
Let’s take a look back at an important season in franchise history.
Kevin Gallagher, an NFL historian who shares clips on social media, recently shared some highlights from the Chicago Bears vs the New York Giants game from 55 years ago, and I wanted to bring it here for those of you who don’t do Twitter.
In 1970, the Bears opened their season on Saturday night against the Giants in Yankee Stadium, and Chicago was coming off its worst season in franchise history (1-13).
It’s a fun clip featuring a few Hall of Famers and a Bears victory.
The first regular-season Saturday Night game of the post-merger era NFL#Bears at #Giants
Yankee Stadium
The Bronx, New YorkFeaturing Dick Butkus
September 19, 1970 pic.twitter.com/eM0ycOPi49
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) June 22, 2025
Here are a few nuggets about Chicago’s 1970 season.
- This was the first year the NFL required names on the backs of jerseys.
- Chicago has two first team All Pros, middle linebacker Dick Butkus and wide receiver Dick Gordon.
- Gordon’s 13 receiving touchdowns in 1970 are tied for the most in team history.
- Butkus and Gordon also made the Pro Bowl, as did punter Bobby Joe Green and return specialist Cecil Turner.
- Turner returned four kicks for touchdowns in 1970, which is the most single-season kickoff return TDs in franchise history.
- This was the last year before the Bears moved to Soldier Field full-time.