'85 Bears reunite to celebrate 30th anniversary of Super Bowl win

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Super Bowl 50 is still about a two weeks away, but Tuesday marks the 30th anniversary of the Chicago Bears only Super Bowl title.

On Jan. 26, 1986, the Bears beat the New England Patriots 46-10. The team is arguably Chicago's most popular team ever, and still captivates the fan's imagination.

The '85 Bears are still like rock stars in Chicago. The entrance to their private celebration at Soldier Field Tuesday night came complete with a red carpet.

The celebration was private, for players only to get together, reminisce and catch up. That's especially important for some with well-documented health problems.

"It's great to be back to see these guys. We had a lot of fun in those years I was here, and I'm looking forward to seeing those guys again. Haven't seen 'em since the White House," said Jim McMahon, former Bear.

The last time William "The Refrigerator" Perry was in Chicago, he wound up hospitalized with a diabetic reaction. But he wouldn't miss this.

"It's great coming back and you know, being with the guys, with the reunion and just getting to see 'em and meet with 'em," Perry said.

They're almost all here, including "Da Coach" Mike Ditka and other stars like Mike Singletary, Otis Wilson, Steve McMichael, Dennis McKinnon. Most Bears fans could recite the team's roster from memory.

"The whole team was special," said fan Mike Casey. "We haven't had a team like that since."

Fred Mitchell was among the sportswriters who covered the team for the Chicago Tribune. He's also written a couple books on the Bears, whose big personalities offered lots of material for reporters.

"Collectively to have this many personalities on one team, I don't think we'll ever see that again," Mitchell said.

While it was a celebration for the former players who were here, the thoughts of many turned to those who are no longer alive, Dave Duerson and Walter Payton, both of whom they say would have enjoyed the reunion immensely.