Bear Down: A Chicago Bears' Dynasty Beginning in 1975

[RetroNFL]

Either way, there will be history made in the 1981 RetroNFL Super Bowl.

Should favored Pittsburgh win, the Steelers will become the first league team to win four Super Bowls. Interestingly, Pittsburgh has won all its previous titles in odd-numbered years (1975, '77 and '79).

If Chicago should come out victorious, the Bears would be the first team to win in back-to-back seasons. Last year, Chicago rallied to edge Miami 17-16.

Pittsburgh enters this year's title game with blowout playoff wins against Cincinnati (27-9) and Indianapolis (30-7). The Steelers rolled to a 15-1 record in the regular season. Ironically, the Steelers' lone loss came to Green Bay (24-21). The Packers lost out on a chance to meet Pittsburgh again by dropping the NFC title game to Chicago.

The Bears stumbled mightily out of the gate by losing their first three games of the season. However, Chicago righted the ship and finished the year with a 9-7 record.

The Bears lost their final two games of the year, including a 17-14 setback at Pittsburgh in Week 16.

Chicago bounced back once the playoffs began by defeating San Francisco (20-17), Los Angeles (30-14) and Green Bay (13-9).

Pittsburgh enters the game as a six-point favorite.

Super Bowl Notes: Former Steeler Donnie Shell will face his former team while ex-Bear Roland Harper will face off against his old teammates . . . Pittsburgh is 45-3 in the last three seasons . . . Steeler quarterback Terry Bradshaw and Bear signal-caller Joe Montana ranked third and fifth respectively according to the ratings this past regular season . . . Steeler wide receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth combined for 146 catches and 17 touchdowns.

Injury Report
Chicago Bears
CB Allan Ellis, concussion (out)
CB Lemar Parrish, pulled groin (probable)
WR Peter Stoddard, broken finger (probable)
Pittsburgh Steelers
SS Kirk Springs, stress fracture in foot (out)
SS Glen Edwards, broken toe (probable)
WR John Stallworth, pulled groin (questionable)

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears had been in this position before.

Exactly one year ago, Chicago put together a fourth-quarter rally and captured its first RetroNFL Super Bowl title by slipping past Miami 17-16. This time around, the Bears came from behind to trip Pittsburgh 20-17.

And the Bears did it in dramatic fashion.

Trailing 17-13, Chicago appeared to see its championship dreams disappear when the Bears turned the ball over on downs at the Steeler 23 with 2:42 remaining.

However, the Chicago defense held and the Bear offense took over on its own 42 with 2:02 left.

Then, quarterback Joe Montana worked his magic:

*Facing a 4th-and-8, Montana connected with Dwight Clark for an eight-yard gain to the Steeler 44 with 1:02 remaining.
*After spiking the ball to stop the clock, Montana found a streaking Steve Largent at the Steeler eight. Largent bulled his way to the Pittsburgh two.
*Following another spike, Montana's dump-off pass to Charles Alexander lost a yard to the Pittsburgh three.
*With the clock running down, Montana faked a handoff to Walter Payton and rolled to his right. Forced to throw off his back foot by the Steeler rush, Montana found Payton in the corner of the end zone, just past the flag for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.

Bob Thomas added the extra point for the 20-17 final margin.

Payton took home Super Bowl MVP honors. The seven-year pro out of Jackson State rushed 16 times for 69 yards. Payton caught nine passes for 45 yards and the game-winning score.

Montana, who the Bears traded up to draft at No. 1 overall two seasons ago, passed for 204 yards. Montana was 25-for-36 on the day. He threw for one TD and was intercepted once.

Terry Bradshaw went 19-of-29 for 246 yards for Pittsburgh. He threw no touchdown passes nor was he intercepted.

Gerry Ellis led the Steelers with 65 rushing yards and two touchdowns.

Chicago becomes the first RetroNFL franchise to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

Pittsburgh failed in its bid to win its fourth title. The Steelers won Super Bowls in 1975, '77 and '79.

[DataKing]

Originally Posted by RetroNFL

*With the clock running down, Montana faked a handoff to Walter Payton and rolled to his right. Forced to throw off his back foot by the Steeler rush, Montana found Payton in the corner of the end zone, just past the flag for the game-winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.

I like this version of "The Catch" better than the real one.

[RetroNFL]

Yes, it's ironic that both of these "happened" in the 1981 season.

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '81: Chicago Bears 20, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Super Bowl MVP: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears

NFL Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Earl Campbell, Birmingham Stallions
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: John Dutton, Indianapolis Racers

Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Freeman McNeil, Washington Redskins
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year: Lawrence Taylor, San Francisco 49ers

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Center--Jim Langer
Second Team Running Back--Walter Payton
Second Team Outside Linebacker--Woodrow Lowe

Interesting Notes: Bears' running back Walter Payton captured his third Player of the Year award. He previously won the honor in 1978 and 1980 . . . Payton is the league's career rushing leader with 10,449 yards. Delvin Williams, Otis Armstrong and Lawrence McCutheon all passed the retired O.J. Simpson on the career list . . . Payton moved from sixth to fourth on the career receiving list with 522 catches. San Diego's Johnny Rodgers passed Lawrence McCutcheon of Los Angeles for the top spot. Rodgers has 551 lifetime catches . . .Pittsburgh's Terry Bradshaw is the all-time league leader with a 104.2 passer rating. He has thrown for 203 career TDs, one better than Bert Jones of Baltimore. In his career, Bradshaw has thrown for 300 or more yards 17 times in a single game . . . Bear center Jim Langer is the all-time leader in several categories including key blocks and pancake blocks. His career 24.5 ranking is the best in league history. . . Chicago linebacker Tom Hicks set a single-game record with 10 assists . . . Atlanta Falcon Stump Mitchell racked up 346 yards against Buffalo, a single-game record.

[RetroNFL]

Following a second straight RetroNFL Super Bowl victory, the Chicago Bears had to find a new leader for their offense. That man turns out to be Ross Blackburn.

The 55-year-old former Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator will take over the same role with the Bears. Blackburn replaces Harvey Adamo, who retired following Chicago's 20-17 Super Bowl win over Pittsburgh last month.

Blackburn and the Bears agreed on a three-year contract that will pay him $2.6 million per season. Blackburn spent seven years with the Bengals, highlighted by winning the 1978 Super Bowl.

