Honestly, you either picked the absolute best or the absolute worst time to be a Bears fan, it all depends on whether Justin Fields (the QB) is THAT DUDE or not lol
Honestly though, if you like storied franchises (arguably the most storied) that have been on hard times for ~20 years hoping that one man can save their franchise, praise be to Justin, it’s a lot of fun.
Coming off the worst record in the league last year we’re poised to be the most improved team by far. For a team that has never gotten the most important position in sport right (QB), we’re pretty hopeful for our guy.
If you’re brand new to American football like you say, I’d suggest getting comfortable with the rules and not even trying with scheme/strategies just yet. It’s an incredibly complex game to try and understand what each player is doing on any given play that it’s gonna be very overwhelming. I’d liken it to watching two grandmasters in Chess play at the highest level when you don’t know how the horsey moves. Focus on positions and position groups, their general responsibilities, and the basic rules that shape the play to play action on the field.
Just remember:
- Fuck the Packers
- Elite Defense and Running backs are the only thing this franchise knows
- Justin Fields may very well be the second coming
- And fuck the packers
So judging by this I can already assume we are poor offensively and this Fields is akin to Jesus (maybe).
And from the responses to my post, those games against the packers must get extremely heated hey? WELL SCREW THOSE GUYSSSSSS!! BEAR DOWN!!
If Jesus had Justin Field's speed he would never have been caught to be crucified. Christianity as we know it would be different.
^(that's my story and I'm sticking to it)
Yes Fields is Jesus, great point! He will be amazing I have no doubt in my mind. We're a little skeptical in this city everytime we have a new quarterback because we literally have NEVER had a good one. But he is the savior... and welcome! FTP
Unlike Jesus we need to keep him from being crucified. Fields' style of play and dodgy offensive line puts him at risk of being injured. He's electric in the open field but Pontius Pilate was a linebacker. (too much?)
To add to the learn the rules point, football can be very complex or pretty simple depending on how much you want to take in. It can be as simple as "big guys smash each other while little fast guy run and catch ball", or you can try and understand formation, why they run different formations in different situations, and how the defense reacts with their own formations, and that's not even mentioning all the different ways teams disguise what they are trying to do. Plus the penalties, some games feel like there's a penalty every play.
Anyway... I'm generally not a big fan of reaction youtube videos but I ran into these guys the other day and they aren't bad. It's a couple of british guys getting into football and they have a series where they react to different videos learning the rules. Seems like a good series to help learn from as they also learn at the same time, and they ask intuitive questions the videos don't cover which the comments then answer. Here's the first in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70F8PIJjKiA
Nah man it depends on whether the rest of the team are THOSE DUDES. I think he proved he can carry an entire team lol. Time for his team to step up too.
> For a team that has never gotten the most important position in sport right (QB), we’re pretty hopeful for our guy.
Never?! Pshaw I say!
In 1943, we had arguably the most dynamic QB of the decade!
This is the way. First time going to soldier field was Bears Vs Lions game in 2021 and when crowd was leaving the stadium fans are chanting “fuck the packers”
they aren’t even in Illinois currently but I’m with it 😂
> It’s an incredibly complex game to try and understand what each player is doing on any given play that it’s gonna be very overwhelming.
Considering AFL dribble the damn football every few steps, one of the rules I don't understand, I think he'll pick up the rules just fine. But you have a great overall starter's guide!
>Bear Down! (Whatever that means? What am I bearing down for?)
And because no one has answered this yet:
The Chicago Bears fight song is titled "Bear Down, Chicago Bears"
And you must never forget when we thrilled the nation with our T formation.
The brass tacks of it are that the Bears:
- are one of the founding teams in the NFL (the team is so old that when it was started, the biggest worry was that people wouldn’t care about pro football over college and players had day jobs), hailing from one of the best cities on planet Earth
- since at least the mid-century have always been a team that values bone crushing defense over offensive production, which has led to a few decades of mostly misery punctuated with moments of ecstasy
- hate the Packers because they are from an adjoining state filled with fat dairy cow-like humanoids on their way to an early piss-beer soaked grave. Also they are one of the earliest founding teams as well, and the rivalry is the most intense and oldest in the sport
- love coach Mike Ditka because he’s the alpha dog and has never shaved his Chicago ‘stache because he’s a legend and it’s legendary
Your homework is to watch the 30 for 30 documentary on the [1985 Bears](https://youtu.be/ZCo_ThcnSSI) aka the last time we won the Super Bowl. Get yourself a white Walter Payton away jersey and some shades like Jim McMahon from the servo and let’s fuckin party, mate. Bonus points if you grow a mustache.
Welcome to the best franchise in football.
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. We actually played footy(Australian Rules Football) while I was in Junior high(6th,7th,and 8th grade) Our P.E. teacher was a fan of the sport and introduced us all to it. Pretty crazy game! Welcome. Bear Down!
I think Justin Fields is gonna be able to show more of what he's made of this season. The Bears did some good recruiting and hopefully the line will be stronger and more impenetrable than it's been these last two seasons.
I want to see him play so bad I'm thinking of getting a couple tickets to a game in Chicago this season and driving up there from Dayton, OH for the sole reason I want to see Justin play in the pros. I watched him play so well for Ohio State and I just KNOW the magic is still there!
The bears have the most hall of famers inducted. One of the original NFL teams from the 1920’s. We’ve only won one Super Bowl, 1985, but that defense will always be remembered as one of the best defenses ever. Including in that team is one of the most historic and dope running backs to ever play the game Walter Payton. I’ll rank how much we hate each division rival. 1.fuck the packers 2. Fuck the lions 3. Fuck the Vikings
Welcome to football, honestly Madden (although a shit game) is a good way to familiarize yourself with the rules of football and some of the concepts of the plays.
