Super Bowl XX — Chicago Bears 46, New England Patriots 10 (1986)

Teams and coaches

The 1985 Bears, coached by Mike Ditka, were celebrated for a ferocious defense and a dominant regular season. The Patriots, coached by Raymond Berry, reached the Super Bowl as AFC champions despite entering the game as underdogs. Team records, rosters and season narratives are available at Chicago Bears season record and New England Patriots season record.

Game summary and characteristics

The Bears controlled the game from the outset, building a large lead through a combination of strong defense, field position, and efficient offense. Chicago's defensive unit forced turnovers and applied frequent pressure, which limited New England's opportunities. The game's most valuable player was defensive end Richard Dent, who was recognized for his disruptive pass rush and pressure on opposing quarterbacks. A concise scoring and play summary can be consulted at scoring summary.

Key performances and records

• Richard Dent — awarded Super Bowl MVP for his impact on defense; see more at MVP details.
• Chicago's defense is often cited among the most dominant single-season units in NFL history; discussions of that defense appear at defensive analysis.
• The halftime show featured Up With People, and the national anthem was performed by Wynton Marsalis; cultural notes are archived at halftime and anthem.

Cultural context and aftermath

The Bears' planned ceremonial visit to the White House was altered in the wake of the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster; national events that week affected public and official celebrations. The victory remained a defining moment for the Chicago franchise, shaping team lore and civic identity. For further historical context and follow-up events, consult historical context and postgame coverage.

Super Bowl XX is remembered both for the lopsided final score and for the way the 1985 Bears embodied an era of defensive dominance. Its legacy appears in retrospectives on outstanding defenses, coaching leadership, and the cultural footprint of Super Bowl celebrations in the mid-1980s.