Chicago Bears: The 10 greatest player nicknames of all time

Third and second-best nicknames in Chicago Bears history

3. George Halas, HC/Owner – “Papa Bear”

When it comes to Chicago Bears nicknames, George “Papa Bear” Halas has to be high on the list. Halas helped shape the NFL into what it is today. In fact, he helped create the league and without his influence, baseball or basketball might be your favorite sport instead.

Halas was both a player and a coach, but his head coaching skills outweighed his player skills. The team never won a Super Bowl with Halas, but they won plenty of championships. Being dubbed “Papa Bear” is fitting for the man who helped create the NFL and the Chicago Bears.

2. Walter Payton, RB – “Sweetness”

Who thought Walter Payton would be the top choice for nicknames? I am sure most of you would think “Sweetness” deserves to be the top nickname, but I have him as a close second. Any Chicago Bears fan who hears Sweetness when referring to a player knows exactly who is being discussed. Payton is the best running back to ever play the game in my opinion. Barry Sanders is a very, very close second.

Walter Payton had a reputation for being caring of others, even his opponents. However, that is not how he earned his nickname. Instead, he earned the nickname “Sweetness” during a college practice when he eluded a tackler and shouted back, “sweetness is your weakness“.