Chicago Bears-Packers

Lore & Background

The 1985 matchups between these division rivals were characterized by physical brutality and unusual incidents. In Week 7, William Perry became a folk hero after scoring his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run during the 23–7 victory. The atmosphere grew toxic for the Week 9 meeting in Green Bay when Packers staff put horse manure in the Bears' locker room. The game itself was marred by violence; Packers defenders Mark Lee and Ken Stills intensified the physical nature of the contest, with Lee sending Walter Payton over a bench and Stills leveling Matt Suhey. These incidents underscored the high stakes of the NFC Central Division race, which Chicago would win by seven games over Green Bay.

In Their Own Story

Trailing 10–7 in the fourth quarter of their Week 9 meeting at Green Bay, the Bears found themselves on the brink of defeat. The turning point arrived when Steve McMichael recorded a safety against the Packers, cutting the deficit to just one point at 10–9. Following the free kick that gave Chicago possession at midfield, Walter Payton took over. He sealed the victory with a 27-yard touchdown run, putting the Bears ahead for good. This 16–10 win ensured Green Bay's inability to challenge for the division title, as the Bears went on to finish with a 15–1 record and win the NFC Central by seven games.

Reader's Guide

Fans should note that the Week 7 victory on Monday Night Football was a 23–7 blowout featuring William Perry's first career touchdown. The subsequent road game in Week 9 was far more contentious, beginning with the discovery of horse manure in the Bears' locker room. During play, physical confrontations included Mark Lee pushing Walter Payton over a bench and Ken Stills hitting Matt Suhey hard enough to level him. The game remained tight until Steve McMichael's safety shifted momentum, followed immediately by Walter Payton's 27-yard touchdown run that secured the 16–10 win. These two games were critical steps in Chicago's path to their first championship since 1963.

Did You Know?

• In Week 7, rookie William Perry scored his first career touchdown on a 1-yard run.
• The Packers placed horse manure in the Bears' locker room before their Week 9 meeting.
• During the Week 9 game, Mark Lee sent Walter Payton over a bench and Ken Stills leveled Matt Suhey.
• A safety by Steve McMichael was the key play that turned the tide of the Week 9 game.
• Walter Payton sealed the Week 9 victory with a 27-yard touchdown run.