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CHICAGO — The never-ending reality show known as the N.F.L. began its 100th season on Thursday when the Packers beat the Bears, 10-3, in the latest edition of one of the league’s oldest rivalries. Banners were raised, names like Halas and Lombardi were celebrated and an N.F.L. museum in Grant Park showed off a version of every Super Bowl ring.
It was the kind of party the league likes to throw: a celebration focused on the “heroes of the game” and the values of grit, determination and teamwork that the N.F.L. wants us to believe are the cornerstones of American life.