Chicago Bears updates: Playoff run ends in heartbreaking OT loss against Rams

The Chicago Bears have established themselves as the comeback kids this year, and now there are signs they could be making headway in a deal to build a stadium in Arlington Heights.

Conversations between the Bears and Illinois state lawmakers continue as the pressure to get something done builds.

The Bears are now caught in a three-way tug-of-war, with Chicago still working to keep them here while Indiana has intensified it's courtship. Arlington Heights, meanwhile, is ramping up its efforts to land the franchise there.

The Bears practiced Thursday with a sense of urgency as they look to extend their playoff run. But, there is another sense of urgency as they look for the winning play calling to be made by Springfield. that could clear the way for a new domed stadium in Arlington Heights.

The governor and leading lawmakers have expressed a willingness to help out with infrastructure but made no formal commitments.

Lawmakers do have concerns about the $532 million still owed on the renovations at Soldier Field. Mayor Brandon Johnson is still hoping to keep the Bears in Chicago.

Conversations about the Bears future are on going. Lawmakers return to Springfield next week.

Crews came out early Thursday morning to build the Caleb Williams "Iceman" sculpture.

The best hype team in the NFL the Monster Squad were out at the Merchandise Mart, energizing fans ahead of Sunday's game.

Fans are loving it taking photos all morning long as post-season anticipation builds.

Staley da Bear will also be on hand to greet folks during lunch hour and Bears alum Anthony "Spice" Adams - will also help hand out Bears-themed giveaways to fans as we inch closer to the NFC divisional round game against the Los Angeles Rams.

This will be on display until 6 p.m. There will be another ice sculpture and a live demonstration at Soldier Field on game day.

Indiana Governor Mike Braun says he is working hard bring the Chicago Bears' new stadium to Indiana.

The governor brought it up during his State of the State address Wednesday night.

As talks between the Bears and Illinois political leaders continue, Indiana's governor used a very public stage to put his hat in the ring.

"With our strong business environment, it's not surprising that another organization has noticed that Indiana is open for business, the Chicago Bears," Braun said.

Braun's comments during his formal State of the State address came as the Bears survey season ticket holders about a potential new stadium in Northwest Indiana and days after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell looked at proposed stadium locations in Indiana and Arlington Heights.

"We're going to make sure that we do the best that we can for the Bears, but most of all that we're not wasting taxpayer money," Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.

As a condition of public money, Pritzker wants the Bears to pay off hundreds of millions of dollars in remaining debt from Soldier Field's 2003 renovation.

Soldier Field looks quite a bit different now than it did 40 years ago. That was the last time the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams met in the playoffs, and Bears fans are hoping for a similar result on Sunday.

It was the NFC Championship game, with the winner going to the Super Bowl in January 1986. The game featured legendary Bears, including future hall of famers like Walter Payton.

It matched two legendary head coaches in Mike Ditka and the Rams' John Robinson, but the game was never close.

Hall of Fame defensive tackle Dan Hampton, another '85 Bear, had a quarterback sack and a forced fumble in that NFC Championship game against the Rams. The Bears won it easily 24 to nothing. He believes the current Bears can win this time around as well.

"They're not scared of anybody," Hampton said. "They think they can match up with anyone, anywhere."

The Bears were overwhelming favorites coming into the game against the Rams 40 years ago. Oddsmakers however have the Rams as the favorite for this Sunday's game.