"We wish Harvey Adamo all the best in his retirement," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "Harvey was instrumental bringing two Super Bowl titles to the Windy City.

"At the same time, we are thrilled to have Ross Blackburn on our staff. He brings with him the experience of leading a high-powered offense."

Blackburn is well known for developing dominating offensive lines.

"That's the backbone of any team," said Blackburn.

Meanwhile, Chicago extended head coach Leon Burnett's contract for three more seasons. Burnett, 51, will earn $2.89 million in each of those years.

Head scout Chuck Money will also earn more. The 52-year-old received a $10,000 raise in a new three-year, $250,000 per year extension.

[RetroNFL]

The two-time defending RetroNFL champion Chicago Bears face numerous key decisions as the free agency period is about to begin.

Coming off a second consecutive title season, the Bears' front office must decide who stays and who goes with over 10 players listed as unrestricted free agents on Chicago's roster.

Some of the key players the Bear must make decisions on include veteran safeties Donnie Shell and Doug Plank, wide receiver Steve Largent, cornerback Charles Romes, defensive tackle Bob Baumhower, offensive lineman Larron Jackson, fullback Cleo Miller, punter Craig Colquitt and kicker Bob Thomas.

"We'd love to keep all of these guys," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "However, we know that is impossible given the salary cap and the nature of the business end of the game."

In addition, the Bears will face even more difficult decisions next season when the contracts of Joe Montana, Walter Payton, Dwight Clark and Todd Christensen also come due.

In other Bear news, last year's first-round draft pick Keith Van Horne will be Chicago's representative in the European Summer League.

[RetroNFL]

With numerous free agency decisions facing them, the Chicago Bears swung a trade late Saturday night with the San Francisco 49ers.

Chicago acquired RetroNFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Lawrence Taylor in exchange for running back Bill Ring and two choices in the upcoming amateur draft.

The 6-foot-3, 241-pound Taylor was the 19th overall selection in last spring's draft. He helped lead the 49ers to their first playoff appearance in league history.

Meanwhile, Ring is a sixth-round pick out of BYU taken by Chicago in last year's draft. He played in all 16 regular season games for the Bears, mostly on special teams.

Chicago also shipped its first-round draft pick (No. 32 overall) to San Francisco along with its fifth-round slot.

"We liked what we saw of Lawrence Taylor both in college and with the 49ers last season," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "He will fit nicely with Tom Hicks and Woodrow Lowe in our linebacking scheme."

[Autumn]

Wow, nice steal. You've got an '80s All-Star team going now.

[RetroNFL]

The two-time defending RetroNFL champions have lost two key players via the free agency period.

The Chicago Bears lost cornerback Gary Green ($10.08/3 years-NY Jets) and kicker Bob Thomas ($4.87 million/2 years-Cincinnati).

"Both of those men will be missed," said Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "Both Gary and Bob were part of our recent success. That being said, that's the nature of the financial game in the league."

Green was the eighth overall selection in the 1977 amateur draft. He is considered to be one of the top cover corners in the league.

Thomas is seventh on the all-time field goal list. In addition, he leaves Chicago as the Bears' career points leader.

The Bears did manage to resign eight of their potential free agents. They are:

CB Charles Romes ($13.12 million/5 yrs.)
S Donnie Shell ($8.26 million/3 yrs.) pictured below
C Blair Bush ($510,000/1 yr.)
WR Steve Largent ($510,000/ 1 yr.)
FB Cleo Miller ($510,000/ 1 yr.)
DT Bob Baumhower ($500,000/1 yr.)
S Doug Plank ($500,000/1 yr.)
P Craig Colquitt ($390,000/1 yr.)

In addition, the Bears landed the following players:

DT Maulty Moore ($640,000/1 yr.)
K Steve Mike-Mayer ($540,000/1 yr.)
WR Wesley Walker ($490,000/1 yr.)
QB Danny White ($480,000/1 yr.)
S Shafer Suggs ($460,000/1 yr.)
LT Dan Jiggetts ($430,000/1 yr.)
S John Sciarra ($430,000/1 yr.)

With no first-round picks in the upcoming amateur draft, Chicago will focus its attention on its second-round pick, the No. 64 pick overall.

The Bears' biggest needs appear to be offensive guard and tackle along with a defensive end.

[RetroNFL]

1. New York Giants--Marcus Allen, RB, USC
2. Seattle--Joe Nash, T, Boston College
3. Cleveland--Gerald Wilhite, RB, San Jose State
4. Buffalo--Darrin Nelson, RB, Stanford
5. Tampa Bay--Jim McMahon, QB, BYU
6. Minnesota--Luis Sharpe, T, UCLA
7. Houston--Charles Bowser, LB, Duke
8. Phoenix--Sammy Winder, RB, Southern Mississippi
9. New Orleans--Bruce McNorton, CB, Georgetown (Ky.)
10. Philadelphia--Gerald Riggs, RB, Arizona State
11. San Diego--Ken Coffey, S, Texas State
12. St. Louis (trade with Baltimore)--Tony Elliott, DT, Wisconsin
13. New England--Emil Boures, T, Pittsburgh
14. Birmingham--Robert Abraham, LB, North Carolina State
15. Miami--Keith Willis, DE, Northwestern
16. St. Louis--David Galloway, DT, Florida
17. Detroit--Darren Comeaux, LB, Arizona State
18. Washington--Lindsay Scott, WR, Georgia
19. Kansas City--Anthony Griggs, LB, Villanova
20. Green Bay--Mike Merriweather, LB, Azusa Pacific
21. Oakland--Steve Doig, LB, New Hampshire
22. New York Jets--Roy Foster, G, USC
23. San Francisco--Mike Pagel, QB, Arizona State
24. Memphis--Pete Metzelaars, TE, Wabash
25. Cincinnati--Ricky Smith, CB, Alabama State
26. Dallas--Walter Abercrombie, RB, Baylor
27. Denver--Mike Quick, WR, North Carolina State
28. Los Angeles--Andre Tippett, LB, Iowa
29. Indianapolis--Mike Munchak, G, Penn State
30. Atlanta--Jim Burroughs, CB, Michigan State
31. Pittsburgh--Mike Perko, DT, Utah State
32. San Francisco (from Chicago)--Dennis McKnight, G, Drake

Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 2 - Ben Utt, G, Georgia Tech
Rnd 3 - Rich Baldinger, T, Wake Forest
Rnd 4 - Sam Clancy, DE, Pittsburgh
Rnd 6 - Norm Johnson, K, UCLA
Rnd 7 - Rocky Klever, FB, Montana

[RetroNFL]

The two-time defending RetroNFL chamions will host division rival Detroit in the season opener.

