Retired Legendary Players
The Pride and Joy of Illinois
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago. The Bears compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the National Football Conference (NFC) North division. They are one of two remaining franchises from the NFL's founding in 1920, along with the Arizona Cardinals (originally the Racine Cardinals of Chicago). The Bears play their home games at Soldier Field on the Near South Side, adjacent to Lake Michigan. The team headquarters, Halas Hall, is in the Chicago suburb of Lake Forest, Illinois. The Bears practice at adjoining facilities there during the season, and began hosting training camp at Halas Hall in 2020 after major renovations.
- First Retired Number
- The Bears do not officially retire jersey numbers in the same manner as the Cubs; notable retired numbers include 34 (Walter Payton) and 51 (Dick Butkus), among others honored by the franchise.
- Hall of Fame Count
- Multiple inductees with Bears tenure
- Location of Honor
- Soldier Field (and historically at Halas Hall); the Bears' retired numbers are not displayed on Wrigley Field's facade.
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
The franchise was founded in Decatur, Illinois, on September 20, 1919, became professional on September 17, 1920, and moved to Chicago in 1921. Originally named the Decatur Staleys, the club was established by the A. E. Staley food starch company of Decatur, Illinois, as a company team. The company hired George Halas and Edward 'Dutch' Sternaman in 1920 to run the team. The team moved to Chicago in 1921, where the club was renamed the Chicago Staleys. In 1922, Halas changed the team name from the Staleys to the Bears. The team moved into Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball franchise. As with several early NFL franchises, the Bears derived their nickname from their city's baseball team (bears' young are called 'cubs'). Halas liked the bright orange-and-blue colors of his alma mater, the University of Illinois, and the Bears adopted those colors as their own, albeit in a darker shade of each (the blue is Pantone 5395, navy blue, and the orange is Pantone 1665, similar to burnt orange). The Bears played home games at Wrigley Field on Chicago's North Side through the 1970 season; they have played since then at Soldier Field.
In Their Own Story
The Bulls' first game was on October 15, 1966, an upset victory over the St. Louis Hawks. They finished their inaugural season with a 33–48 record, the best by any expansion team in NBA history at the time, and became the first expansion team to qualify for the playoffs. Guard Guy Rodgers led the league in assists, and forward Jerry Sloan was named an All-Star. Coach Johnny 'Red' Kerr earned Coach of the Year honors. The Bulls initially played at the International Amphitheatre before moving to Chicago Stadium. In 1969, Pat Williams was hired as general manager and introduced the team's first mascot, Benny the Bull. Under Williams and coach Dick Motta, the Bulls made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons, including a franchise record of 57 wins in 1972. The Bulls made their first conference finals appearance in the 1973–74 season, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks in four games. They also made the conference finals in the 1974–75 season, losing to the eventual NBA champion Golden State Warriors in a 4–3 series.
Reader's Guide
The Bears have won nine NFL Championships, eight before the AFL–NFL merger and one Super Bowl. They hold the NFL records for the most enshrinees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the most retired jersey numbers. The Bears' NFL championships and overall victories are second behind the Green Bay Packers, with whom they have a long-standing rivalry. The Bears reached their greatest modern period of success in the 1980s under head coach Mike Ditka, with whom they won Super Bowl XX in the 1985 season. The Bears appeared in their second Super Bowl during the 2006 season, which they lost to the Indianapolis Colts. Since 2006, the Bears have struggled to find regular success, going fifteen years in between playoff wins from 2011 to 2026. During that time, the Bears have had 23 different starting quarterbacks and six different head coaches. In September 2025, a sale of a minority stake in the team valued the Bears at $8.9 billion.
Did You Know?
- The Bears were originally named the Decatur Staleys.
- The Bears moved into Wrigley Field, home of the Chicago Cubs baseball franchise.
- The Bears' nickname derives from the Chicago Cubs (bears' young are called 'cubs').
- The Bears adopted their colors from the University of Illinois.
- The Bears have won nine NFL Championships, including one Super Bowl.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Retired Legendary Players for the Chicago Cubs?
These are the select individuals whose jersey numbers have been permanently retired by the franchise to honor their exceptional contributions. The group includes Hall of Famers like Ernie Banks, who holds the distinction of being the first with number 14.
Where can fans see these honored players at Wrigley Field?
Their jerseys hang prominently in the rafters above the right-field bleachers, serving as a constant visual reminder of the team's history. This specific location ensures they overlook every game played on the North Side.
Why are these retired numbers considered sacred to Cubs culture?
They represent more than just statistics; they embody the resilience and spirit that define the organization through decades of triumph and heartbreak. These icons act as a compass for new generations, linking modern fans to the franchise's enduring legacy.
Which eras do these legendary players span in Cubs history?
The collection honors stars from the post-Dead Ball era starting in the 1930s all the way through the modern championship breakthroughs of the 2020s. This wide timeline showcases how different generations have shaped the identity of the team.
What is the significance of Ernie Banks among these legends?
Ernie Banks holds a unique place as the first player to receive this honor with his number 14, setting the standard for future inductees. His legacy captures the joy and excellence that fans associate with the heart of the Cubs.
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