Monsters of the Midway

The nickname Monsters of the Midway originally referred to the University of Chicago Maroons, a college football program led by Amos Alonzo Stagg.

[3] The nickname is commonly misattributed to Chicago's Midway International Airport or a geographic reference to the city's location in the Midwestern United States.

[9] Former Washington Redskins quarterback Joe Theismann reflected on playing against the Bears in a 45–10 loss that season, commenting "Their intention was to take us out.

"[9] The 1985 Bears' defense, which was spearheaded by future Pro Football Hall of Famers Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Dan Hampton, and Steve McMichael, allowed the fewest points and yards that season.

[10][11] The team cruised to a 15–1 regular season record,[10] followed by back-to-back shutouts of the New York Giants and Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs.

[7] The Monsters of the Midway nickname has also been a reference to the Bears' defenses, especially the franchise's long history of Hall of Fame middle linebackers, including Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and Brian Urlacher.

[14][15][16] The nickname saw a resurgence in 2006, when Urlacher and the Bears' defense led the team to Super Bowl XLI, where they ultimately lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

[24] The comic strip featured current and former Bears players, who fought monsters, cryptids, and villains modeled after other NFL teams.