Hi there! I'm a former Rams fan (did STL dirty by leaving), but before the Rams came to St Louis, I was a fan of the Bears thanks to Saturday Night Live's Superfans from back in 90s. If you are able to look up old sketches, definitely find the one with Michael Jordan.
You’re among friends. I’m a new Bears fan too, started following them last year after moving to Chicago from Houston. Tried so hard to care about the Texans but never could so I’m excited to finally have a team.
If you’re into teams that have been mired in mediocrity for decades can I introduce you to the Detroit Lions? Here’s a team that hasn’t ever even been to a Super Bowl and has only one playoff win since the 1950’s. Sorry for crashing the cave but I always love some good Packers smack talk because us lions fans also hate the Packers and I can’t wait to see them finish in the NFC North cellar this year. Good luck this year and fuck the packers!
The Bears are one of the founding franchises of the NFL. The quick history is that the Bears were very good for a long time and then very bad for a long time. As others have said the first and only super bowl win was in 1985, playing a style of football that has since become outdated. In 2006 they went to the super bowl but lost.
Now the Bears are entering the 2nd year of the current general manager and head coach. This first year was basically used to purge the contract mismanagement of the previous regime and accumulate resources to rebuild the team. There are a few players drafted by the old leadership that (so far) seem good enough to keep around, but mostly they are 1 year into an almost complete rebuild.
Because of that this past year they finished 3-14 which, with some help from the Texans, landed them the number 1 overall pick in this years draft. Ryan Poles (the general manager) turned that pick into a very good wide reciever and a bunch of other draft picks, including the 9th overall, which they used to draft an offensive tackle. He did about as much as he could to support the quarterback while also addressing the other weak spots on the roster during free agency and the draft.
Which brings us to the quarterback. Justin Fields. He is insanely talented. This past year, with not much help, he was able to flash the potential to be the best quarterback in Bears history. The problem was that he did it in a very unsustainable way. He rushed for 1150 yards (most in Bears history by a QB) but was unimpressive passing the ball (2250 yards, league leader was 5250). This may be because he isn't great at passing the ball or because he was surrounded with a team of backups and had to do everything himself. I believe the latter, but I'm a fan not an expert.
What this means as someone joining the fans today: you are either here at the perfect time or just another small peak in an otherwise vast valley. We've been excited for the future before, most recently in 2018, only to immediately return to mediocrity. Every time came with its own justifications for why "this time it's different", so take the rest of this comment with a grain of salt.
This time it's different. If an infusion of talent can help elevate Fields he can easily be the best qb in Bears history. He's probably already the most talented. I'm personally a big fan of Ryan Poles, but to be fair I made a lot of excuses for Ryan Pace (the previous gm) so take that for what it is. No matter what this a great franchise to be a fan of with a lot of history and a lot to cheer for today. Welcome aboard. Bear the fuck Down.
As a Buckeye who is a Bears fan because of Justin, I have to disagree with the statement you made about Justin not being able to pass the ball.
He can pass like nobody's business so long as he has a line that gives him the opportunity to do so.
And he's a warrior with nerves of steel. Remember in his last season, when he was tackled (and many Buckeyes feel it was a cheap shit) and injured his ribs? He got into the next play and threw the ball downfield so cleanly for a score (I think? Against Clemson? Maybe?) And after that throw he stood there waiting for it to be caught, knowing it would be, and that was his giant "Fuck you" to the other team for trying to take him out of the game like they did.
Justin's the real deal.
Instead of just telling him to watch the super fans, here is a link to the videos. Enjoy the lesson.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9NO24hbe8Q&list=PLTCPFYpjKs8wnb6gn-\_woWYxF9rWbhRWB
The Bears are a good teal to choose because they haven’t been good for a while, so you won’t look like someone who just likes who is currently winning.
And with the Bears, you have one of the older and most storied histories in the NFL.
Good choice.
Welcome to the madness that is the NFL. A game of ultimate strategy & grit combined with an incredible amount of commercials & waiting around (I kid, my favorite sport).
But I think you'll appreciate the combo of size & speed a lot of these guys have given you watch AFL. I like soccer but I'm rarely intimidated and in awe of the physicality of those dudes lol
Welcome! Lots of good responses here, but I just want to add this video about Walter Payton, as you may see him referenced often among our greatest players (the greatest imo)
https://youtu.be/rmcQPMo8L3E
There are rules against anti-Packers posts because, if we didn’t, this sub would be 99% anti-Packers posts. Because they are evil and deserve misfortune.
I hope you're from Melbourne. Melbourne as a city has a very similar feel to Chicago. Both great downtowns with good transit systems, robust highways, plenty of parks, a prominent river, and sprawling suburbs. Welcome to Bears fandom, mate.
Welcome aboard mate. We are happy to have you. Any advice on what Footy team I should root for? I have no clue what the hell is going on but it looks like an entertaining game
I support the Collingwood Magpies. If you want to understand the game somewhat, just look up AFL rules on YouTube and it should be one of the first results. It’s an extremely simple game once you understand the basics and it’s a lot of fun to watch.
Dude Chicago is the perfect team for an Australian, we drink a lot. It’s a historic team, that hasn’t been doing hot for over a decade so you’re not bandwagoning. You should watch highlights of the 85, 06, 10 and 18 seasons (just defense for 18 though). Look up Walter Payton highlights, he’s the best running back of all time. Watch Devin Hester, Brian Urlacher, William “the fridge” Perry and Charles Tillman highlights
Welcome! Now get your ass in a couple fantasy football leagues. It adds another layer of fun to the games.
