2010 NFC Championship Game

2011 American football postseason game November 2024 2010 NFC Championship Game border:none; center 275 Green Bay Packers wordmark.svg Chicago Bears wordmark.svg vertical Packers and Bears wordmarks Green Bay Packers (6) GB Mike McCarthy 10–6 Chicago Bears (2) CHI Lovie Smith 11–5 7 7 0 7 21 0 0 0 14 14 January 23, 2011 Soldier Field Chicago, Illinois, U.S. 62,377 Terry McAulay Packers by 3.5 Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver and Chris Myers The 2010 National Football Conference (NFC) Championship Game was an American football game played between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on January 23, 2011, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, United States. Even though the Bears–Packers rivalry is one of the longest and most storied rivalries in National Football League (NFL) history, the two teams had only ever met in the postseason once, in 1941. The Packers and Bears, who both play in the NFC North division, battled throughout the regular season for the division title. The Bears pulled away late in the season to secure the title and the second seed in the playoffs. The Packers secured a Wild Card berth and beat the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons to advance to the NFC Championship Game. The Bears had a first-round bye before beating the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round. With their higher seeding, the Bears hosted the Packers at Soldier Field for the NFC Championship Game. Although the Packers took an early 14–0 lead, the game became a defensive struggle, with each team combining for 17 punts and five interceptions. After Bears' quarterback Jay Cutler was injured, back-up Todd Collins was put in but was not effective. The Bears then put in Caleb Hanie, their third-string quarterback, who led the offense on a touchdown drive to bring the score to 14–7. After a Packers punt, Hanie threw a short pass that was intercepted by B. J. Raji, who returned it for a touchdown. Hanie led another touchdown drive and the Bears defense forced another punt by the Packers, giving them an opportunity to score a touchdown to tie or take the lead late in the fourth quarter. However, Hanie threw a second interception, this time to Sam Shields, that effectively ended the game. The Packers advanced to Super Bowl XLV, where they beat the Pittsburgh Steelers to secure their 13th championship in team history. Background 2010 Green Bay Packers season 2010 Chicago Bears season The Green Bay Packers began the 2010 NFL season having reached the playoffs in the previous season, before losing to the Arizona Cardinals in a Wild Card game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-high-octane-offe/167955254/ High-octane Offense Rolls Up Records Dougherty Pete Demovsky Rob January 11, 2010 March 14, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 5 https://web.archive.org/web/20250416222318/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-high-octane-offe/167955254/ April 16, 2025 live The Packers started 2010 with a record of 3–3, which included a loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 3 and two other overtime losses. They then went on a four-game winning streak, before losing three of four games to bring their record to 8–6. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2010.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2010 Green Bay Packers Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports May 27, 2025 March 13, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180313175307/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/2010.htm live Needing to win their last two games of the year to make the postseason, the Packers blew-out the New York Giants and then beat the Bears in the last game of the season to secure the sixth seed in the playoffs. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/12/22/green-bay-packers-revisiting-2010-super-bowl-run-week-16/3899909001/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers' 2010 Road to Super Bowl XLV: In Must Win, Packers Deliver Best Performance of Season June 2, 2025 Radcliffe JR December 22, 2020 https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/12/30/green-bay-packers-revisiting-2010-super-bowl-run-week-17/3997925001/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers' 2010 Road to Super Bowl XLV: Green Bay Scratches Out Win Over Bears to Clinch Playoff Berth June 2, 2025 Radcliffe JR December 30, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20240101054854/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/12/30/green-bay-packers-revisiting-2010-super-bowl-run-week-17/3997925001/ January 1, 2024 live The Packers offense and defense ranked in the top 10 in yards and points. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/index.