Chicago Bears: How one song led an entire city to "Bear Down"

Window lights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower spell out "BEAR DOWN" on Jan. 4, 2019, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune) — Window lights from the Blue Cross Blue Shield Tower spell out “BEAR DOWN” on Jan. 4, 2019, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

By Andrew Carter | acarter@chicagotribune.com | Chicago Tribune

PUBLISHED: January 18, 2026 at 5:00 AM CST | UPDATED: January 18, 2026 at 6:26 PM CST

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Chicago's favorite fight song, "Bear Down," began as bet among songwriters. It ended up being a city's rallying cry.

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‘Bear Down’: How a songwriter’s challenge became Chicago’s rallying cry

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