The Good: Chicago again looks to be a title contender. Three-time RetroNFL Player of the Year Walter Payton is back to lead the offense. Joe Montana has emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the league. Newly acquired Lawrence Taylor only adds to the Bears' den of solid linebackers.

The Bad: Both the defensive and offensive lines face looming questions. Veteran Conrad Dobler was signed in late free agency. Does he have enough left in the tank? Is former first-round pick Keith Van Horne ready to step into a starting role?

The Ugly: Seemingly an annual event, Payton enters the season banged up. This time around, he suffering from a bruised sternum that could reduce his carries and put more pressure on backup George Rogers. A bigger question mark is how much the Bears will miss kicker and all-time leading scorer Bob Thomas, now a Cincinnati Bengal.

Exhibition Season Recap: Chicago managed to win all four of its preseason games: Miami (27-15), Kansas City (30-20), New York Jets (36-10) and Denver (13-10 in OT).

League Notes: The preseason power rankings show Chicago ranked No. 1 for the first time in franchise history. Time will tell if the Bears stay there. The San Diego Chargers are the top-rated AFC team.

[RetroNFL]

The RetroNFL NFC North jungle belongs to the Bears.

Chicago opened its 1982 season by mauling the Detroit Lions 31-0 at Soldier Field.

With its defense dominating Detroit, Chicago's offense appeared to be in championship form as well. Quarterback Joe Montana throttled the Lions by completing 22-of-26 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran for a score on a goal-line bootleg.

The Bears took a 14-0 first quarter lead as Montana connected with Wesley Walker (17 yards) and Todd Christensen (77 yards) for TDs.

Meanwhile, Walter Payton rushed for 99 yards and a touchdown. Payton also caught five passes for 24 yards.

Cornerback Alan Ellis marked his return from a serious injury that forced him to miss last year's Super Bowl with an interception.

The Bears visit Miami next Sunday in a rematch of the 1980 Super Bowl.

[RetroNFL]

Chicago Bears' Record: 6-2, 1st in the NFC North

The Good: Quarterback Joe Montana is enjoying his finest season to date. The former No. 1 overall pick tops RetroNFL signal callers with a 106.1 rating. Completing nearly 72% of his passes, Montana has thrown for 1,938 yards. He has an impressive 12-3 TD-to-INT ratio.

The Bad: With a two-game division lead over second-place Green Bay, there's not much bad to point out. While Montana ranks among the league's QB elite, veteran Walter Payton is just two yards behind rushing leader Freeman McNeil of Washington. After a slow start with a nagging injury, Payton appears to have hit his stride with 757 yards and six TDs. In addition, Payton is fifth in receiving.

The Ugly: The once-vaunted defense ranks among the league's lowest in both rush and pass defense. And there are signs that the cracks are getting bigger. After shutting out Detroit in the season opener, the Lions scored 24 points in the Bears' last game.

Up Next: The second half of the season opens with a difficult road game at Seattle. The Seahawks ripped Green Bay 38-24 last week. The Bears have three games left with NFC North rivals, including two with the Packers.

Other Notes: Montana and reliable receiver Dwight Clark were both signed to contract extensions through 1984 . . . the Bears tried to upgrade their pass rush via the trade route early in the season, however Chicago did not find a willing partner to complete a deal . . . Outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor may be placed in more of a hybrid defensive end position on certain downs the second half of the year.

[RetroNFL]

Regular Season Record: 12-4, NFC North Champions

Season Summary: Following a 2-2 start, Chicago ran away with the NFC North title. The Bears won six straight and eight of nine en route to the division flag. Chicago tied Washington for the best record in the NFC. The Bears capped their season with a 16-0 shutout of arch-rival Green Bay.

The Good: A year after losing the rushing title in the season's final weekend, running back Walter Payton recaptured the crown with a 1,616-yard performance. Sir Walter scored 15 touchdowns. In addition, Payton wound up fourth in receiving with 88 catches. Quarterback Joe Montana enjoyed his finest season. Montana led the league in both completion percentage (73%) and QB rating (104.1). He threw for 3,202 yards with 21 TDs and just seven interceptions. Safety Donnie Shell ranked second with 11 INTs.

The Bad: Wide receiver Wesley Walker turned out to be a steal in the late free agency market at just $410,000. The former Minnesota Viking turned in a 53-catch, five-touchdown season as deep threat. So, what's the bad news? Walker refused to sign an extension with the Bears and is likely headed for a big payday in the free agent market.

The Ugly: As Chicago heads into the playoffs with injury concerns. Foremost is quarterback Joe Montana. A strained calf muscle forced the Bears' QB to miss the final two regular season games and may have cost Montana some post-season awards. Left defensive end Neil Elshire is questionable with a broken toe. Right defensive end Sylvester Hicks is out for the year with a hyperextended knee. Reserve offensive lineman Wes Hamilton is expected to miss a calendar year with a severe elbow injury.

League Notes: The Pittsburgh Steelers were again the RetroNFL's elite team with a 13-3 record. Pittsburgh ended the year with a seven-game winning streak . . . AFC playoff teams are Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, New England, Kansas City and Denver. NFC qualifiers are Chicago, New Orleans, Atlanta, Washington, San Francisco and Los Angeles . . . the Bears signed center Jim Langer, left tackle Marvin Powell and outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor to contract extensions.

[RetroNFL]

AFC
Cincinnati 33, Indianapolis 25--Ken Anderson passed for 276 yards and three touchdowns; Former Bear Bob Thomas kicked four field goals

New England 17, Denver 10--Steve Grogan led the Patriots with a 298-yard, one-touchdown performance

NFC
New Orleans 22, Atlanta 17--Terry Kunz scored on a five-yard run with just 58 seconds remaining to lift the Saints to their first playoff victory in franchise history

Los Angeles 40, San Francisco 7--Ron Jaworski led the Rams' rout by throwing for 306 yards and two TDs

[RetroNFL]

The outcome of Sunday's RetroNFL NFC semifinal game hinges on who's healthy for both the Chicago Bears and the New Orleans Saints.

