What Happened to 1985 Chicago Bears (NFL team season)?
The 1985 Chicago Bears season is widely regarded as one of the most dominant in NFL history, culminating in a resounding Super Bowl XX victory. Led by head coach Mike Ditka, defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's revolutionary '46 Defense,' and charismatic players like Walter Payton and Jim McMahon, the team achieved a 15-1 regular season record and became a cultural phenomenon. Decades later, the team's legacy endures, with many key figures remaining in the public eye, though some have faced significant health challenges or passed away, including the recent passing of Steve McMichael in 2025.
Quick Answer
The 1985 Chicago Bears achieved one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history, finishing 15-1 and winning Super Bowl XX with their iconic '46 Defense' and a roster of colorful personalities. The team's legacy continues to be celebrated, with a 40th-anniversary celebration held in 2025. Many key players and coaches, such as Mike Ditka and Jim McMahon, remain prominent figures, though some have battled significant health issues, and several, including Walter Payton and Buddy Ryan, have passed away. Most recently, defensive tackle Steve McMichael passed away in 2025 from ALS.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline16 events
Start of Dominant Season
The Chicago Bears began their historic 1985 season, aiming to improve on their previous year's NFC Championship Game loss. They quickly established dominance, winning their first 12 games.
Only Loss of the Season
The Bears suffered their only defeat of the season, a 38-24 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football, preventing a perfect season.
'Super Bowl Shuffle' Filmed
The team famously recorded the 'Super Bowl Shuffle' music video, a cultural phenomenon that showcased their personalities and confidence before their playoff run.
Super Bowl XX Victory
The Chicago Bears defeated the New England Patriots 46-10 in Super Bowl XX, securing their first and only Super Bowl championship. Richard Dent was named Super Bowl MVP.
Walter Payton Inducted into Hall of Fame
Legendary running back Walter Payton, a cornerstone of the 1985 team, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Walter Payton's Passing
Walter Payton died at the age of 45 from bile duct cancer, a complication of a rare liver disease (primary sclerosing cholangitis), leaving a profound void in the football world.
Dave Duerson's Suicide and CTE Diagnosis
Safety Dave Duerson committed suicide, and an autopsy on his brain revealed he suffered from CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), highlighting the long-term health risks faced by players.
ESPN 30 for 30 'The '85 Bears' Premieres
ESPN released its highly anticipated '30 for 30' documentary, 'The '85 Bears,' offering an in-depth look at the team's historic season and its enduring legacy.
Buddy Ryan's Passing
Defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, the mastermind behind the '46 Defense,' passed away at the age of 85 after a lengthy illness.
Mike Ditka Relocates to Chicago
Head coach Mike Ditka and his wife relocated from Florida to Chicago to be closer to family, enjoying retirement.
40th Anniversary Merchandise Launch
The Chicago Bears unveiled an exclusive merchandise collection to honor the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Super Bowl XX championship team.
40th Anniversary Halftime Celebration
Members of the 1985 Bears were honored during a halftime ceremony at Soldier Field during a Monday Night Football game against the Minnesota Vikings, celebrating their 40th anniversary.
Steve McMichael's Passing
Defensive tackle Steve McMichael, a beloved member of the '85 Bears, passed away after a prolonged battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS).
Jim McMahon Discusses Health and Legacy
Jim McMahon appeared on ABC7 Chicago, discussing his ongoing therapy for injuries, his golf passion, and the 40th anniversary of the Super Bowl win, reflecting on the team's legacy and current Bears prospects.
Jim McMahon's Continued Advocacy
Jim McMahon continues his public speaking and health advocacy, focusing on concussion awareness and mental health resources for athletes, and recently collaborated with current Bears QB Caleb Williams on a Topps commercial.
Mike Ditka in Retirement
As of today, Mike Ditka, at 86 years old, is living a quiet retirement in Chicago, focused on his health and family, dispelling earlier rumors about his condition.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The 1985 Chicago Bears season stands as a monumental achievement in NFL history, characterized by unparalleled dominance and a unique blend of talent and personality. Under the leadership of head coach Mike Ditka and the strategic genius of defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, the Bears steamrolled through the regular season with a 15-1 record, their only loss coming against the Miami Dolphins. The team's hallmark was Ryan's aggressive '46 Defense,' which revolutionized defensive schemes and terrorized opposing offenses, allowing a league-low 198 points and leading the NFL in turnover differential at +23.
Key turning points included their dominant regular season performances, such as a 44-0 shutout victory over the Dallas Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. The team's cultural impact was amplified by the pre-Super Bowl release of the 'Super Bowl Shuffle' music video, which became a pop culture phenomenon, featuring players like Walter Payton, Jim McMahon, and William 'The Refrigerator' Perry. The season culminated in a decisive 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX, where the Bears' defense set a Super Bowl record by allowing just nine rushing yards.
The consequences of this historic season were profound, solidifying the team's place in sports lore and creating a lasting legacy that continues to resonate. The '85 Bears are frequently cited as one of the greatest NFL teams of all time, known for their swagger, toughness, and memorable characters. However, the years following the Super Bowl have also brought challenges and tragedies for many members of the team.
Walter Payton, the legendary running back, was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993 but sadly passed away on November 1, 1999, at the age of 45, due to bile duct cancer, a complication of primary sclerosing cholangitis. Defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, the architect of the '46 Defense,' went on to coach the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals before passing away on June 28, 2016, at age 85, after a lengthy illness. Quarterback Jim McMahon has openly discussed his battles with depression and dementia, attributed to concussions suffered during his playing career, and has become an advocate for concussion awareness and mental health resources for athletes. As of August 2026, he continues public speaking and health advocacy, and recently appeared in a commercial with current Bears QB Caleb Williams.
Head coach Mike Ditka, now 86 years old as of August 2026, is enjoying retirement in Chicago with his family, having relocated from Florida in late 2024. Despite past health issues and hospice rumors in 2024, his family confirmed he is managing the long-term effects of aging and previous conditions. Tragically, defensive tackle Steve McMichael, a key member of the dominant defense, passed away in 2025 after a long battle with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS). The team's 40th anniversary was celebrated in September 2025, with merchandise collections and a halftime ceremony at Soldier Field, honoring the enduring impact of this iconic team.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if 1985 Chicago Bears (NFL team season) made different choices?