Bears Playing in England for the Fourth Time, But it’ll Never Be Like 1986
A Familiar Face in a Foreign Land
The Bears are likely to be in England by the time you read this, having flown off cheerfully Monday after whipping the Panthers 36-10 on Sunday. But these frequent trips to England that NFL teams are making are about more than W’s and L’s.
A Business Opportunity
Consider that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is going to London to watch the Bears and to seize the football moment to promote the international business possibilities of our ‘‘City of Big Shoulders’’ and, notably, bigger debts. ‘‘As we navigate budgetary challenges, we’re focused on identifying creative, non-tax revenue solutions,’’ Johnson said in a news release filled with bureaucratic gibberish. What he meant was: ‘‘London, Chicago’s near broke, so please invest some pounds here, mate.’’
A Growing Global Market
The NFL sees a U.K. market of 69 million soccer-saturated folks who are increasingly interested in ‘‘American football.’’ The same goes for other global marketplaces, which is why the NFL has played in Mexico and Canada, with Germany and Brazil also on the schedule this season. The Jaguars actually are staying in England for another week to play the Patriots on Oct. 20 at Wembley Stadium. They might return with Cockney accents.
A Look Back at the Past
The Bears have been to London three times — in 1986, 2011 and 2019 — and I was lucky enough to go with them on the first two. The second one was a regular-season game at Wembley against the Buccaneers, with the Bears winning 24-18. It was a dull affair, and I don’t recall much except that Matt Forte ran well, Jay Cutler threw two interceptions and Bucs quarterback Josh Freeman threw four. I also recall the Bucs’ Michael Koenen blasting the opening kickoff straight out of bounds rather than kicking to Bears return man Devin Hester.
The Main Event
The main thrill of that trip came during a day off, when fellow Sun-Times sports guy Mark Potash and I took a train to Liverpool and spent an afternoon scouting out the spots John, Paul, George and Ringo frequented as lads. It was atop an open-air double-decker bus lurching near the Mersey River that we envisioned 14-year-old George Harrison performing his guitar tryout for Beatles-to-be John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
Exhibition Game
But it was an exhibition game against the Cowboys at Wembley on Aug. 3, 1986 — just six months after the Bears won Super Bowl XX — that really got the foreign drumbeat pounding. And the reason for the frenzy was the Bears themselves. More of a traveling circus than a football team, the Bears offered up not only ringleader Mike Ditka but also ‘‘Punky QB’’ Jim McMahon, suave wide receiver Willie Gault, famous running back Walter Payton and beyond-famous William ‘‘The Refrigerator’’ Perry.
A Foreign Affair
Indeed, The Fridge was so renowned for his uncommon girth and gap-toothed smile that the hottest-selling T-shirt that week showed a likeness of him running the football. Perry also made the cover of Sports Illustrated, standing in front of Buckingham Palace in game uniform with the Cowboys’ Ed ‘‘Too Tall’’ Jones, also in game uniform, flanking a stone-faced, red-jacketed Royal Guardsman.
Conclusion
It’ll be calmer this time, for sure. Unless, of course, somebody such as Caleb Williams decides he’s ready to be the next Beatle.
FAQs
What is the reason for the Bears’ frequent trips to England?
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The NFL sees a growing global market and is attempting to promote American football worldwide.
What is the motivation behind Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s trip to London?
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Mayor Johnson is looking to promote international business opportunities in Chicago and encourage investment.
What was the main attraction of the Bears’ trip to London in 1986?
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The exhibition game against the Cowboys at Wembley Stadium and the media frenzy surrounding the Bears’ presence in England.