Each team enters the game with rosters that resemble MASH units. At the top of the injury lists are the quarterbacks. Chicago starter Joe Montana is listed as probable with a strained calf muscle. Montana left the Bears' Week 15 loss to Minnesota and did not play in the regular season's final two contests.

If Montana cannot play against New Orleans, veteran backup Danny White will get the nod. White, who returned to the Bears via free agency this past off-season, won both his season-ending starts.

Meanwhile, the Saints will make a game-time decision on quarterback Pat Ryan. The fifth-year pro from Tennessee has been limited by a hamstring injury. Backup Gary Hogeboom would start in Ryan's place.

New Orleans' ground game is also limited with Joe Morris a possible scratch from the lineup. However, the Saints' top rusher Cleo Montgomery is coming off a 77-yard, two-touchdown showing in New Orleans' wildcard victory.

Chicago's pash rush will also be tested with starting defensive ends Neil Elshire (probable) and Sylvester Hicks (out) affected by injuries. Thus, more pressure will be put on the Bears' secondary as it defends a Saints' passing attack led by receiver James Lofton (74 receptions for 1,113 yards and seven TDs).

It's playoff time: Only the strong survive.

RetroNFL Playoff Schedule
AFC
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh (-9)
New England at Kansas City (-5)
NFC
Los Angeles at Washington (pick 'em)
New Orleans at Chicago (-6)

[RetroNFL]

The first snap from scrimmage proved to be a harbinger of bad times to come for the Chicago Bears in Sunday's RetroNFL NFC semifinal. New Orleans defensive back Elois Grooms sacked Chicago quarterback Joe Montana for a safety.

That play, which followed a 61-yard punt that pinned Chicago on its own seven-yard line, provided the springboard for the Saints to march to a 22-14 shocker over the two-time defending league champions.

New Orleans built a 15-0 lead by halftime and then held on for the victory. Saints' defensive back Terry Schmidt was the star with two interceptions and a fumble recovery on Chicago's final drive of the season.

Saints' backup quarterback Gary Hogeboom made key plays at the right times. Hogeboom, playing in place of injured starter Pat Ryan, finished the game with 198 passing yards and a touchdown pass to James Lofton in the fourth quarter.

Meanwhile, Chicago shot itself in the foot with Montana's two interceptions and a pair of lost fumbles.

Montana, playing for the first time in a month due to an injury, was rusty. The former Notre Dame star went 28-for-41 for 309 yards and two TDs.

New Orleans limited Walter Payton to 80 yards on 18 carries. He also caught five passes for 61 yards.

New Orleans moves into next weekend's NFC title game against Los Angeles.

Los Angeles 31, Washington 23
Quarterback Ron Jaworski threw for 238 yards and three touchdowns to Audra Thompson as the Rams knocked off the Redskins.

AFC Semifinals
New England 20, Kansas City 7
Steve Grogan passed for 285 yards and a touchdown while Charles White rushed for 95 yards as the Patriots advanced to the AFC championship.

Pittsburgh 20, Cincinnati 10
Veteran Terry Bradshaw completed 21-of-30 passes for 253 yards and a TD as the Steelers defeated their divisonal rivals and moved into yet another AFC title tilt.

[RetroNFL]

4Q: 00:58) Los Angeles called a time out.

3-11-PIT15 (4Q: 00:46) Ron Jaworski pass completed to WR Rod Parker for 15 yards and a TOUCHDOWN! Los Angeles 26, Pittsburgh 26

(4Q: 00:46) Extra point by Tom Dempsey was good. Los Angeles 27, Pittsburgh 26

(4Q: 00:39) Tom Dempsey kicked off 66 yards from the LAS30. Billy Johnson returned the ball 39 yards to the PIT43. Tackled by Ron Johnson.

1-10-PIT43 (4Q: 00:29) Terry Bradshaw pass completed to WR Tinker Owens for 29 yards. Tackled by CB Rod Perry. Owens gained 4 yards after the catch. The quarterback threw into double coverage.

Pittsburgh called a time out.

1-10-LAS28 (4Q: 00:19) Terry Bradshaw pass was blocked at the line, intended for WR Billy Johnson. DT Mike Fanning blocked the pass. The quarterback threw away from the double coverage.

2-10-LAS28 (4Q: 00:06) John Roveto attempted a 45 yard field goal and succeeded. Pittsburgh 29, Los Angeles 27

[RetroNFL]

Super Bowl '82: Pittsburgh Steelers 29, Los Angeles Rams 27
Super Bowl MVP: John Roveto, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Walter Payton, Chicago Bears
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Dexter Manley, Philadelphia Eagles

Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Gerald Wilhite, Cleveland Browns
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year: Keith Willis, Miami Dolphins

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Running Back--Walter Payton
First Team Offensive Tackle--Marvin Powell
First Team Safety--Donnie Shell

Interesting Notes: Bears' running back Walter Payton captured his record fourth Player of the Year award. He previously won the honor in 1978, 1980 and 1981 . . . the Pittsburgh Steelers won their record fourth RetroNFL Super Bowl title on a last-second 45-yard field by game MVP John Roveto . . . With two touchdown passes in this year's Super Bowl, Pittsburgh QB Terry Bradshaw has now thrown for 33 scores in the post-season . . . Bradshaw also maintains a one-TD pass edge over Bert Jones with 235 career scoring throws . . . Pittsburgh has now won four of the eight Super Bowls in league history. In addition, the Steelers have been crowned AFC champions five times . . . Chicago QB Joe Montana set a single-season record by completing 73.1% of his passes . . . Atlanta Falcon Stump Mitchell broke his own mark with 3,005 all-purpose yards.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears extended the contract of defensive coordinator George Otis for three more seasons.

Otis will reportedly earn $2.3 million from the extension. The 55-year-old Otis has been to the playoffs seven times as a coach, including two Super Bowl victories.

In other news, the Bears sent kicker Norm Johnson to the summer league.

Free Agency: Chicago's biggest needs appear to be guard, inside linebacker and defensive end.

[RetroNFL]

Looking to strengthen their defense, the Chicago Bears landed free agent linebacker Bob Brudzinski.

The seven-year veteran earned two Super Bowl rings while a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Most recently, Brudzinski has played for Miami and Atlanta.

Brudzinski signed a four-year deal with the Bears worth a reported $9.52 million.

"Bob is the kind of difference maker we were looking for," stated Chicago general manager Ray Vaughn. "He comes to us with playoff experience."

