[3][4][5][6] Originally, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle had asked Bears owner/coach George Halas to move the game to Soldier Field due to its higher seating capacity and lights, and the possibility the game could extend into multiple overtime periods; Wrigley Field did not have lights until 1988.

[7] After Halas declined the request, Rozelle moved the game's starting time up to 12:05 p.m. CST for increased daylight,[8] similar to the situation in 1960 at Franklin Field.

Formerly a star halfback, he had switched to the flanker position in 1962, having sat out the 1961 season following a devastating hit by linebacker Chuck Bednarik in November 1960.

The defensive line consisted of Ed O'Bradovich, Fred Williams, Stan Jones, and future hall of famer Doug Atkins.

Accomplishments by the Bears defense during the regular season included making 36 pass interceptions, surrendering only 1 touchdown in two games versus the Green Bay Packers, and not allowing any passing touchdowns in its two games against quarterback Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts.

Wade ran a simplified game plan, nicknamed "three yards and a cloud of dust," in which they would play it safe by running the ball or tossing short passes to the ends or backs instead of risking giving up an interception.

Wade's favorite targets were tight end Mike Ditka and wide receiver, Johnny Morris.

[12][16] The Giants opened the scoring in the first quarter when Tittle led New York on a 41-yard drive capped off by a 14-yard touchdown pass to Frank Gifford.

Tittle came back in the third period, but needed cortisone, Novocaine, and heavy taping and bandaging to continue.

An interception on another screen pass by the Bears' Ed O'Bradovich was brought deep into Giant territory, setting up Wade's 1-yard touchdown to give Chicago a 14–10 lead.

The score held up, and the Bears iced the game on Richie Petitbon's interception in the end zone with 10 seconds left.

Tittle was held to only 11 completions in 29 attempts, and the Bears' superior scouting and preparation were evidenced by their success defending against the Giants' screen passes.

[21][22] Both were a record, each a slight increase over the previous year at Yankee Stadium, despite a significantly lower attendance due to the venue.