalry is the league’s most-played matchup. Both franchises rank among the top five in NFL history in all-time win-loss records, and they also hold the record for the most total wins in league history. The Packers surpassed the Bears for the all-time wins lead during the 2022 season. Together, the teams have 77 inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame (41 from Chicago and 36 from Green Bay) and have won 22 NFL championships (13 by Green Bay and 9 by Chicago), the highest and second-highest totals in league history. They have also won five Super Bowls, four by the Packers and one by the Bears. The Packers lead the overall series, 109–98–6. The two teams have met three times in the playoffs, with the Bears winning two of three.
- First Meeting
- 1920
- Total Meetings
- Over 200
- Series Leader Status
- Green Bay Packers (Historically)
- Championships Involved
- Multiple NFL Championships and Super Bowls
- Rivalry Significance
- Oldest in NFL History
Lore & Background
The Bears originated in 1919 as the Decatur Staleys, a works team of the A. E. Staley Manufacturing Company. They transitioned to professional status in 1920 and became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association (APFA), which later evolved into the NFL, within the same year. In the 1921 season, the team relocated to Chicago and adopted the name Bears in the 1922 season. Similarly, the Packers were established in 1919, initially supported by the Indian Packing Company and later by the Acme Packing Company. They became a member of the APFA in 1921.
In Their Own Story
The wind howled off Lake Michigan, whipping snow across the frozen turf of Wrigley Field in December. It was the kind of cold that numbed fingers even through thick wool gloves. On one sideline stood a veteran coach in a trench coat, his breath pluming in the gray air; on the other, a rival with eyes locked on the clock. The crowd roared—a singular, primal sound from 40,000 voices united by a century of shared hatred and grudging respect. As the quarterback took the snap, the silence that followed was heavier than the snowdrifts piling against the bleachers. This wasn't just a game; it was the latest chapter in a saga written before the Super Bowl existed, where every tackle echoed with the ghosts of Halas and Lambeau.
Reader's Guide
Notable games and moments include: Staleys 20, Packers 0 (November 27, 1921) – first meeting; Bears 3, Packers 0 (November 23, 1924) – first ejections for fighting; Packers 7, Bears 0 (September 28, 1930) – fifth consecutive shutout; Packers 7, Bears 0 (September 22, 1935) – Don Hutson's first career reception and touchdown; Bears 30, Packers 3 (September 20, 1936) – fan punched Bears lineman; Packers 16, Bears 14 (November 2, 1941) – Bears' lone defeat that season; Bears 33, Packers 14 (December 14, 1941) – first playoff meeting; Bears 52, Packers 31 (November 6, 1955) – highest-scoring game; Packers 21, Bears 17 (September 29, 1957) – inaugural game at Lambeau Field; Packers 9, Bears 6 (September 27, 1959) – Vince Lombardi's debut; Packers 31, Bears 28 (November 12, 1961); Packers 49, Bears 0 (September 30, 1962) – largest margin of victory; Bears 26, Packers 7 (November 17, 1963); Packers 23, Bears 12 (September 13, 1964) – the 'Free Kick Game'.
Did You Know?
- The Bears–Packers rivalry is the NFL's most-played matchup with 213 meetings.
- The Packers lead the overall series 109–98–6.
- The two teams have met three times in the playoffs, with the Bears winning two of three.
- Together, the teams have 77 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees (41 from Chicago, 36 from Green Bay).
- The Packers have won 13 NFL championships and 4 Super Bowls; the Bears have won 9 NFL championships and 1 Super Bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Bears-Packers rivalry unique?
It is recognized as the oldest continuous series in National Football League history, dating back to the league's inception. Both teams have competed against each other for over a century since their early meetings began in 1920.
When did the two franchises first play?
The first official meeting between the Decatur Staleys, who later became the Bears, and the Packers occurred in 1920. This marks the beginning of a century-long competition that predates the modern NFL structure.
Who holds the advantage in the all-time series?
Historically, the Green Bay Packers lead the overall head-to-head record between the two franchises. Despite this statistical edge, Chicago fans often point to specific championship eras as defining moments of dominance.
Why is this matchup considered more than just a game?
The rivalry creates a deep cultural divide between the states of Illinois and Wisconsin that transcends professional sports. Fans on both sides view these contests as essential battles for regional pride and legacy within the Midwest.
How many times have they played each other?
The teams have faced off in over 200 regular season and playoff games throughout their long history. This extensive track record ensures that every meeting adds another chapter to one of sports' most enduring stories.
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