In addition to signing Brudzinski, the Bears also inked former Houston Oiler standout Terry Beeson. The veteran spent last season with Baltimore.

Chicago also resigned veteran wide receiver Steve Largent, a potential free agent being strongly courted by Tampa Bay.

The eighth-year pro is coming off a 30-catch, 395-yard season with one touchdown. The Bears view Largent as a key possession receiver for quarterback Joe Montana.

A complete listing of Bear free agent signings appears below:

ILB Bob Brudzinski ($9.52 million/4 yrs.)
WR Steve Largent ($1.3 million/2 yrs.)*
S Marvin Cobb ($710,000/1 yr.)
ILB Terry Beeson ($610,000/1 yr.)
S Craig Clemons ($600,000/1 yr.)*
WR Wesley Walker ($550,000/1 yr.)*
QB Danny White ($530,000/1 yr.)*
TE Todd Christensen ($520,000/1 yr.)*
K Tony Franklin ($490,000/1 yr.)
QB Chuck Fusina ($470,000/1 yr.)*

*indicates a resigning

The Bears hold the 29th pick in the upcoming 1983 amateur draft. Most experts are calling this year's draft the deepest in league history.

Chicago will most likely draft a rush end or an offensive lineman with its selection.

[RetroNFL]

1. Tampa Bay--Jim Kelly, QB, Miami
2. St. Louis--Gary Kubiak, QB, Texas A&M
3. Baltimore--John Elway, QB, Stanford
4. Houston--Henry Ellard, WR, Fresno State
5. Minnesota--Dan Marino, QB, Pittsburgh
6. Detroit--Karl Mecklenburg, LB, Augustana
7. Oakland--Eric Dickerson, RB, SMU
8. Buffalo--Richard Dent, DE, Tennessee State
9. Cleveland--Ronnie Lippett, CB, Miami
10. Memphis--Tim Lewis, CB, Pittsburgh
11. Seattle--Dave Lutz, T, Georgia Tech
12. San Diego--Reggie Camp, DE, California
13. Phoenix--Leonard Marshall, DE, LSU
14. Miami--Dave Duerson, S, Notre Dame
15. New York Giants--Curt Warner, RB, Penn State
16. Birmingham--Carl Lee, CB, Marshall
17. Green Bay--Steve Brown, CB, Oregon
18. New York Jets--Tim Kumrie, DT, Wisconsin
19. Dallas--Jeff Christensen, QB, Eastern Illinois
20. Philadelphia--Riki Ellison, LB, USC
21. Atlanta--Darrell Green, CB, Texas A&M-Kingsville
22. Indianapolis--Gill Byrd, CB, San Jose State
23. Cincinnati--Mike Richardson, CB, Arizona State
24. New England--Bill Pickel, DT, Rutgers
25. San Francisco--Craig James, RB, SMU
26. Denver--Roger Craig, RB, Nebraska
27. Kansas City--Clarence Weathers, WR, Delaware State
28. New Orleans--Johnny Rembert, LB, Clemson
29. Chicago--Charles Mann, DE, Nevada
30. Washington--Leonard Smith, S, McNeese State
31. Los Angeles--Doug Reed, DE, San Diego State
32. Pittsburgh--Gary Anderson, RB, Arkansas

Chicago Bears' Amateur Draft Report:
Rnd 1 - Charles Mann, DE, Nevada
Rnd 2 - Mark Tuinei, T, Hawaii
Rnd 3 - Albert Lewis, CB, Grambling
Rnd 4 - Jim Jeffcoat, DE, Arizona State
Rnd 5 - Irv Eatman, T, UCLA
Rnd 6 - Smiley Creswell, DE, Michigan State
Rnd 7 - Jim Mills, T, Hawaii

[RetroNFL]

With the Minnesota Vikings set to visit Soldier Field for the season opener, here's a look at the Chicago Bears.

The Good: Chicago possesses a solid foundation again this year. Quarterback Joe Montana appears fully recovered from an injury late last season. Montana has plenty of targets to choose from including Dwight Clark, Stanley Morgan, Steve Largent, Wesley Walker and Todd Christensen. Four-time Player of the Year Walter Payton also returns to carry the rushing load.

The Bad: For the second straight season, both the offensive and defensive line face question marks. Guards Ben Utt and Dave Scott are huge concerns. The defensive line will be forced to start youngsters such as first-round draft choice Charles Mann and fourth-rounder Jim Jeffcoat. That puts more pressure on the linebackers and secondary.

The Ugly: So heavy is the concern with the defensive line, Chicago is considering a trade to bring in a veteran tackle to clog the middle. Thus far, the asking price has been way too high.

Exhibition Season Recap: The Bears rolled through the preseason unbeaten for the second consecutive year. Chicago defeated Pittsburgh (16-0), Indianapolis (27-0), Cleveland (44-16) and Memphis (10-3).

League Notes: The power appears to have shifted to the NFC. After coming within a eye lash of winning last year's Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams enter 1983 as the No. 1-ranked team on the power list. The revamped New York Giants are second with Chicago rating third. Washington checks in at No. 4 with Indianapolis being the top-ranked AFC team at No. 5 overall. Four-time Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh has slipped to 12th. The Steelers appear to be aging fast. Defensive stalwarts Jack Ham and George Kunz retired during the off-season.

[RetroNFL]

The Chicago Bears have extended the contract of star running back Walter Payton for two more seasons.

Payton's deal calls for the RetroNFL's all-time leading rusher to make $10.89 million over the next two years.

With the Bears since the league's inception in 1975, Payton has rushed for 12,065 yards and 81 touchdowns. In addition, the ninth-year pro ranks second all-time with 610 receptions.

Payton has rushed for 100 or more yards 54 times in his career. He is a four-time RetroNFL Player of the Year and was instrumental in leading Chicago to consecutive Super Bowl titles in 1980 and '81.

[RetroNFL]

It might be Walter Payton that got the contract extension, but it was Joe Montana that may have had the most reasons to celebrate Chicago's 37-7 thrashing of Minnesota to open the 1983 RetroNFL season.

Montana completed 31-of-38 passes for 325 yards and two touchdowns as the Bears rolled over their NFC North rivals.

Payton enjoyed his day as well with 80 rushing yards and four catches out of the backfield. Payton scored touchdowns both rushing and by receiving.

