The 1963 Chicago Bears were led by their dominating defense. The Bears defense would go on to lead the league in 10 out of 19 defensive categories. Five Bears on the defensive side of the ball would be nominated to the All-Pro team.
The Bears also had an offensive threat in number 89, Mike Ditka. Ditka would be named to five consecutive All-Pro teams starting with his first year in the league in 1961.
Opposing the Bears in the championship game would be a veteran group from the New York Football Giants, led by Y.A. Tittle and Frank Gifford. Instead of hopping a plane to South Beach for the Super Bowl, the Bears were relegated to catching the team bus and riding a short distance to Clark and Addison. Wrigley Field would host the championship game on December 29, 1963. 45,800 fans would pack the Friendly Confines to cheer on their Bears. They'd need to cheer fervently to keep warm. Kickoff temperature was 9 degrees.
The Bears trailed 7-0 early, but a long interception return from linebacker Larry Morris would set up Bill Wade's 2-yard quarterback sneak for a touchdown. The Bears would go into halftime trailing 10-7. Following an Ed O'Bradovich interception, Wade would again be set up for a QB sneak for the score. Following the extra point, the Bears would have a 10-14 lead. The score would stand as the defense intercepted Tittle's Hail Mary in the closing seconds of the game.
The Chicago Bears would each receive $5,899 for their efforts. The highest payday yet for an NFL championship game. Coach George Halas would also be handsomely awarded. The Associated Press, United Press and Sporting News all named Halas NFL Coach of the Year.
To learn more about this epic Bear's defense, take a look at '63 by Mark and Maury Youmans. Another great choice is Lew Freedman's Chicago Bears, filled with excellent photographs and biographies of all the great Chicago Bears.
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