Sunday, December 23, 2007, 07:58 AM EST
[
General]
To me, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers rivalry is the best in all of sports. No matter what the teams records are, both come out to play, and play hard. The intensity between the fans has been going on for over 80 years now, and is still very alive today. This post is NOT a tribute, but an explanation of the best rivalry in sports today, the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.
Pride: Pride is what holds this rivalry together. Throughout history, it's been pride in your state. Illinois vs. Wisconsin. The people of these states have not been too friendly with eachother, making this a great rivalry. Especially in the 70s and 80s, when slogans, songs, t-shirts, and other things were made about those of the other state/team.
Tradition: Of course there is tradition in this rivalry. It goes back to when the teams became teams. George Halas, great former founder, owner, president, GM, manager, and player of the Bears, was coaching the Bears, recently moved from a small town in southern Illinois, where they were the Decatur Staleys. Vince Lombardi, great former Packers coach, was coaching GB. After each game is played, it is custom that the coaches shake hands, even today. The two went to shake hands, but they wouldn't shake eachother. They avoided eachother.
Excitement: There has been much excitement in this rivalry. Like when everybody was leaving Lambeau Field because the Packers were about to kick a short field goal to win the game. The kicker misses it! It is said that Walter Payton's ghost blocked the field goal, because it was right after his passing. What about when the Bears won the game, but the referees reveiwed the play and the Packers got the win? There are many more exciting moments, and many more to come.
Talent: There is much talent in the history of this rivalry, and I don't have time to explain all of them. Two of the most noteable are Walter Payton and Brett Favre. Walter "Sweetness" Payton led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 1985 and was one of the best RBs to ever run this earth. Brett Favre has all the records you could imagine when it comes to a QB (including INTs). He can throw all over the field. He has records at Soldier Field over the Bears QBs, and he only plays there once a year! Other noteable names are George Halas (chi), Vince Lombardi (gb), Curly Lambeau (gb), Bart Starr (gb), Mike Ditka (chi), Mike Singletary (chi), Red Grange (chi), Devin Hester (chi), Mike Holmgren (gb), Jim McMahon (chi), Reggie White (gb), Gale Sayers (chi), Dick Butkus (chi), and many more.
Take a look at the current (as of December 23, 2007) poll on the FOX Sports home page. It says "Which game are you most excited for this weekend?" 1st place- Pats vs. Phins (28%) 2nd place- Pack vs. Bears (27%). Of course, everyone wants to watch the Pats play for a perfect season, but a meaningless game, Pack-Bears, get 2nd by 1%, you know it's something special. The players, the states, and the rest of the USA is excited for this, meaningless game, because it's for pride.
So this is why I think that the Packers and the Bears hold the greatest rivalry in all of sports.


The team that's out of it seems to come out on top often, and we'll see what happens.
Good day America, and GO BEARS!!!