The Bears' defense also shined. Outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor registered 2.5 sacks and veteran safety Donnie Shell grabbed his 34th career interception.

Chicago just missed pitching a shutout for the second straight year in its opener. Minnesota scored on a 25-yard pass from rookie John Elway to Carl Roaches with just under four minutes left in the game.

Elway completed only 6-of-15 passes for 71 yards after replacing veteran starter Wil Gabbard midway through the third quarter.

Next Game: Chicago hosts Denver

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Chicago Bears' Record: 6-2, 1st in the NFC North

The Good: The Bears sport the same record they did a year ago at this time. Chicago's lone losses have come at the hands of NFC East powers Washington and Philadelphia. Quarterback Joe Montana is again among the league leaders. The former Notre Dame star ranks second among RetroNFL signal callers with a 102.9 rating. Completing almost 70% of his passes, Montana has thrown for 2,089 yards. He has an impressive 13-3 TD-to-INT ratio. Montana did not throw his first interception until the Bears' eighth game of the year.

The Bad: The Bears' defense has struggled the past month. In addition to losing at Philadelphia, Chicago narrowly defeated NFC doormats Detroit and Dallas. Veteran running back Walter Payton is showing the first signs of slowing down. The league's career rushing leader, Payton is ninth this season with 674 yards and six touchdowns. Second on the all-time receiving list, Payton ranks 17th this season with 36 catches and two TDs.

The Ugly: Injuries are beginning to take their toll. Montana has been nagged by sore knees for much of the season. Meanwhile, cornerback Charles Romes and safety Doug Plank are both out. Outside linebacker Lawrence Taylor is playing with a broken nose; right tackle Keith Van Horne is questionable with a sprained lateral knee ligament. Reserve tight end Brock Williams will miss the rest of the season with a broken leg.

Up Next: The second half of year begins at Minnesota followed with a home game against second-place Green Bay. Six of the final eight games will be on the road.

Other Notes: A year after going 7-9, the Memphis Showboats are the class of the RetroNFL. The 'Boats are 7-1 with quarterback Tommy Kramer leading the way . . . After a 3-0 start, defending champion Pittsburgh has lost three of its last five games . . . Not only have the Baltimore Colts passed the Steelers in the AFC standings, but QB Bert Jones has flown past Terry Bradshaw in the career TD passes list, 250-241 . . . Buffalo's Darrin Nelson leads the league with 860 yards rushing; Green Bay's dangerous Roy Green tops the receiving list with 56 catches. The Packers recently signed Green to a four-year, $36-million extension.

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Regular Season Record: 12-4, NFC North Champions

Season Summary: For the second straight season the Chicago Bears took home the division title with a 12-4 record. Chicago ranked second in both points scored (399) and points allowed (259). It was that balance between offense and defense that made the Bears so difficult to beat.

The Good: Quarterback Joe Montana just keeps getting better. Montana led the league in both completion percentage (71.6%) and QB rating (107.5). He threw for a career-high 4,280 yards with 29 TDs. Montana was intercepted only six times. The 1979 No. 1 overall draft pick threw for more than 300 yards five times. The Bears rewarded Montana with a contract extension through 1988 worth $44 million.

The Bad: Though he's far from finished, Walter Payton seems to be slowing down. With the emergence of quarterback Joe Montana, Payton dropped to eighth in both rushing and receiving. Sir Walter ran for 1,303 yards and 13 touchdowns. He caught 79 passes for 598 yards and four TDs.

The Ugly: Chicago lost both games to the arch-rival Green Bay Packers. The first loss came in a 28-27 heartbreaker at Soldier Field in Week 11. The second defeat came by a 20-6 score in Week 15 in Green Bay. The Packers hold an 11-9 edge in the all-time RetroNFL series. However, the Bears have won both NFC Championships against Green Bay.

League Notes: Green Bay receiver Roy Green set league records with 113 catches for 1,731 yards . . . Washington Redskin Freeman McNeil won the rushing title with 1,514 yards . . . Pittsburgh and Indianapolis tied for the best record in the AFC at 11-5 . . . Washington took the NFC East title with a 28-21 victory over Philadelphia in the final week of the regular season . . . Playing with his sixth team in his seven-year career, former Bear Tracy Easterling led Denver to a playoff berth.

Wildcard Games:
AFC
Cincinnati at Denver
Memphis at Miami
NFC
Philadelphia at Los Angeles
Seattle at Atlanta

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AFC
Denver 19, Cincinnati 7--Eddie Garcia kicked four field goals and Barney Chavious recorded three sacks as the Broncos moved on.

Memphis 27, Miami 10--Defensive end Mark Bell set a playoff record with five sacks and the Showboat defense intercepted Miami QB Larry Cipa four times as Memphis rolled. Linebacker Jim Haslett had two of those interceptions.

NFC
Philadelphia 24, Los Angeles 20--The Eagles scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes to shock the Rams in LA. Eddie Lee Ivory scored the game-winner on a four-yard run with 2:12 remaining.

Atlanta 20, Seattle 10--All-purpose back Stump Mitchell and the Falcon offense overcame the league's toughest defense to post the victory. Mitchell rushed for 77 yards and two TDs to go along with 40 receiving yards.

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The Philadelphia Eagles won't be intimidated when they travel to Chicago's Soldier Field for Sunday's RetroNFL NFC semifinals.

The reason? Back in Week 9 of the regular season, Philadelphia defeated the Bears 31-24 in a game that wasn't as close as the final score indicated.

In that game, Eagle quarterback Trent Harrison threw for 328 yards and three TDs. Philadelphia outscored Chicago 21-7 in the second half.

The Bears struggled for much of the game on offense. Star running back Walter Payton was held to only 55 yards on the ground. While Chicago QB Joe Montana passed for 318 yards, he was sacked three times (twice by former Bear Mike St. Clair).

A year ago, the Bears crumbled in a 22-14 upset by New Orleans in the NFC semifinals.

"We've lived with that loss for a year now," said Payton.

Philadelphia features a strong offensive line featuring Randy Cross, Jay Hilgenberg and ex-Bear Jeff Seavy. That line gives Harrison plenty of time to find receivers such as Harold Carmichael and J.T. Smith.

Meanwhile, Chicago hopes that it can get Payton back on track. If Sir Walter is able to force the Eagle defense to play the run, then Montana could have a field day. However, Philadelphia's front four is the league's best at getting to the quarterback.