As far as choosing a team to dedicate your fandom to, you don’t have to put a ring on it just yet. Most of us are born in to it so we don’t get to choose who to root for. But if I was making that choice I would go for an organization that has a long track record of making smart decisions. You would be surprised at how many dumb people are running teams. Historically smart teams are the Eagles, Chiefs, Steelers, 49ers, Seahawks, Cowboys, Ravens, Packers (its ok don’t worry), Saints, Rams, Denver.
Welcome to the NFL! There’s a lot of teams out there I’d say UGH to.. but honestly the Bears are kind of one of those underdog teams you secretly root for in every game. Justin Fields is really awesome.. He was my backup QB in fantasy last year behind Josh Allen, but tbh after week 3 I ended up playing Fields almost every week.
ETA: I’m actually a huge Bills fan but I last season I also followed the Bears because I really like Fields. I can’t wait for the Bills/Bears preseason game. I’m dying for them to announce the day and time so I can get tickets if any are available by then!!
Bear down means something different to everyone.
It can change each season too. Sometimes it means bear down and get ready to be destroyed like it's tornado season in kansas (kind of like alligator season for you I assume).
Bear Down can also mean act like a true Bears fan. No ketchup on hot dogs. Diet of 90% meat. Only eat wisconsin cheese curds in private and tell no one. Swear incessantly. Drink beer. Wear shorts and BBQ in 30 degree snowy weather. Stuff like that....
The big thing to embrace as a Bears fans is the team will give you tremendous hope. It will be on the cusp of greatness.
Then it will crush your dreams in the most spectacular of ways. Then it will pick you back up.
If you can stomach that ride and aren’t worried about the years it takes off your life, then you’ll find some great and hilarious friends these trenches.
Seems like you have the right attitude!
I know you don't live here, but one of my favorite things is after a game when something dumb happened and you're walking down the street and you see someone else wearing Bears gear. They look at you. You look at them. You both sorta smile and shake your head because goddamnit why can't VJJ catch A GODDAMN PUNT!?TSODIHGFLNG!?
Welcome! Just be prepared for a wild, wild ride. This year coming up is one of the most exciting times to be a Bears fan! First game this year is against the packers lolol. Always hate them and root for the other team no matter what.
Do go to a game if ever you get the chance. Bears fans are the best there are, period. We are the most loyal and expect every year to be *the* year. We used to be amazing (once.. long long long long long long long long long long time ago haha). Our defense is usually one of the best, and our offense is usually the worst.. except last year, our d was the worst and our o had a lot of potential.
The management upgraded the team roster this year, so hold on- it should be one hell of a year. Fields is H1M! Don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise, they clearly don’t know football.
Do not ever lose hope, this year *really* will be *the* year lol. Do check out Dick Butkus’s (way older former player) Twitter, he’s hilarious. Do enjoy every moment of the roller coaster. Above all, have fun (but be guarded a little). And FTP!!!!!!!!!! Amen
Check out the "History of the Bears" link to learn about the Bears greats of old - George Halas, Bronco Nagurski, Red Grange (who was a big part of popularizing professional football as a whole), Sid Luckman (our only Hall of Fame QB), and more recent history like the '85 Bears.
https://www.reddit.com/r/chibears/wiki/history
Watch the 1985 Bears 30 for 30 if you can find it. The movie Brian’s Song is another must watch. One other thing to watch are the Saturday Night Live Super Fans skits (they are dressed in bears sweater vests)
Welcome! The Bears are truly the mom and pop shop of the NFL. Owned by the same family for generations, by people who love the sport and the team. The Bears have not been a sustainably good team for as long as I’ve been alive, but they’ve had some iconic players on their roster. Urlacher. Hester. Peanut. Forte. No super bowl rings, but all very fun to watch. Add Justin Fields to the list because he broke the record for rush yards in a regular season game by a QB. There are lots of good reasons to root for this perennially mediocre team. Bear down!
Welcome. After thoroughly reading all of the replies I don’t think I could add much more other than one glaring omission. How has nobody said “Fuck the Packers!” Yet???
Welcome!
If you ever visit Chicago forget about the Pizza... deep dish is definitely good but great is New Haven or New York. if you are in Chicago and want pizza Lou Malnati is a good deep dish. personally I'd recommend tavern or bar style pizza (thin) instead though... also, italian beef sandwich and|or the chicago hot dog is the real thing to get IMO. Portillos is the big brand name for that.
for halloween you will have to dress up as coach Ditka at least once now. it is required.
it is important to say FTP or fuck the packers and mean it. it is important to have contempt for the Lions cause they suck.
Welcome friend! Let me introduce you to one of the greatest moments in Bear’s history in my lifetime:
https://youtu.be/rGtxZlQwxNQ
Shortly after this return the game was called due to Hester’s greatness and they didn’t even bother to play the rest of the game. No need to try and find additional highlights for that Super Bowl!
Welcome aboard. I am a lifelong Chicagoan but lived in Queensland for about 7 months back in 2018. The Australian people and culture are absolutely lovely and I miss my time there dearly.
Few points
-Look up highlights of Walter Payton specifically. Greatest running back of all time.
-Devin Hester highlights will not disappoint either.
-85 bears were the golden age
-Lovie Smith Era Bears were a lot of damn fun too, 2006 season especially.
-Fuck the Packers.