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2010 NFL Standings & Team Stats June 2, 2025 October 6, 2021 https://web.archive.org/web/20211006064719/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/ live https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/opp.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2010 NFL Opposition & Defensive Statistics June 2, 2025 September 24, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220924232154/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/opp.htm live The Packers travelled to play the Philadelphia Eagles in the Wild Card round, beating them 21–16. In the Divisional Round, the Packers blew-out the Atlanta Falcons 48–21 to advance to the NFC Championship Game. The Bears went 7–9 in the 2009 and had not made the playoffs for the previous three years. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/index.htm Chicago Bears Franchise Encyclopedia May 27, 2025 Pro-Football-Reference.com August 27, 2022 https://web.archive.org/web/20220827151334/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/index.htm live The Bears won the first three games of the season, before losing three out of four. The Bears then went 7–2 over the remaining nine games of the season, including a five-game win streak and the aforementioned loss to the Packers in the last game of the regular season. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2010.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2010 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports May 27, 2025 March 3, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20180303230637/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/chi/2010.htm live With their 11–5 record, the Bears beat-out the Packers for the NFC North division title; they were given the second seed in the playoffs, behind the first-seeded Falcons. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/playoffs.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com 2010 NFL Playoff Standings June 2, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250509192917/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2010/playoffs.htm May 9, 2025 live The Bears were led by their defense, which was ranked in the top five in points allowed, as well as the being the second best team against the run. The Bears had a bye week in the first round of the playoffs, before hosting the Seattle Seahawks in the Divisional round; the Bears advanced to the NFC Championship Game after beating the Seahawks 35–24. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/17/sports/football/17bears.html The New York Times Bears Sweep Aside Seahawks and Gain Duel With Packers Branch John January 16, 2011 June 2, 2025 subscription https://web.archive.org/web/20241214231841/https://www.nytimes.com/2011/01/17/sports/football/17bears.html December 14, 2024 live With their higher seeding, the Bears were scheduled to host the Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois, for the NFC Championship Game on January 23, 2011; the Packers were 3.5 point favorites. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-bears-dont-mind/173704833/ Bears Don't Mind Being Considered Underdogs Copeland Kareem January 23, 2011 June 2, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com C-1 Game summary thumb|right|Soldier Field was the site of the 2010 NFC Championship Game.|alt=Photo of the facade of the stadium First half The Bears won the coin toss and elected to defer their decision to the second half. https://www.newspapers.com/article/wisconsin-state-journal-coin-flip-decisi/182451733/ Coin flip decision comes back to bite Chicago Masson Jon January 24, 2011 October 8, 2025 Wisconsin State Journal clipping Newspapers.com B5 Because the Bears deferred, the Packers were given the option to kickoff or receive the kickoff. https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-rulebook/ 2025 NFL Rulebook NFL.com October 8, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20251006020623/https://operations.nfl.com/the-rules/nfl-rulebook/ October 6, 2025 live The Packers began the game with possession of the ball after receiving the kickoff. On the first two plays of the drive, Rodgers completed passes of 22 and 26 yards to Greg Jennings. After two short plays, Rodgers completed a 22-yard pass to Jordy Nelson. On the next play, Rodgers ran in a one-yard touchdown to give the Packers a 7–0 lead. The next five consecutive drives, three by the Bears and two by the Packers, ended in punts. After taking possession at mid-field, the Packers drove 49 yards in 5 plays, capped off by a four-yard rushing touchdown by James Starks to increase their lead to 14–0. Three more drives, two by the Bears and one by the Packers, ended in punts. The Packers drove to mid-field on their next drive, before Rodgers threw a pass intended for Donald Driver that was intercepted by Lance Briggs. Just one play later, Jay