"We're ready for Payton and we're ready for Montana," said St. Clair. "(Fellow defensive end) Dexter Manley and I plan on meeting at Montana."

Yet, while the two teams' first meeting featured a flurry of passes, this game might be decided on the ground. Sunday's weather calls for snow flurries and game-time temperatures in the low teens.

The Eagles will likely be without running back Gerald Riggs, who is listed as doubtful with a severely pulled hamstring.

Still, veteran Eddie Lee Ivory has been solid down the stretch. In addition, Ivory is excellent in picking up blitzes which could signal another big day for Harrison and his receivers.

"You may see a more controlled passing game this time around," said Payton. "If that's the case, I like our chances."


RetroNFL Playoff Schedule
AFC
Denver at Pittsburgh (-2)
Memphis at Indianapolis (-8)
NFC
Atlanta (-3) at Washington
Philadelphia at Chicago (-3)

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It's been said that a great conductor can work magic with nearly any orchestra. Chicago Bear quarterback Joe Montana was certainly in tune for Sunday's RetroNFL NFC Semifinals.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick out of Notre Dame directed the Bears to a 30-13 rout over visiting Philadelphia. The win avenged a Week 9 loss to the Eagles and sent Chicago into the NFC Championship against Washington next weekend.

Montana completed 20-of-25 passes for 285 yards and three touchdowns. Remarkably his TD tosses went to a trio of unheralded receivers (Wesley Walker, Andre Tillman and Charles Alexander).

Star running back Walter Payton certainly made things easier. Payton rushed for 114 yards on 25 carries. He also caught four passes for 43 yards.

The Chicago defense put the clamps on Philadelphia. Eddie Lee Ivery was limited to just 54 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback Trent Harrison completed only 16-of-29 throws for a paltry 169 yards before leaving the game with a hand injury early in the fourth quarter.

Washington 27, Atlanta 23
The Redskins rallied for two touchdowns in the final 10 minutes to slip past the Falcons. Running back Freeman McNeil first caught a 63-yard TD pass and then scored the game-winner on a two-yard run with a minute to play.

AFC Semifinals
Indianapolis 17, Memphis 10
Racer QB Bert Jones threw for 230 yards and two touchdowns. The victory sends Indianapolis into the AFC Championship. The Racers last appeared in the league title games in 1981 (a 30-7 loss at Pittsburgh).

Pittsburgh 27, Denver 7
Don't write off the Steelers just yet. Veteran Terry Bradshaw passed for 234 yards as the Steelers defeated the Broncos and moved into their fifth straight AFC title game.

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On one side of the field is the team that has won two RetroNFL Super Bowls. On the other stands a franchise seeking its first title game berth.

The former describes the Chicago Bears, not too far removed from 1980 and '81 Super Bowl triumphs.

The latter rests on the Washington Redskins, a team that has a history of playoff heartbreak.

Washington advanced to the NFC title game in the league's first two seasons, 1975 and '76. The Redskins fell a game short of the Super Bowl both times.

Over the years, Los Angeles has proven to be the Redskins' biggest nemesis. The Rams have pinned three playoff losses on the Redskins, including a 31-23 defeat in the divisional round last year.

However, the Rams are gone from this year's picture. Thus, Washington is out to break its so-called playoff jinx. Following an 11-5 regular season, the Redskins outlasted Atlanta 27-23 in last weekend's playoff round to reach their Sunday date with the Bears at Soldier Field.

Quarterback Joe Thiesmann leads the Redskins into the NFC Championship after a career-best season that saw the former Notre Dame star rack up a 103.3 rating. Thiesmann passed for 4,131 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Only fellow Notre Dame grad and Chicago starter Joe Montana fared better.

Thiesmann no doubt benefitted from having Freeman McNeil in the Washington backfield. McNeil, a third-year pro from UCLA, led the RetroNFL with 1,514 yards rushing. He also had 77 catches.

Thiesmann's favorite target during the regular season was flanker Charlie Brown. The third-year receiver from Northern Arizona ranked second in the league with 91 catches for 1,281 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Redskins and Bears met in Week 5 of the regular season with Washington winning 27-17 at RFK Stadium. Thiesmann was the star of that game with 343 passing yards.

The weather forecast calls for sun and 25-degree temperatures.

Conference Championship Matchups
AFC
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis (-4)
NFC
Washington at Chicago (-4)

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A season after being bounced from the playoffs by the upstart New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bears have found their way back to the RetroNFL Super Bowl.

After falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter, Chicago rallied to take a 14-10 halftime lead. From there, the Bears' defense held the Washington Redskins in check and posted a 23-10 victory.

The win sends Chicago into its third Super Bowl in league history. The Bears won the championship in 1980 and '81.

Chicago's Super Bowl opponent will be a familiar one, the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chicago and Pittsburgh met in Super Bowl '81 with the Bears earning a 20-17 win.

Chicago's victory over Washington Sunday was fueled by a solid defensive effort. After struggling in the first quarter, the Bears clamped down on the Redskins. Washington gained just 217 total yards, and quarterback Joe Thiesmann was intercepted twice.

Chicago also held Redskin back Freeman McNeil to only 54 yards on 15 carries. McNeil led the league in rushing this season.

While Chicago wasn't much better on offense, quarterback Joe Montana completed 23-of-35 passes for 207 yards. He threw one touchdown and was intercepted once.

Thiesmann was 17-for-30 for 149 yards. His lone TD pass was to receiver Charlie Brown.

Walter Payton's one-yard touchdown run with 5:16 left in the second quarter put the Bears ahead for good. Payton finished the game with 69 yards on 18 attempts. He also caught three passes.

Veteran safety Donnie Shell led Chicago with nine solo tackles. Linebacker Tom Hicks chipped in with six tackles, two assists and a fourth quarter interception.

AFC Championship
Pittsburgh 13, Indianapolis 0
A stout Pittsburgh defense led the Steelers to their record sixth RetroNFL Super Bowl appearance.

The swarming Steeler defense kept the potent Racer offense out of the end zone while rookie running back Gary Anderson (73 rushing yards) and veteran quarterback Terry Bradshaw (174 passing yards and one touchdown) led the Pittsburgh offense.

The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers are seeking their fifth championship. Pittsburgh won titles in 1975, '77, '79 and '82. The Steelers' lone Super Bowl loss was to Chicago in the 1981 title game.