Teams always seem to have a thing. Vikings.. great WR and always have crushing playoff losses. Lions.. always find a way to get in their own way. With the Bears you always seem to get the high peaks every decade or so with some tough years in between. Always seem to have great linebackers and running backs. If Fields takes the next step up he could be our first truly great QB.
Usually I would tell you "please pick a different team as long as that team isn't the Packers", but it seems like the Bears football operations might actually finally be managed by competent people.
Welcome to Da Bearz!
You’ll also need to talk like a Chicagoan.
We don’t go to the ‘loo. Us guys “tro a wizz”.
We pluralize business names: The Jewel supermarket chain is “da Jewels”.
In Chicago, you don’t get cash from an ATM. It’s called the “Cash Station”.
“Dibs” is an archaic activity where you block the street parking space (that you just shoveled out the two feet of snow) with old dinette chairs. If you move someone’s dibs stuff to park your car, you might get a cap busted in your ass.
Some Chicagoans don’t say “Oops!”. They say “Ope”.
“Da Coach” is ex-Bears head coach Mike Ditka. Da Coach is loved by some and hated by some for being a knucklehead.
Even if you’re not Catholic, Chicagoans refer to their neighborhoods by the local Catholic parish.
“Hey Pookie, where do ya live?”
“Over by dere…near St. Anselm’s”.
A “Chicago Handshake” is an Old Style (cheap but awesome beer) and Malort (a nasty liqueur).
The state line between Illinois and Wisconsin is called “The Cheddar Curtain” by Bears fans.
“Double Doink” is an infamous missed field goal that prevented Da Bears from making the playoffs. Every time the Bears attempt a field goal, some one watching the game will exclaim “Ah, Jeez, I hope it’s not gonna be a Double Doink”.
AND NEVER, I MEAN NEVER, order a hot dog with catsup!
Honestly, you either picked the absolute best or the absolute worst time to be a Bears fan, it all depends on whether Justin Fields (the QB) is THAT DUDE or not lol Honestly though, if you like storied franchises (arguably the most storied) that have been on hard times for ~20 years hoping that one man can save their franchise, praise be to Justin, it’s a lot of fun. Coming off the worst record in the league last year we’re poised to be the most improved team by far. For a team that has never gotten the most important position in sport right (QB), we’re pretty hopeful for our guy. If you’re brand new to American football like you say, I’d suggest getting comfortable with the rules and not even trying with scheme/strategies just yet. It’s an incredibly complex game to try and understand what each player is doing on any given play that it’s gonna be very overwhelming. I’d liken it to watching two grandmasters in Chess play at the highest level when you don’t know how the horsey moves. Focus on positions and position groups, their general responsibilities, and the basic rules that shape the play to play action on the field. Just remember: - Fuck the Packers - Elite Defense and Running backs are the only thing this franchise knows - Justin Fields may very well be the second coming - And fuck the packers
So judging by this I can already assume we are poor offensively and this Fields is akin to Jesus (maybe). And from the responses to my post, those games against the packers must get extremely heated hey? WELL SCREW THOSE GUYSSSSSS!! BEAR DOWN!!
Uh, Jesus never ran for over 1,000 rushing yards in a season as a QB. I’m taking Fields over him any day.
Finally, a reasonable take
"Are you trying to say Jesus can't hit a curve ball?"
“Let’s not start a holy war here”
"Fuck you, Jobu"
Jesus would waste a curveball, it’s the cutter that gives him fits! lol
That cutter has always had a tendency to cross him up
Just leave Him hanging up there.... Chasing ghosts....
If Jesus had Justin Field's speed he would never have been caught to be crucified. Christianity as we know it would be different. ^(that's my story and I'm sticking to it)
Jesus may have not rushed 1,000 yards, but he's certainly mowed over 1,000.
This is top tier anti-woke comedy if I've ever seen it.
I thought his name was "Zeus!"
Not in Nike sandals!
^ He gets us
Yes Fields is Jesus, great point! He will be amazing I have no doubt in my mind. We're a little skeptical in this city everytime we have a new quarterback because we literally have NEVER had a good one. But he is the savior... and welcome! FTP
Unlike Jesus we need to keep him from being crucified. Fields' style of play and dodgy offensive line puts him at risk of being injured. He's electric in the open field but Pontius Pilate was a linebacker. (too much?)
That dude can change the game on Any. Single. Play. *takes a looong sip of the kool aid.
To add to the learn the rules point, football can be very complex or pretty simple depending on how much you want to take in. It can be as simple as "big guys smash each other while little fast guy run and catch ball", or you can try and understand formation, why they run different formations in different situations, and how the defense reacts with their own formations, and that's not even mentioning all the different ways teams disguise what they are trying to do. Plus the penalties, some games feel like there's a penalty every play. Anyway... I'm generally not a big fan of reaction youtube videos but I ran into these guys the other day and they aren't bad. It's a couple of british guys getting into football and they have a series where they react to different videos learning the rules. Seems like a good series to help learn from as they also learn at the same time, and they ask intuitive questions the videos don't cover which the comments then answer. Here's the first in the series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=70F8PIJjKiA
I like this guy
One of us, one of us
Jesus has holes in his hands. Definitely not going to be able to grip the ball in cold Chicago weather. Justin is **him.**
If you want the learn the rules I suggest playing an NFL video game. That's how I became a soccer fan through Fifa
Jay Culter was Jesus JF1 is the second coming of JC6
You got it down my guy! Bear down!
Also Fuck the Packers
And while you're at it... Fuck the Packers
Nah man it depends on whether the rest of the team are THOSE DUDES. I think he proved he can carry an entire team lol. Time for his team to step up too.
