Packers vs Bears
The oldest grudge in the NFL, forged in ice and blood on the gridiron.
The rivalry between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears stands as the National Football League's longest continuous matchup, originating in 1921 when both franchises joined the American Professional Football Association (now the NFL). Beyond mere statistics, this annual clash represents a collision of Midwestern football ideologies that has anchored the NFC North for over a century. It is more than a fight for divisional supremacy; it is a war for regional identity between two cities separated by just 140 miles yet bound by a shared obsession with gridiron dominance.
- Rivalry Status
- Oldest in NFL History
- First Meeting
- 1921 (Original APFA Season)
- Total Meetings
- Over 200 games played since inception
- Division Affiliation
- NFC North
- Championship Legacy
- Combined for over 35 league championships
Lore & Background
This feud was architected by the personal clash of visionaries: George Halas and Curly Lambeau. From the 'Monsters of the Midway' defense that terrified opponents in Chicago to the Vince Lombardi dynasty's perfection in Green Bay, the series has hosted every flavor of NFL legendry—including the Aaron Rodgers era’s modern brilliance. Games are often physical battles tested by some of the league's most brutal weather conditions, especially when played at Lambeau Field or Soldier Field. In this rivalry, a single victory feels like reclaiming territory, while a loss carries the weight of regional humiliation that lingers until kickoff next season.
In Their Own Story
Wind sliced off Lake Michigan, cutting through parkas and puffy vests worn by the faithful gathering outside Soldier Field. Inside, the air hummed with the scent of brats and anticipation. A veteran Bears fan, face painted in navy and orange, locked eyes with a Packers supporter clad in green across the aisle. No words were exchanged; the history between them needed no translation. When the teams took the field, the roar that erupted wasn't just for a touchdown; it was a century of grudges being settled on the frozen turf, a reminder that some rivalries never truly end—they only pause until next season.
Reader's Guide
The origin of this fierce rivalry dates back to 1921, making it the longest-running matchup in NFL history. Both franchises were charter members of the league, and their early battles helped establish the professional game's popularity in the Midwest. The intensity stems from proximity; Green Bay and Chicago are close enough that fans often travel easily for away games, creating a charged atmosphere whenever they meet.
The biggest clashes have occurred during critical moments in NFL history, including multiple division title deciders and playoff implications. While both teams have enjoyed distinct eras of dominance—the Bears with their legendary 1985 defense and the Packers with their Lombardi-led dynasty and modern quarterback eras—every game carries the weight of tradition. The rivalry is defined by physical play, often involving fierce defensive battles that can turn into snowball fights or ice-covered gridirons.
What makes this rivalry unique is its consistency. Unlike other matchups that fluctuate based on team performance, the Packers vs. Bears series happens twice a year with unrelenting regularity. It transcends winning and losing records; it is about pride. A win here often feels more satisfying than a victory against a superior opponent elsewhere.
Did You Know?
- The rivalry predates the name 'NFL'; both teams were charter members of the American Professional Football Association in 1920/1921.
- Green Bay and Chicago are the only two NFL franchises to have never been relocated since their founding.
- The series has seen some of the most lopsided victories in league history, yet also some of the tightest finishes decided by single points.
- Both teams hold the record for the most combined Super Bowl appearances among NFC North rivals.