Writer Recalls a 'Super' Birthday; Other Bears Fans Share Memories

If you ask my mother what she was doing when the Bears won the Super Bowl in January 1986, she would tell you she was busy giving birth. To me.

When I entered the world, the Bears had become the champions.

Coincidentally, the Bears have made the playoffs now nearly every “major” birthday I’ve had the past few years. When I turned 20, the Bears were division champs, but made an early playoff exit. The week after I turned 21, the Bears lost to the Colts in the Super Bowl, and now as I turn 25, the Bears are making a playoff run again.

The Bears playoff run has grabbed New Lenox with a gusto. Da Coach Mike Ditka , and there are throughout the area.

Two New Lenox natives are die-hard fans and  have their own game day traditions. 

Jake Tyler, 25, has been a Bears fan his entire life.

“When I was younger, the Bears didn't have any real star players, but I still enjoyed watching them," he said. "Yet despite that I watched them every Sunday and I have had the same game day traditions since I was a child."

Tyler’s game day routine is fairly standard, yet still special.

“Many people go out and watch the Bears games with friends at the bar, but for me it is a bonding experience to watch the Bears games with my dad," Tyler said. "He used to watch the Bears games with his father and now he watches the Bears games with me."

Bears traditions also make their way to college, no matter how far New Lenox residents go. Kara Peterson, 19, is a freshman at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind. She's from New Lenox and her parents helped bring Bears spirit to her dorm room.

“My parents came to visit me right before Christmas and brought me some blue and orange ornaments and blue and orange tree trimmings," she said. "I also got more Bears ornaments for Christmas. I’ve taken down the tree, but I still love the Bears and I’m hoping for a win this weekend!”

Editor's note: Hey Bears fans! Share your stories and fan photos with us by submitting them where it says "Add" by the rest of the photos or e-mailing them to michael.sewall@patch.com.