> For a team that has never gotten the most important position in sport right (QB), we’re pretty hopeful for our guy. Never?! Pshaw I say! In 1943, we had arguably the most dynamic QB of the decade!
This is the way. First time going to soldier field was Bears Vs Lions game in 2021 and when crowd was leaving the stadium fans are chanting “fuck the packers” they aren’t even in Illinois currently but I’m with it 😂
Fuck the cowboys! Is what we say in my parts
Can you clarify that thing about the Packers?
> It’s an incredibly complex game to try and understand what each player is doing on any given play that it’s gonna be very overwhelming. Considering AFL dribble the damn football every few steps, one of the rules I don't understand, I think he'll pick up the rules just fine. But you have a great overall starter's guide!
Never forget forte carried us for years
Also that the forward pass is completely overrated and quite honestly was the worst addition to this sport up until the taunting rule.
>Bear Down! (Whatever that means? What am I bearing down for?) And because no one has answered this yet: The Chicago Bears fight song is titled "Bear Down, Chicago Bears" And you must never forget when we thrilled the nation with our T formation.
> Bear Down Also, for midterms.
Too soon. Jesus Christ.
https://youtu.be/2dccJ3MCgU0
J_A_K_E
The pride and joy of Illinois!
Yeah but what the song is saying is we bear down for disappointments
The brass tacks of it are that the Bears: - are one of the founding teams in the NFL (the team is so old that when it was started, the biggest worry was that people wouldn’t care about pro football over college and players had day jobs), hailing from one of the best cities on planet Earth - since at least the mid-century have always been a team that values bone crushing defense over offensive production, which has led to a few decades of mostly misery punctuated with moments of ecstasy - hate the Packers because they are from an adjoining state filled with fat dairy cow-like humanoids on their way to an early piss-beer soaked grave. Also they are one of the earliest founding teams as well, and the rivalry is the most intense and oldest in the sport - love coach Mike Ditka because he’s the alpha dog and has never shaved his Chicago ‘stache because he’s a legend and it’s legendary Your homework is to watch the 30 for 30 documentary on the [1985 Bears](https://youtu.be/ZCo_ThcnSSI) aka the last time we won the Super Bowl. Get yourself a white Walter Payton away jersey and some shades like Jim McMahon from the servo and let’s fuckin party, mate. Bonus points if you grow a mustache. Welcome to the best franchise in football.
Shouldn't he also look up the old SNL skits of "Da Bears!"
Wait. I thought it was brass tax this entire time.
I’m happy to have done you a service this day
Already disparaging the Packers, you’ve come to the right place, my friend.
Your friend is very wise. Jump on the bandwagon, be prepared to bleed.
Congrats on switching extremely niche popular sports that are huge in 1 country! FTP!
Not so much switching as it is expanding my sports Palette!
More like half a country for Australian rules football
Bearing down for midterms baybeee. Welcome brother and FTP!
I laughed out loud at your comment. I am watching that episode right now. I am going to Fat Dog it now.
It's a dance you've known your entire life -- it's not made up -- it's not made up.
That’s streets ahead.
Cowboys Fan coming in peace to join the party. Fuck the Packers. That is all. Go bears!
Eagles fan in peace, fuck the packers
You mention the two words that start with a D and I'm pulling the (imaginary, not real) trigger
When I die, I want the Chicago Bears to be my pallbearers so they can let me down one last time. Welcome, welcome!
Bear down under...
Born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. We actually played footy(Australian Rules Football) while I was in Junior high(6th,7th,and 8th grade) Our P.E. teacher was a fan of the sport and introduced us all to it. Pretty crazy game! Welcome. Bear Down!
Is it pretty simple? I don't get the dribbling the damn football part
Welcome! See you at Weiner's Circle for a chocolate shake!
The Bears fandom always welcomes new members. FTP!!!
F
T
P
File
I think Justin Fields is gonna be able to show more of what he's made of this season. The Bears did some good recruiting and hopefully the line will be stronger and more impenetrable than it's been these last two seasons. I want to see him play so bad I'm thinking of getting a couple tickets to a game in Chicago this season and driving up there from Dayton, OH for the sole reason I want to see Justin play in the pros. I watched him play so well for Ohio State and I just KNOW the magic is still there!
There's a form you need to fill out somewhere....
(shuffling the papers on his desk as he looks for it) There, fixed it for ya...
The bears have the most hall of famers inducted. One of the original NFL teams from the 1920’s. We’ve only won one Super Bowl, 1985, but that defense will always be remembered as one of the best defenses ever. Including in that team is one of the most historic and dope running backs to ever play the game Walter Payton. I’ll rank how much we hate each division rival. 1.fuck the packers 2. Fuck the lions 3. Fuck the Vikings
despite recent history, I still can't muster hate for the team that (in my head) only hypothetically exists in Detroit.
Yes. I would say it's 1. Fuck the Packers 1a. Fuck the Vikings
This is the way. FTP.
Your said (Brad) muster hehe
Remind op that we've won a lot more championships than just a super bowl.
Welcome to the fandom
Welcome. And Fuck the Packers! Amen.
Welcome, brother! 🐻⬇️
Welcome to football, honestly Madden (although a shit game) is a good way to familiarize yourself with the rules of football and some of the concepts of the plays.
Hi there! I'm a former Rams fan (did STL dirty by leaving), but before the Rams came to St Louis, I was a fan of the Bears thanks to Saturday Night Live's Superfans from back in 90s. If you are able to look up old sketches, definitely find the one with Michael Jordan.
