The franchise we all know and love as the Chicago Bears was established on September 20, 1919, but back then they were known as the Decatur Staleys. They remained in Decatur, Illinois, which is about 200 miles southwest of the Windy City, for two years. In 1921 George Halas and Edward “Dutch” Sternaman took full control of the franchise, and they became the Chicago Staleys.
We all know the story of Halas being inspired to take his franchise’s name from the Chicago Cubs — because Bears are bigger and tougher than Cubs — and that decision was made 100 years ago today.