Better Late Than Never? Obama Invites 1985 Bears to White House
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The memorable Chicago Bears team that won the Super Bowl more than 25 years ago missed out on a visit to the White House when the space shuttle Challenger exploded just days after their triumph in January 1986.
But President Obama has sent a belated invitation to his hometown team for a ceremony on Oct. 7.
At least one key player won’t be there: running back great Walter Payton, who died in 1999 from a rare liver disease.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The 1985 Bears captured the hearts and minds of football fans with their superb play on the field and utter silliness off the field. The team was filled with a number of colorful characters, including quarterback Jim McMahon, defensive back William “The Refrigerator” Perry, coach Mike Ditka and defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan. The team recorded a popular music video called the “Super Bowl Shuffle.”
In 1996, McMahon, who was a member of the Super Bowl winning Green Bay Packers that was invited to the White House, honored his old team by wearing a Bears jersey.
Obama missed out on a chance to invite the modern day Bears last year when they lost to the Green Bay Packers in the NFC championship game.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Obama reluctantly hosted the Bears' rival, the Green Bay Packers, at the White House this year after their Super Bowl win.