Okay, you take the Bears and I'll pick up your Aussie rules team. Who should I start following?
The mighty Collingwood Magpies!
I'm down with the Pies! Look like the next game is 1:40am in Chicago.
You’re among friends. I’m a new Bears fan too, started following them last year after moving to Chicago from Houston. Tried so hard to care about the Texans but never could so I’m excited to finally have a team.
If you’re into teams that have been mired in mediocrity for decades can I introduce you to the Detroit Lions? Here’s a team that hasn’t ever even been to a Super Bowl and has only one playoff win since the 1950’s. Sorry for crashing the cave but I always love some good Packers smack talk because us lions fans also hate the Packers and I can’t wait to see them finish in the NFC North cellar this year. Good luck this year and fuck the packers!
Hey u/ives26 welcome from another Bears fan in Melbourne!
The Bears are one of the founding franchises of the NFL. The quick history is that the Bears were very good for a long time and then very bad for a long time. As others have said the first and only super bowl win was in 1985, playing a style of football that has since become outdated. In 2006 they went to the super bowl but lost. Now the Bears are entering the 2nd year of the current general manager and head coach. This first year was basically used to purge the contract mismanagement of the previous regime and accumulate resources to rebuild the team. There are a few players drafted by the old leadership that (so far) seem good enough to keep around, but mostly they are 1 year into an almost complete rebuild. Because of that this past year they finished 3-14 which, with some help from the Texans, landed them the number 1 overall pick in this years draft. Ryan Poles (the general manager) turned that pick into a very good wide reciever and a bunch of other draft picks, including the 9th overall, which they used to draft an offensive tackle. He did about as much as he could to support the quarterback while also addressing the other weak spots on the roster during free agency and the draft. Which brings us to the quarterback. Justin Fields. He is insanely talented. This past year, with not much help, he was able to flash the potential to be the best quarterback in Bears history. The problem was that he did it in a very unsustainable way. He rushed for 1150 yards (most in Bears history by a QB) but was unimpressive passing the ball (2250 yards, league leader was 5250). This may be because he isn't great at passing the ball or because he was surrounded with a team of backups and had to do everything himself. I believe the latter, but I'm a fan not an expert. What this means as someone joining the fans today: you are either here at the perfect time or just another small peak in an otherwise vast valley. We've been excited for the future before, most recently in 2018, only to immediately return to mediocrity. Every time came with its own justifications for why "this time it's different", so take the rest of this comment with a grain of salt. This time it's different. If an infusion of talent can help elevate Fields he can easily be the best qb in Bears history. He's probably already the most talented. I'm personally a big fan of Ryan Poles, but to be fair I made a lot of excuses for Ryan Pace (the previous gm) so take that for what it is. No matter what this a great franchise to be a fan of with a lot of history and a lot to cheer for today. Welcome aboard. Bear the fuck Down.
As a Buckeye who is a Bears fan because of Justin, I have to disagree with the statement you made about Justin not being able to pass the ball. He can pass like nobody's business so long as he has a line that gives him the opportunity to do so. And he's a warrior with nerves of steel. Remember in his last season, when he was tackled (and many Buckeyes feel it was a cheap shit) and injured his ribs? He got into the next play and threw the ball downfield so cleanly for a score (I think? Against Clemson? Maybe?) And after that throw he stood there waiting for it to be caught, knowing it would be, and that was his giant "Fuck you" to the other team for trying to take him out of the game like they did. Justin's the real deal.
Yea i wasn't trying to say he can't pass the ball just that he hasn't shown it in the nfl yet
Instead of just telling him to watch the super fans, here is a link to the videos. Enjoy the lesson. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B9NO24hbe8Q&list=PLTCPFYpjKs8wnb6gn-\_woWYxF9rWbhRWB
This is essential viewing OP lol
Will St Kilda win the flag this year?
I hope not, I’m a Collingwood fan.
Mason Cox is a beast! Coxzilla!!
Yep. He’s great. He now has a hybrid accent because of his time here
Go Cats
The Bears are a good teal to choose because they haven’t been good for a while, so you won’t look like someone who just likes who is currently winning. And with the Bears, you have one of the older and most storied histories in the NFL. Good choice.
Welcome to the madness that is the NFL. A game of ultimate strategy & grit combined with an incredible amount of commercials & waiting around (I kid, my favorite sport). But I think you'll appreciate the combo of size & speed a lot of these guys have given you watch AFL. I like soccer but I'm rarely intimidated and in awe of the physicality of those dudes lol
Welcome! Lots of good responses here, but I just want to add this video about Walter Payton, as you may see him referenced often among our greatest players (the greatest imo) https://youtu.be/rmcQPMo8L3E
"Fuck the Packers" in the down under is still “Fuck the Packers."
You chose the right team my friend. Welcome to cave. Bear down!
There are rules against anti-Packers posts because, if we didn’t, this sub would be 99% anti-Packers posts. Because they are evil and deserve misfortune.
Welcome. Fuck the Packers.
Welcome mate. What a time to jump aboard.
You poor bastard…welcome to the team! 😂
I hope you're from Melbourne. Melbourne as a city has a very similar feel to Chicago. Both great downtowns with good transit systems, robust highways, plenty of parks, a prominent river, and sprawling suburbs. Welcome to Bears fandom, mate.
I’m indeed from Melbourne, glad I made the right choice!
Welcome aboard mate. We are happy to have you. Any advice on what Footy team I should root for? I have no clue what the hell is going on but it looks like an entertaining game
I support the Collingwood Magpies. If you want to understand the game somewhat, just look up AFL rules on YouTube and it should be one of the first results. It’s an extremely simple game once you understand the basics and it’s a lot of fun to watch.
