Of course, Sunday night marked a heartbreaking ending for a team that brought so much joy with last-second comebacks all year long. And now, fans are riding on the optimism surrounding the Bears' future as a contender.
Monday morning has been tough for Bears fans across Chicago, wondering what could have been after the team fell just short in a devastating overtime loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
"Exciting, didn't expect it especially how Caleb would pull off last-second wins all the time in the fourth quarter. We're excited for next year. I think we have a lot of wins coming and a Super Bowl coming in the future, too," said Bears fan Rick.
The Bears became appointment television over the last few weeks of the season, making for atmospheres like one captured on video at Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport.
"We've been more poignant at hanging out at the bar, and everyone's like, 'What're you doing for the game?'" said Bears fan Sean Coyle. "It's here or around the corner, and we've had a lot of fun."
Fans went crazy as Bears quarterback Caleb Williams threw the game-tying touchdown late in the fourth quarter.
"Yesterday's game was crazy we had some highs and lows really almost took it home," said Bears fan Antonia Turner.
There was a lot of that for Chicagoans, with bars packed for watch parties across the city and people coming together to root on the Bears.
"Great season. We weren't expecting this, but I think the reason why we have a great chance is great coach and good management and that makes the team strive," said Bears fan Roy Wells.
Williams became the first quarterback in franchise history to lead seven fourth-quarter comebacks in a season. He became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw three touchdowns in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter in a postseason.
Though the 24-year-old quarterback expressed frustration with the abrupt end to the season, he left Sunday night with a positive outlook for the future.
"In these moments, you feel like you let your team down," Williams said. "It's a good lesson for us; first time being in this situation for me and for us as a team. I'm excited for what's to come."
Williams nearly pulled off an eighth fourth-quarter comeback win, which would have tied the most in NFL history, is why he heads into the offseason with optimism.
"We're going to be here for a little bit," Williams said. "I'm excited about it. I'm excited about the growth. I'm excited about being able to go back and watch this. I'm excited to being able to get back, and next year being able to learn more than I did this year, keep growing, and us as a team and an organization to be able to keep growing."
The future is bright for the team as fans can look forward to cheering on a Bears team led by Williams and Head Coach Ben Johnson for years to come.
"It was truly once in a long time experience. We hope we get it again next season, and we think we're prepared and ready to come back stronger next season, but it was very exciting it was great for business," said Wings and Rings General Manager Zeniya Sykes.
It is something ESPN Radio's David Kaplan says the city should be excited about.
"I am absolutely elated that dude is our guy with that quarterback going forward. I'll take it," said Kaplan. "This is a special group. You're going to need to find out what you're doing with left tackle. Are you extending Jaquan Brisker? Are you going to get rid of a big salary to go get another player, maybe on your defensive line? People will be shocked by some of the moves, but they will happen."
The Bears thanked fans on social media on Monday for another special season.
ABC7's Rob Elgas was also spotted front and center on that graphic, rooting the Bears on at Soldier Field.
Fans are just as thankful for the joy this team brought to the city.
"I think you keep that momentum going, keep the strong team, keep the iceman," Turner said. "Ben Johnson doing a great job. We're on our way, definitely."
So, we are now on to hockey season and baseball season for sports fans across Chicago.
Though, the Bears stadium talks will likely bring plenty of discussion in coming months, too.
ESPN contributed to this report.