How Did the Bears Save the Packers and Create the Longest Rivalry in the NFL?

In today's #short, we'll take a look back to the origins of the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers rivalry, which is widely considered the longest running rivalry in the NFL and one of the most historic rivalries in all of sports. But how the Bears-Packers rivalry got started is a story filled with unlikely alliances, behind the scenes decisions, and moments that helped shape the future of the league. During the 1950s, the Green Bay Packers were facing the real possibility of being thrown out of the league if they could not secure funding for a new stadium. At the same time, the NFL was still establishing its identity, and football rivalries like Bears vs Packers rivalry were becoming central to the league’s popularity. In a surprising twist, Chicago Bears founder George Halas publicly supported efforts to keep the Packers in Green Bay, believing the legendary rivalry between the Bears and Packers was too important to lose. Halas’ involvement helped ensure the Packers remained in Wisconsin, preserving what many consider the NFL’s biggest rivalry. His influence went even further when he advised the Packers to hire Vince Lombardi, a move that helped launch a dynasty and cemented the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers rivalry as the most historic rivalry in the NFL. This episode of All Sports History looks at how cooperation between rivals helped save a franchise, protect the Bears and Packers rivalry, and shape the NFL we know today. From early threats of relocation to the rise of Lombardi and the birth of modern football rivalries, this is the story behind one of the NFL’s greatest traditions, beloved by Bears fans, Packers fans, and even the most dedicated cheesehead alike. How Did the Bears Save the Packers and Create the Longest Rivalry in the NFL?