Super Bowl XX Champs Chicago Bears Had to Wait for 26 Long Years to Go to White House Because of Challenger Space Shuttle Tragedy

Considered the greatest team in NFL history, according to many fans and experts. The Chicago Bears. They dominated the league with a 15-1 record, crushed their opponents in the playoffs, and won the Super Bowl by a record margin of 46-10. But this 1985 team had to wait a whopping 26 years to meet the president.

The custom was championship winning teams making a pilgrimage to the White House has been in place since 1865. And the 1980 Pittsburgh Steelers were the first Super Bowl-winning team to do so. However, a space tragedy left the Bears waiting 26 years for this honor.

A fan in the white house is all the Super Bowl winners needed

On January 28, 1986, The Space Shuttle Challenger exploded shortly after liftoff, killing all seven crew members on board. The Bears had defeated the New England Patriots just days before the tragedy. The country was in mourning, and the President decided to postpone the celebration of the Bears.

But this postponement turned into a permanent cancellation. And the Bears never got their chance to meet the President and receive his congratulations. Until a certain Bears fan stepped into the White House.

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Barack Obama moved to Chicago later in life, but he took to the city as his own. And on October 7, 2011, a Bears fan living in the White House decided to make things right. The 1985 Bears finally have their long-overdue recognition. And this one-of-a-kind ceremony had the President settling a long-standing debate as well.

The 1985 Chicago Bears finally have their moment

The 1985 Bears had a ferocious defense and a colorful offense. And President Obama did not shy away as he said to the Bears, “the greatest team in NFL history”. It will be tough to argue with the President on this take, as the Bears’ 1985 season has stood the test of time.

President Obama was also presented with a custom jersey commemorating the event. The players, coaches, and staff also talked to the media about their memories and glory days of Super Bowl victory. They also acknowledged their teammates who had passed away.

Which Super Bowl team do you consider is the best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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