Cutler threw a deep pass towards Johnny Knox that was intercepted by Sam Shields. The play was reviewed to verify whether the pass was intercepted and the call on the field was confirmed; Cutler was injured on the play. The Packers kneeled the ball to run out the rest of the game clock in the first half. https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/310123003 Packers 21–14 Bears (Jan 23, 2011) Play-by-play May 27, 2025 ESPN.com January 24, 2011 May 27, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250527223146/https://www.espn.com/nfl/playbyplay/_/gameId/310123003 live Second half The Bears started the second half with the ball, but went three-and-out and punted. The Packers drove down the field to the six-yard line, before Rodgers threw a pass that was intercepted by Brian Urlacher, who returned the ball to mid-field. Rodgers was able to tackle Urlacher, preventing a possible defensive touchdown. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-rants-and-raves/173470023/ Rants & Raves Vandermause Mike January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106192922/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-rants-and-raves/173470023/ January 6, 2026 live The Bears again went three-and-out, this time with Collins in as quarterback for Cutler, whose earlier knee injury ended up keeping him out for the rest of the game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-cutler-unfairly/173470229/ Cutler Unfairly Questioned Haugh David January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 10 The drive included an interception by the Packers that was reversed via instant replay. On the next drive, the Packers punted to the Bears, who went three-and-out again. After a Bears' punt, the Packers then went three-and-out. The Bears replaced Collins for Caleb Hanie, who then led the Bears on an eight-play, 67-yard drive that ended in a short touchdown run to bring the score to 14–7. The next three drives, two by the Packers and one by the Bears, ended in punts after short drives. The Bears took over on their own 10-yard line; after a short rush by Matt Forte, Hanie threw a short pass that was intercepted by B. J. Raji and returned for a touchdown, increasing the Packers lead to 21–7. The Bears got the ball, down by two touchdowns with six minutes left in the game. Hanie led a quick scoring drive, capped by a 35-yard touchdown pass to Bennett. With a little over four-and-a-half minutes left in the game, the Bears kicked the ball off to the Packers. However, the Packers went three-and-out while moving backwards one yard on the drive. The Bears took over after the Packers punt with almost three minutes left in the game, down 21–14, needing a touchdown to tie or win. The Bears drove 44 yards to the Packers 29-yard line; on fourth down and five yards to go, with under a minute left in the game, Hanie threw a deep pass that was intercepted by Sam Shields. Rodgers and the Packers' offense came onto the field and knelt down once to end the game. Box score #fff #eee Green Bay Packers 2;text-align:center; NFC Championship Game – Green Bay Packers vs Chicago Bears – Game summary January 23, 2011 3:05 p.m. EST/2:00 p.m. CST Packers 7 7 0 7 Bears 0 0 0 14 Soldier Field, Chicago, Illinois 62,377 20 °F °C, wind at 14 mph Terry McAulay Fox Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Pam Oliver, and Chris Myers https://www.newspapers.com/article/kenosha-news-game-essentials/182579676/ Game Essentials January 22, 2011 October 8, 2025 Kenosha News clipping Newspapers.com D6 Pro-Football-Reference.com https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101230chi.htm NFC Championship – Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - January 23rd, 2011 Pro-Football-Reference.com May 13, 2025 November 15, 2017 https://web.archive.org/web/20171115020608/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/201101230chi.htm live and ESPN.com https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/310123003 ESPN.com Packers 21–14 Bears (Jan 23, 2011) Box Score May 13, 2025 January 24, 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20231108143054/https://www.espn.com/nfl/boxscore/_/gameId/310123003 November 8, 2023 live First quarter GB Green Bay – Aaron Rodgers 1-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 10:50. Packers 7–0. Drive: 7 plays, 84 yards, 4:10. Second quarter GB Green Bay – James Starks 4-yard run (Mason Crosby kick), 11:13. Packers 14–0. Drive: 5 plays, 44 yards, 2:53. Third quarter No scoring plays. Fourth quarter CHI Chicago – Chester Taylor 1-yard run (Robbie Gould kick), 12:02. Packers 14–7. Drive: 8 plays, 67 yards, 3:55. GB Green Bay – B. J. Raji 18-yard interception return (Mason Crosby kick), 6:04. Packers 21–7. CHI Chicago – Earl Bennett 35-yard pass from Caleb Hanie (Robbie Gould kick), 4:43. Packers 21–14. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 1:21. Green Bay Packers stats Passing Aaron Rodgers – 17/30, 244 yards, 2 interceptions Rushing James Starks – 22 rushes, 74 yards, 1 touchdown Aaron Rodgers – 7 rushes, 39 yards Brandon Jackson – 2 rushes, 5 yards John Kuhn – 1 rush, 2 yards Receiving Greg Jennings – 8 receptions, 130 yards Jordy Nelson – 4 receptions, 67 yards Brandon Jackson – 1 reception, 16 yards James Jones – 1 reception, 10 yards Donald Driver – 1 reception, 9 yards John Kuhn – 1 reception, 6 yards James Starks – 1 reception, 6 yards Chicago Bears stats Passing Caleb Hanie – 13/20, 153 yards, 1 touchdown, 2 interceptions Jay Cutler – 6/14, 80 yards, 1 interception Todd Collins – 0/4, 0 yards Rushing Matt Forte – 17 rushes, 70 yards Jay Cutler – 2 rushes, 10 yards Caleb Hanie – 1 rush, 3 yards Chester Taylor – 3 rushes, 2 yards Earl Bennett – 1 rush, -2 yards Receiving Matt Forte – 10 receptions, 90 yards Johnny Knox – 2 receptions, 56 yards Earl Bennett – 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 touchdown Greg Olsen – 3 receptions, 30 yards Chester Taylor – 1 reception, 12 yards Analysis thumb|right|B. J. Raji, pictured here in 2012, had a key interception return for a touchdown in the second half that ended up being the decisive score that secured the Packers' victory.|alt=Portrait of Raji in uniform Post-game analysis centered on the competitive nature of the game, the teams' historic rivalry, and performances by individual players. After the Packers jumped to a 14–0 lead, the game became more defensive. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-ride-d/173470098/ Packers Ride 'D' to Dallas Dougherty Pete January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 5 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106204500/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-ride-d/173470098/ January 6, 2026 live https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-bears-defense-d/173470249/ Bears' Defense Does Its Part McClure Vaughn January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 10 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106084807/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-bears-defense-d/173470249/ January 6, 2026 live Over the entire game, both teams combined for 17 punts and five interceptions, while each team had only two offensive scoring drives a piece. Each team was also poor on third down, with the Packers and Bears only converting three times combined. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-hanie-prolific-i/173469969/ Hanie Prolific in Limited Time Goska Eric January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 4 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106140306/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-hanie-prolific-i/173469969/ January 6, 2026 live For the Bears, Forte carried the offensive load, accumulating 160 yards rushing and receiving combined; his 10 receptions were a franchise playoff record. https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-forte-plays-a-record-ref/173470298/ Forte Plays a Record Refrain Mitchell Fred January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Chicago Tribune clipping Newspapers.com 6 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106172003/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-forte-plays-a-record-ref/173470298/ January 6, 2026 live For the Packers, Jennings had a productive game, catching eight passes for 130 yards. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-the-insider/173470041/ The Insider Demovsky Rob January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 3 Rodgers threw for 244 yards and rushed for a touchdown, but also threw two interceptions and completed barely 50% of his passes. Shields secured two interceptions, including one on the final drive to seal the victory, while Raji's interception return for a touchdown was highlighted as the key play of the game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-shields-raji-ri/173470132/ Shields, Raji Rise to the Occasion Demovsky Rob January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 6 https://web.archive.org/web/20260107014045/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-shields-raji-ri/173470132/ January 7, 2026 live Punter Tim Masthay was also highlighted for his success in limiting the productivity of the Bears' star returner, Devin Hester, who would go on to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://apnews.com/article/devin-hester-hall-of-fame-c4a37378f6d199665949971432606e19 APNews.com Devin Hester Rewrote NFL Record Book With His Spectacular Returns. Now, He Goes Into Hall of Fame Seligman Andrew June 4, 2025 July 30, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20250829044127/https://apnews.com/article/devin-hester-hall-of-fame-c4a37378f6d199665949971432606e19 August 29, 2025 live Masthay was able to maximize ball placement, hangtime, and direction to make it difficult for Hester to return the ball, while also providing the Packers' coverage team the opportunity to make a tackle. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-masthay-masterfu/173470186/ Masthay Masterful in Limiting Hester Dougherty Pete January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 8 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106154351/https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-masthay-masterfu/173470186/ January 6, 2026 live Another key point of discussion after the game was the impact of Cutler's injury and the performance of the Bears' back-up quarterbacks. Cutler received much criticism for not continuing to play, even though he had been relatively ineffective. The Bears' coaches were the ones that decided to pull him off the field, and his injury was confirmed after the game. https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-cutler-gave-it-a-go-coa/173470319/ Cutler Gave It a Go, Coaches Said No Biggs Brad January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Chicago Tribune clipping Newspapers.com 5 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106092858/https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-cutler-gave-it-a-go-coa/173470319/ January 6, 2026 live Collins was completely ineffective coming in for two drives, while Hanie was able to come in and move the offense. Even though Hanie threw two interceptions, he ultimately led two scoring drives and gave the Bears an opportunity for a comeback. https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-after-season-of-breaks/173470376/ After Season of Breaks, Hanie Can't Pull Off Miracle Biggs Brad January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Chicago Tribune clipping Newspapers.com 3 It was reported that some Bears' players questioned why Hanie was not the second-string quarterback, although his placement on the depth chart may have benefited him, as the Packers admitted after the game they had not done any preparation on Hanie or knew much about him. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-thompson-deflect/173470219/ Thompson Deflects Praise, Looks Ahead to Super Bowl Demovsky Rob Dougherty Pete January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 9 Multiple sources highlighted the importance of this game to the teams' rivalry, both because it was only the second time they played in the postseason and because the winner moved on to the Super Bowl. Outcome With the victory, the Packers advanced to Super Bowl XLV against the Pittsburgh Steelers. It was their first Super Bowl berth since the 1997 NFL season. https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-locker-room-mood/173470160/ Locker-room Mood is One of Appreciation Copeland Kareem January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 7 After the game, Packers defensive back Charles Woodson, referencing president Barack Obama's Chicago roots and the traditional visit to the White House by the NFL champions, predicted a Packers' Super Bowl victory. He stated "The President don't want to come watch the Super Bowl? Guess what? We're gonna see him!" https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2021/01/20/green-bay-packers-revisiting-2010-super-bowl-run-nfc-title-game/6639674002/ Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Packers' 2010 Road to Super Bowl XLV: A Storied Rivalry Gets its Greatest Chapter January 20, 2021 June 3, 2025 Radcliffe JR The Packers then went on to beat the Steelers 31–25 to secure the franchise's 13th championship, while also becoming only the second team in NFL history to win a Super Bowl as the sixth seed; the Packers were the first team to do so from the National Football Conference. https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-citizen-rodgers-returns-titletown/173763959/ Rodgers Returns Titletown to Glory Associated Press February 7, 2011 June 3, 2025 Daily Citizen clipping Newspapers.com B1 June 3, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250603204252/https://www.newspapers.com/article/daily-citizen-rodgers-returns-titletown/173763959/ live Rodgers was named the Super Bowl Most Valuable Player after throwing three touchdowns and over 300 yards passing. February 6, 2011 Aaron Rodgers Tosses 3 TD Passes as Packers Drop Steelers to Win Super Bowl XLV http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=310206009 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20110225151826/http://espn.go.com/nfl/recap?gameId=310206009 February 25, 2011 February 7, 2011 ESPN.com Associated Press The Packers would continue their success throughout the 2010s, making the playoffs each of the next six seasons. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/index.