The Top 5 Best Sports Rivalries: Difference between revisions

[[File:Bears v Packers 02.jpg|thumb|Bears and Packers]]Packers and Bears are probably one of the longest NFL [http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/rivalry rivalry] in history. For the past 80 years, the Bears-Packers series has had all the bitterness, intensity, and animosity normally associated with rivalries. The Bears-Packers rivalry also has featured some of the best moments by some of the greatest players in NFL history. A total of 52 Pro Football Hall of Fame members (28 for the Bears and 24 for the Packers) have participated in the series. The Bears record against the Packers is 92-88-6. The Bears have 18 division championships to the Packers 15. The Packers won 9 Conference Champions to the Bears 4. They combine for five Super Bowls and 54 playoff appearances. Both Bears and Packers have been in the playoffs four times together and played only twice. The rivalry started in 1921, but it really took shape in 1923. At the epicenter of the rivalry stand two of the most irrepressible and influential figures in NFL history-Chicago's George Halas and Green Bay's Earl (Curly) Lambeau. Each entered the league as founder, head coach, and player. Halas controlled the Bears from 1920 until his death in 1983, roaming the sidelines as their head coach for a total of 40 years. Lambeau was the Packers' vice president and head coach from 1919-1949. Halas and Lambeau both were strong-willed, disciplined, and driven to win. Their recurring clashes kept the flame of the rivalry hot. Wouldn't you know it that the first ever NFL ejection for fighting was between both teams. Halas got the Packers kicked out of the league so they will not sign a certain player. The hitting was fierce during the Lombardi era. In 1986, one of the ugliest incident that happen between the Bears and Packers was Forrest Gregg was the coach of the Packers and Mike Ditka was coach of the Bears. Both men hated each other as players. The Bears were the defending NFL champions, and they defeated the Packers 25-12 at Green Bay in their first meeting in 1986. When the rematch started in Chicago, Packers defensive end Charles Martin wore a towel that had a Bears players that he wanted to hit. Jim McMahon, quarterback was at the top of the list. In the second quarter of the game, Martin proved his list was more than just for inspiration. Charles grabbed the quarterback, lifted him in the air, and slammed him to the ground. He was ejected for his flagrant late hit.