Repots: Top 5 Quarterbacks in Chicago Bears’ History

The Chicago Bears’ quarterback situation stands out for all the wrong reasons, epitomizing words like “miserable,” “depressing,” and “bleak.” Remarkably, they are the sole NFL team never to have had a quarterback throw for 4,000 yards in a single season. The litany of errors at this pivotal position could easily be compiled into a more intriguing listicle. Recent high-profile decisions to draft Mitch Trubisky and Justin Fields have notably backfired, aligning sadly with Chicago’s historical quarterback woes.

Now, the spotlight turns to Caleb Williams, tasked with breaking this decades-long cycle of disappointment. Should he follow the paths of Trubisky or Fields, perhaps it’s time for the Bears to reconsider their approach to the game altogether. However, amidst this uncertainty, let’s reflect on the few bright spots in Bears quarterback history. Here are the top five quarterbacks in Chicago Bears history, a list originally intended to be longer, but constrained by scarcity:

5. Mitch Trubisky (apologies)
6. This entry underscores the team’s enduring struggles. Despite widespread criticism from Bears fans, Trubisky ranks fifth in passing yards (10,609), fifth in wins as a starter (29-21), third in completions (1,010), and eighth in quarterback rating (87.2). His selection as the Nickelodeon Valuable Player award winner doesn’t negate the disappointment of his tenure, particularly considering the costly draft trade-up and subsequent missed opportunities.
7. Jim Harbaugh
8. Harbaugh stands out as one of the few Bears quarterbacks with a winning record. He compiled a 35-30 record over 89 games from 1987 to 1993, amassing over 11,000 passing yards, 1,000 completions, and 50 touchdowns. Currently ranking third in franchise history for passing yards and eighth for touchdown passes, Harbaugh’s tenure also saw him considered for head coaching roles after retirement, a familiar Chicago narrative.
9. Jim McMahon
10. Perhaps the most beloved quarterback on this list, McMahon’s legacy includes leading the 1985 Super Bowl-winning team. Despite his colorful persona and off-field antics, McMahon’s on-field contributions were significant, earning him recognition as the NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1982, a Pro Bowl selection in 1985, and the 1991 Comeback Player of the Year. His statistical rankings include sixth in completions (874), fourth in touchdown passes (67), second in quarterback wins (46-15), and fourth in passing yards (11,203).
11. Sid Luckman
12. Luckman’s era-defining contributions place him on a pedestal unmatched by other Bears quarterbacks. Although he played in a vastly different era, Luckman still ranks second in franchise history for passing yards (14,686), touchdown passes (137), and fifth in completions (904). His 1943 season remains tied for second in franchise history for touchdown passes (28), solidifying his status as the Bears’ true historical quarterback great.
13. Jay Cutler
14. Despite mixed sentiments, Cutler’s impact on the Bears is undeniable. Over his eight-year tenure, he tops franchise history in touchdown passes (154), passing yards (23,443), completions (2,020), and game-winning drives (18). His tenure coincided with some of the team’s better seasons in recent memory, showcasing a unique physical skill set that endeared him to a segment of Chicago fans, despite his interception record (second all-time in franchise history). Cutler’s era represents a distinct period in Bears history, underscored by his polarizing presence and significant statistical achievements.

As Chicago eagerly awaits Caleb Williams’ debut, hoping for a breakthrough, these quarterbacks remain the benchmarks against which future hopefuls will inevitably be measured.