Chicago Bears

Lore & Background

The roots of this rivalry stretch back to the expansion era, where the young Dallas Cowboys sought legitimacy by dismantling established powers. The Chicago Bears, with their storied history dating back to the league's inception, represented the ultimate gatekeepers of tradition. As the 1970s unfolded, the rivalry took on a new dimension. The Cowboys, now a perennial powerhouse with multiple Super Bowl appearances, faced a Bears team that was rebuilding but still radiated an intimidating identity. These matchups were characterized by low-scoring, defensive grit where field position and turnover margins often decided the outcome in games played amidst Chicago's biting winter winds. The narrative shifted again in the 1980s and 1990s, where the Cowboys' offensive explosion under Troy Aikman met a Bears defense that had evolved but still carried the DNA of their legendary past, turning every meeting into a clash of eras. Despite the lack of annual divisional play, every encounter carries the weight of history. For Dallas fans, defeating Chicago is a rite of passage—a nod to overcoming the old guard; for Bears faithful, beating Dallas remains the ultimate chance to humble 'America's Team.' The rivalry transcends mere competition; it is a dialogue between two franchises that have consistently defined the NFL landscape, bound by mutual respect and the shared memory of collisions that shaped the game.

In Their Own Story

His eyes scanned a Bears defense that looked less like men and more like a moving wall of steel. The crowd noise was a distant rumble compared to the thunderous crack of pads echoing in the silence between plays. On the opposite sideline, a veteran linebacker stood motionless, his helmet gleaming under the stadium lights, embodying decades of Chicago grit. As the ball snapped, the collision was inevitable—a meeting of Dallas speed and Chicago brute force that would be replayed in highlight reels for generations.

Reader's Guide

The origin of this rivalry dates back to the Cowboys' inaugural season in 1960, though it truly ignited during the franchise's rise to prominence in the late 1960s and 1970s. As Dallas climbed the ranks to become a Super Bowl contender, they frequently encountered a Chicago Bears team that refused to yield, creating a clash of titans within the NFC. The biggest clashes often occurred during playoff pushes or critical regular-season games where seeding was on the line. These games were rarely shootouts; instead, they were defensive masterclasses defined by turnovers and field position battles. What makes this rivalry fierce is the contrast in identity. The Cowboys built their legacy on star power, flashy offenses, and national media attention. Conversely, the Bears prided themselves on a 'no-nonsense,' physical style of play that prioritized toughness over spectacle. When these two philosophies collide, it creates a unique tension where every yard gained feels like a conquest. Even without annual meetings, the historical weight ensures that whenever they face off, it is treated as a marquee event for the entire league.

Did You Know?

• Andre Phillip Smith was signed by the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent on July 26, following the 2011 NFL draft.
• Smith spent time with the Chicago Bears practice squad starting November 9 after being waived and re-signed just one day later.
• Despite being promoted to the active roster in November, Smith was declared inactive for the final eight games of his tenure with the Bears.
• The Chicago Bears released Andre Phillip Smith on May 14, 2012, before he was claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts the very next day.