Despite the 30 years that have passed, my memories of the 1985 Bears’ magical season and dominant playoff run are vivid. Just over a week before my 10th birthday, I remember writing “Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10. Super Bowl XX, January 26, 1986” on a label I was eagerly ready to affix to Betamax recording of the game. Make fun of any and every part of that sentence you’d like to, I get it.
One of the most enduring images from that game is Super Bowl MVP defensive end Richard Dent and linebacker Otis Wilson hoisting defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan onto their shoulders for a triumphant march across the field.