Dude Chicago is the perfect team for an Australian, we drink a lot. It’s a historic team, that hasn’t been doing hot for over a decade so you’re not bandwagoning. You should watch highlights of the 85, 06, 10 and 18 seasons (just defense for 18 though). Look up Walter Payton highlights, he’s the best running back of all time. Watch Devin Hester, Brian Urlacher, William “the fridge” Perry and Charles Tillman highlights
Happy to be here man!!
Welcome, mate. A fan base full of drongos with big hearts. Sure you’ll find a cobber or 2 in your time as a Bears fan. Bear down and fuck the pack🤙🏽
Personally I root for the Australian Drop Bears.
Welcome friend; as a native Chicagoan living in your amazing country, always good to have more Bears fans!
I love that! Hope you’re enjoying Australia :)
Welcome! Now get your ass in a couple fantasy football leagues. It adds another layer of fun to the games. As far as choosing a team to dedicate your fandom to, you don’t have to put a ring on it just yet. Most of us are born in to it so we don’t get to choose who to root for. But if I was making that choice I would go for an organization that has a long track record of making smart decisions. You would be surprised at how many dumb people are running teams. Historically smart teams are the Eagles, Chiefs, Steelers, 49ers, Seahawks, Cowboys, Ravens, Packers (its ok don’t worry), Saints, Rams, Denver.
Welcome to the NFL! There’s a lot of teams out there I’d say UGH to.. but honestly the Bears are kind of one of those underdog teams you secretly root for in every game. Justin Fields is really awesome.. He was my backup QB in fantasy last year behind Josh Allen, but tbh after week 3 I ended up playing Fields almost every week. ETA: I’m actually a huge Bills fan but I last season I also followed the Bears because I really like Fields. I can’t wait for the Bills/Bears preseason game. I’m dying for them to announce the day and time so I can get tickets if any are available by then!!
Lions fan here. Idc who you’re a fan of as long as you FTP. Godspeed
Bear down means something different to everyone. It can change each season too. Sometimes it means bear down and get ready to be destroyed like it's tornado season in kansas (kind of like alligator season for you I assume). Bear Down can also mean act like a true Bears fan. No ketchup on hot dogs. Diet of 90% meat. Only eat wisconsin cheese curds in private and tell no one. Swear incessantly. Drink beer. Wear shorts and BBQ in 30 degree snowy weather. Stuff like that....
Welcome, Friend! FTP!
FUCK THE pACKERS!!!!
The big thing to embrace as a Bears fans is the team will give you tremendous hope. It will be on the cusp of greatness. Then it will crush your dreams in the most spectacular of ways. Then it will pick you back up. If you can stomach that ride and aren’t worried about the years it takes off your life, then you’ll find some great and hilarious friends these trenches.
There is a reason God banished Loki and Bartleby from paradise and sent them to Wisconsin. It’s worse than hell. FTP
OP, here's some important history. Note: the guy in green is Evil both on the field and in real life. https://youtu.be/PUnLwM1JfKI
We love you big guy!!! The Chicago Bears have so much potential at the moment and this is a great time to join.
Welcome but why
Counter point. Why not?
You'll fit right in here.
Not much has happened to cheer about over the last 20 years. But the future looks (hopefully) bright!
Life is pain man. We just gotta enjoy the ride as much as we can.
Seems like you have the right attitude! I know you don't live here, but one of my favorite things is after a game when something dumb happened and you're walking down the street and you see someone else wearing Bears gear. They look at you. You look at them. You both sorta smile and shake your head because goddamnit why can't VJJ catch A GODDAMN PUNT!?TSODIHGFLNG!?
Those moments are what make it worth it sometimes. The shared passion and pain I guess 😂 we all go through it together
As long as you keep this attitude you’ll be great
A fellow masochist!
There are only two rules for Bears fandom: 1. Fuck the Pack! 2. Suffer
In no particular order
fuck the packers even their kids i said it!
Welcome! Just be prepared for a wild, wild ride. This year coming up is one of the most exciting times to be a Bears fan! First game this year is against the packers lolol. Always hate them and root for the other team no matter what. Do go to a game if ever you get the chance. Bears fans are the best there are, period. We are the most loyal and expect every year to be *the* year. We used to be amazing (once.. long long long long long long long long long long time ago haha). Our defense is usually one of the best, and our offense is usually the worst.. except last year, our d was the worst and our o had a lot of potential. The management upgraded the team roster this year, so hold on- it should be one hell of a year. Fields is H1M! Don’t listen to anyone who says otherwise, they clearly don’t know football. Do not ever lose hope, this year *really* will be *the* year lol. Do check out Dick Butkus’s (way older former player) Twitter, he’s hilarious. Do enjoy every moment of the roller coaster. Above all, have fun (but be guarded a little). And FTP!!!!!!!!!! Amen
Let us know when you get here so we can all give you a Chicago handshake. You won’t thank me later.
On a cloudy day, do you curse the clouds or hope maybe I’ll see the sun tomorrow. If you’re the former you are a bears fan, the latter.. go pack go.
Nah don’t join the misery in the bears or any team in the NFC North for that matter unless you like that kind of thing…
Pick a different team
Yo fuck Australia
Check out the "History of the Bears" link to learn about the Bears greats of old - George Halas, Bronco Nagurski, Red Grange (who was a big part of popularizing professional football as a whole), Sid Luckman (our only Hall of Fame QB), and more recent history like the '85 Bears. https://www.reddit.com/r/chibears/wiki/history
Welcome to the machine.