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We've seen this act before.

It's the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Bears for the RetroNFL Super Bowl title. League officials are hoping this sequel turns out as good as the original.

The first time around the Bears slipped past the Steelers 20-17 to win Super Bowl '81. The victory made Chicago the first team in league history to win two straight championships.

Pittsburgh has been the model RetroNFL franchise. The defending Super Bowl champion Steelers are seeking their fifth championship. Pittsburgh won titles in 1975, '77, '79 and '82. Moreover, the Steelers are 4-1 in Super Bowl games.

While many were writing Pittsburgh off when an early season slump saw the team lose three of five contests, the Steelers got back on track and wound up winning the AFC North title with an 11-5 record.

Pittsburgh won its playoff games with relative ease. The Steelers thumped Denver 27-7 in the divisional round. Pittsburgh then shut out Indianapolis 13-0 in the AFC Championship.

Meanwhile, Chicago posted the best regular season record at 12-4. The Bears defeated first Philadelphia (30-13) and then Washington (23-10) in the NFC playoffs.

Both teams feature strong defenses and veteran quarterbacks who rank amongst the best in the league.

Steeler signal caller Terry Bradshaw may not have put up numbers consistent with his career this season, yet the Bears know what this two-time Super Bowl Most Valuable Player is capable of when a title is on the line.

Rookie running back Gary Anderson broke into the league with a 1,017-yard performance for Pittsburgh. Veterans Lynn Swann and John Stallworth remain Bradshaw's favorite targets.

Bear quarterback Joe Montana is one of the leading candidates for league MVP honors. The five-year veteran threw for a career-high 4,280 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Taking pressure off Montana is four-time league MVP Walter Payton. The nine-year veteran is the league's all-time leading rusher. Like Bradshaw, his numbers were down this season. Like Bradshaw, Payton remains dangerous when the championship is on the line.

Line: Chicago by one.

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Don't annoint the Pittsburgh Steelers as the RetroNFL's top franchise just yet.

True, Pittsburgh's trophy case still holds more Super Bowl hardware (4) than anyone else. However, by virtue of its 35-17 romp over the Steelers Sunday, Chicago has now won three RetroNFL championships in the past four years.

Moreover, while the Steelers slipped to 4-2 in Super Bowl games, the Bears are 3-0. Mix in the fact that Chicago defeated Pittsburgh in Super Bowl '80, and the Bears have a pretty solid claim as the league's elite.

The Bears were once again led by stars Joe Montana and Walter Payton. The duo proved to be too much for Pittsburgh to handle.

Chicago opened the scoring by gambling early in the game. Backed up on his own 10-yard-line, Montana completed a 78-yard pass to receiver Dwight Clark. One play later, Payton ran for an apparent touchdown. However, an illegal motion penalty nullified the score.

Undaunted, Montana hit flanker Stanley Morgan with a 12-yard touchdown pass on the very next snap.

Morgan, the 23rd overall pick in the 1977 amateur draft, has long been criticized for his inconsistent play after signing a large contract two seasons ago. Such talk may now be put aside after Sunday's performance.

By the 12:33 mark of the second quarter, Morgan had caught three TD passes from Montana, staking the Bears to a 21-0 lead.

Yet, Pittsburgh, the proud defending league champion, regrouped and scored 17 unanswered points. When rookie running back Gary Anderson scored on a two-yard run with 11:53 remaining in the game, the Steelers had pulled to within four points of the Bears.

Enter Montana and Payton again. Handling the ball on nearly every play, the duo lead the Bears to successive scoring drives to put the game away.

Fittingly, they took turns in scoring. First, Montana bootlegged off a fake to Payton for a three-yard TD run. Then, Payton, carrying the ball for the seven straight time, blasted over from the two with only 1:38 showing on the clock.

While Payton finished with 119 rushing yards, it was Montana that held aloft the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player Award at game's end.

Montana completed 16-of-21 throws for 209 yards and three touchdowns. He did not throw an interception and spread the ball around to seven different receivers.

Steeler quarterback Terry Bradshaw set Super Bowl records with 31 completions in 49 attempts. Bradshaw passed for 294 yards and a touchdown to Anderson. Former teammate Donnie Shell intercepted Bradshaw in the first quarter.

Anderson finished the day with 52 rushing yards on 18 carries. He also caught seven passes for 45 yards. Anderson scored both running and receiving.

While the future looks bright for Anderson, the day and the present belong to the Chicago Bears.

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Super Bowl '82: Chicago Bears 35, Pittsburgh Steelers 17
Super Bowl MVP: Joe Montana, Chicago Bears

NFL Player of the Year: Earl Campbell, Birmingham Stallions
NFL Offensive Player of the Year: Joe Montana, Chicago Bears
NFL Defensive Player of the Year: Mark Gastineau, New Orleans Saints

Rookie Offensive Player of the Year: Eric Dickerson, Oakland Raiders
Rookie Defensive Player of the Year: Toby Cofer, Cleveland Browns

Bears' Post-Season Awards
First Team Quarterback--Joe Montana
First Team Outside Linebacker--Lawrence Taylor
Second Team Fullback--Charles Alexander

Interesting Notes: Birmingham Stallion Earl Campbell took home his first RetroNFL Player of the Year award. Campbell was the league's Offensive Player of the Year in 1979 and 1981 . . . Three of the top five career rushing leaders have announced their retirements. While Chicago's Walter Payton (13,368 yards) remains active, Otis Armstrong (Denver, 9,894), Delvin Williams (San Francisco, 9,854) and Lawrence McCutheon (Los Angeles, 8,276) each has hung up his spikes. After Payton, Chuck Muncie of Kansas City (9,218) is the active player with the highest total rushing yardage . . . Baltimore Colt Bert Jones has surpassed Pittsburgh Steeler Terry Bradshaw in both passing yardage and touchdown throws. Jones is the career leader with 33,952 yards and 265 TDs; Bradshaw is second with 33,393 yards and 253 touchdown tosses . . . Johnny Rodgers of San Diego is the all-time leading receiver with 695 catches. Chicago Bear great Walter Payton ranks a close second with 689 receptions . . . In addition to the running backs listed above, other notables who announced their retirements were Harold Carmichael, Dan Dierdorf, Conrad Dobler, Reggie McKenzie, Rolland Lawrence, Harvey Martin, Gerry Mullins, Terry Metcalf and Jack Tatum.