They placed second in the Western Division with a record of 6–3–1, which was tied with the Detroit Lions and trailed the Green Bay Packers.

[2] Playing from their home stadium of Wrigley Field, the Bears had to deal with many players leaving the league to serve in World War II.

The selection of coaches and players for the College All-Star team was based on the classic games of the previous years and was not dictated by votes from supporters.

On August 22, the Bears "received a big boost when star quarterback Sid Luckman was able to report to training camp".

The match sold out with approximately 50,000 people in attendance that mainly featured fans from Chicago due to travel restrictions in wartime.

[7] The Bears had 45 individuals leave the club to serve in the United States Armed Forces during World War II.

[9] Ed McCaskey, Halas' son-in-law and longtime Chicago Bears executive, also achieved a Bronze Star when fighting in the Army.

[9] Following the 1943 season, Hall of Fame quarterback Sid Luckman volunteered for military service in the United States Merchant Marine.

[3] Luckman was responsible for transporting gasoline in a tanker to Europe, as well as transferring soldiers from Britain to France at the time of the invasion of Normandy in June.

[9] Another two Bears Hall of Famers, Joe Stydahar and Dan Fortmann served in the United States Navy during the season.