Ben Johnson has breathed new life into a football team and a city that has long held the ’85 Bears, led by Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan, in high regard as champions of the Super Bowl.

While it’s far too early to break out a modern rendition of the “Super Bowl Shuffle,” especially with the formidable Packers poised to defend Lambeau Field this Sunday, the 2025 Bears are rekindling memories of a bygone era. In a city starved for championship glory, the Bears are once again capturing the hearts and hopes of Chicago fans.

Ron Rivera, a former linebacker for the ’85 Bears and ex-coach of the Commanders, shared with Serby Says, “We still have our Bear tickets, so I have all my friends back in Chicago, now they want my tickets,” he chuckled. “They’re club seats, we’ve had ’em for well over 25 years or whatever it is. We only sell ’em for face value, and we let them use them. That’s been cool, it really has, to see the city being reenergized ’cause that’s a great sports city. When all’s good in the world, that means the Bears win.”

Johnson, in his debut season as head coach, may not share Ditka’s grizzled Bear persona, and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen lacks Ryan’s fiery temperament. Meanwhile, quarterback Caleb Williams doesn’t exhibit the rebellious streak that Jim McMahon was famous for. Yet, if the 2025 Bears continue their winning ways, they will undoubtedly experience how Chicago celebrates its sports icons with fervor and affection.