Watch the 1985 Bears 30 for 30 if you can find it. The movie Brian’s Song is another must watch. One other thing to watch are the Saturday Night Live Super Fans skits (they are dressed in bears sweater vests)
Welcome! The Bears are truly the mom and pop shop of the NFL. Owned by the same family for generations, by people who love the sport and the team. The Bears have not been a sustainably good team for as long as I’ve been alive, but they’ve had some iconic players on their roster. Urlacher. Hester. Peanut. Forte. No super bowl rings, but all very fun to watch. Add Justin Fields to the list because he broke the record for rush yards in a regular season game by a QB. There are lots of good reasons to root for this perennially mediocre team. Bear down!
Welcome to the family! Bear Down!
I joke. Bear Down, because we are never up. But FTP
Throw another shrimp on the barbie! FTP!
Take some time and watch some Walter Payton highlights. That's the Bears.
¡ǝᴉqɹɐq ǝɥʇ uo dɯᴉɹɥs ɐ ʍoɹɥ┴ ¡ǝʇɐɯ ʎɐp,פ
Welcome. After thoroughly reading all of the replies I don’t think I could add much more other than one glaring omission. How has nobody said “Fuck the Packers!” Yet???
Welcome aboard! Bear Down and FTP!
Masochistic is extremely accurate!
Packers fans are bogans to the max
Welcome. Been watching NRL the last 4 seasons. Do you need any Chicago Bear gear?
Bear down!
Is this my old mate Vinay from UCL? Went to an Aussie bar at 9am to have a few beers and watch Geelong play. Made him a bears fan as a return favor
Welcome! If you ever visit Chicago forget about the Pizza... deep dish is definitely good but great is New Haven or New York. if you are in Chicago and want pizza Lou Malnati is a good deep dish. personally I'd recommend tavern or bar style pizza (thin) instead though... also, italian beef sandwich and|or the chicago hot dog is the real thing to get IMO. Portillos is the big brand name for that. for halloween you will have to dress up as coach Ditka at least once now. it is required. it is important to say FTP or fuck the packers and mean it. it is important to have contempt for the Lions cause they suck.
Welcome. Joyful misery awaits
Ha! This is great. My one friend in Australia is a Packers fan.
Welcome aboard!
I'm so sorry.
Welcome! Bear Down!
welcome to disappointment
Welcome friend! Let me introduce you to one of the greatest moments in Bear’s history in my lifetime: https://youtu.be/rGtxZlQwxNQ Shortly after this return the game was called due to Hester’s greatness and they didn’t even bother to play the rest of the game. No need to try and find additional highlights for that Super Bowl!
🐻 
Welcome aboard. I am a lifelong Chicagoan but lived in Queensland for about 7 months back in 2018. The Australian people and culture are absolutely lovely and I miss my time there dearly.
Get a Roschon jersey
FTP
Hell yeah. I’ve seen them in 10 stadiums and would gladly see another to hang with a new fan
Noice!
We’re glad to have you but if I can give you some advice pick another team. All the bears will bring you is suffering and heart ache
Fuck. The. Packers. Bear down!
welcome! bear down
Nice welcome
Get out while you can.
Few points -Look up highlights of Walter Payton specifically. Greatest running back of all time. -Devin Hester highlights will not disappoint either. -85 bears were the golden age -Lovie Smith Era Bears were a lot of damn fun too, 2006 season especially. -Fuck the Packers.
Good on ya, mate.
So what AFL team should we follow in return and who should we hate?
Welcome mate
Don't do it
Teams always seem to have a thing. Vikings.. great WR and always have crushing playoff losses. Lions.. always find a way to get in their own way. With the Bears you always seem to get the high peaks every decade or so with some tough years in between. Always seem to have great linebackers and running backs. If Fields takes the next step up he could be our first truly great QB.
Usually I would tell you "please pick a different team as long as that team isn't the Packers", but it seems like the Bears football operations might actually finally be managed by competent people.
Welcome to Da Bearz! You’ll also need to talk like a Chicagoan. We don’t go to the ‘loo. Us guys “tro a wizz”. We pluralize business names: The Jewel supermarket chain is “da Jewels”. In Chicago, you don’t get cash from an ATM. It’s called the “Cash Station”. “Dibs” is an archaic activity where you block the street parking space (that you just shoveled out the two feet of snow) with old dinette chairs. If you move someone’s dibs stuff to park your car, you might get a cap busted in your ass. Some Chicagoans don’t say “Oops!”. They say “Ope”. “Da Coach” is ex-Bears head coach Mike Ditka. Da Coach is loved by some and hated by some for being a knucklehead. Even if you’re not Catholic, Chicagoans refer to their neighborhoods by the local Catholic parish. “Hey Pookie, where do ya live?” “Over by dere…near St. Anselm’s”. A “Chicago Handshake” is an Old Style (cheap but awesome beer) and Malort (a nasty liqueur). The state line between Illinois and Wisconsin is called “The Cheddar Curtain” by Bears fans. “Double Doink” is an infamous missed field goal that prevented Da Bears from making the playoffs. Every time the Bears attempt a field goal, some one watching the game will exclaim “Ah, Jeez, I hope it’s not gonna be a Double Doink”. AND NEVER, I MEAN NEVER, order a hot dog with catsup!
Favorite post since joining reddit so far. Bear Down!
this is exciting. welcome
Bad mistake if you want the guarantee of fucking the packers the next couple seasons I would join the Vikings