The Bears Have Won One Super Bowl—and Nine NFL Titles Overall
Chicago has won one Super Bowl in two appearances. See the dates, scores and why the Bears’ nine NFL championships are a different total.
The Chicago Bears have won one Super Bowl. They defeated the New England Patriots 46–10 in Super Bowl XX on January 26, 1986, to finish the 1985 season. Chicago has played in two Super Bowls, winning that game and losing Super Bowl XLI to the Indianapolis Colts. The Bears’ Super Bowl record is 1–1 as of October 26, 2026. (Bears Wire’s franchise summary)
That is different from the Bears’ total of nine NFL championships: eight before the Super Bowl era, plus their Super Bowl XX victory.
Every Bears Super Bowl appearance
| NFL season | Super Bowl | Date played | Opponent | Bears’ result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | XX (20) | January 26, 1986 | New England Patriots | Won 46–10 |
| 2006 | XLI (41) | February 4, 2007 | Indianapolis Colts | Lost 29–17 |
The dates and final scores are recorded in the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Super Bowl history. Keeping the season and game date separate matters: the famous 1985 Bears won their championship in January 1986, not during the 1986 season.
The lone victory: Super Bowl XX
At the Louisiana Superdome, New England scored first after recovering a Walter Payton fumble. But its 3–0 lead gave way to 44 unanswered Chicago points. The Bears’ defense recorded seven sacks and held the Patriots to just seven rushing yards; defensive end Richard Dent was named the game’s MVP. (New England’s official game recap)
Quarterback Jim McMahon ran for two touchdowns, and defensive tackle William “Refrigerator” Perry added a one-yard touchdown run. Mike Ditka’s team brought Chicago its first NFL championship since 1963, as the Bears’ 40th-anniversary account recalls.
The return trip: Super Bowl XLI
Chicago’s second appearance began with another unforgettable play. Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff 92 yards for a touchdown, becoming the first player to return a Super Bowl’s opening kickoff for a touchdown. The Bears led 7–0, but Indianapolis ultimately won 29–17. (Chicago’s account of Hester’s return)
Why the Bears also have nine championships
The Bears’ official championship list recognizes titles in 1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963 and 1985. Only the last was won in a Super Bowl. The earlier eight remain league championships, but they cannot be counted as victories in a game that did not yet exist.
For the broader distinction between those eras, see our NFL championship history.