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com Green Bay Packers Franchise Encyclopedia May 27, 2025 March 24, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190324190901/https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/gnb/index.htm live The 2010 NFC Championship Game marked the pinnacle for the Bears in the 2010s, as they missed the playoffs for the next seven seasons and only made the postseason once more during the decade, in 2018. Legacy Spanning over 100 years, the Bears and Packers have one of the longest and most storied rivalries in NFL history, however the two teams had only ever met in the playoffs once before 2010. https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/120904/packers-bears-the-nfls-greatest-rivalry ESPN.com Packers-Bears: The NFL's Greatest Rivalry John McTigue John June 6, 2016 June 3, 2025 February 16, 2020 https://web.archive.org/web/20200216153844/https://www.espn.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/120904/packers-bears-the-nfls-greatest-rivalry live In 1941, the Bears beat the Packers 33–14 before winning the 1941 NFL Championship Game against the New York Giants. https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/194112140chi.htm Pro-Football-Reference.com May 30, 2025 Divisional Round – Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears - December 14th, 1941 August 11, 2016 https://web.archive.org/web/20160811235323/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/194112140chi.htm live https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-bears-crush-giants-37/173762946/ Bears Crush Giants 37–9 for Pro Grid Title Associated Press December 22, 1941 June 3, 2025 The Capital Times clipping Newspapers.com 19 https://web.archive.org/web/20260106190543/https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-capital-times-bears-crush-giants-37/173762946/ January 6, 2026 live With a chance to play in the Super Bowl, this NFC Championship Game immediately became a noted part of the teams' rivalry. https://bleacherreport.com/articles/581598-packers-vs-bears-top-10-games-in-the-nfls-most-storied-rivalry BleacherReport.com Packers vs. Bears: Top 10 Games in the NFL's Most Storied Rivalry Leigh Andrew June 3, 2025 June 2, 2018 https://web.archive.org/web/20260727234857/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/581598-packers-vs-bears-top-10-games-in-the-nfls-most-storied-rivalry July 27, 2026 live In 2025, Sports Illustrated identified the game as the best in the history of the rivalry. https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/five-greatest-games-in-packers-bears-history SI.com Five Greatest Games in History of Packers-Bears Rivalry Huber Bill June 3, 2025 January 5, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20250321155813/https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/five-greatest-games-in-packers-bears-history March 21, 2025 live Raji's interception return for a touchdown, which was the first score of his career, was ranked as one of the 50 greatest sports moments in Wisconsin history by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel in 2020. https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/05/09/50-greatest-wisconsin-sports-moments-no-14-rajis-return-vs-bears/3040051001/ 50 in 50: B.J. Raji Takes it to the House and the Packers Beat the Bears in the NFC Title Game Milwaukee Journal Sentinel June 4, 2025 May 9, 2020 Radcliffe JR June 13, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20240613134118/https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2020/05/09/50-greatest-wisconsin-sports-moments-no-14-rajis-return-vs-bears/3040051001/ live https://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/36462/xlv-b-j-raji-dancing-his-way-to-stardom XLV: B.J. Raji Dancing His Way to Stardom ESPN.com Seifert Kevin June 4, 2025 January 25, 2011 This game, along with the entire playoff run and Super Bowl victory for the Packers, helped solidify Rodgers status as a premier starting quarterback in the NFL. https://packerswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/05/17/remembering-aaron-rodgers-magical-run-through-2010-playoffs/80313576007/ USAToday.com Remembering Aaron Rodgers' Magical Run Through 2010 Playoffs Kruse Zach May 17, 2017 June 3, 2025 https://www.espn.com.sg/nfl/story/_/id/30037799/one-night-atlanta-10-years-ago-aaron-rodgers-turned-star One Night in Atlanta 10 Years Ago, Packers QB Aaron Rodgers Turned Into a Star October 5, 2020 June 3, 2025 ESPN.com Demovsky Rob https://www.newspapers.com/article/green-bay-press-gazette-packers-have-hea/173470067/ Packers Have Heart of Champion Vandermause Mike January 24, 2011 June 3, 2025 Green Bay Press-Gazette clipping Newspapers.com 2 It ended up being the only NFC Championship Game victory for Rodgers, who would go on to lose four straight after 2010. https://bearswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bears/2021/01/25/packers-aaron-rodgers-has-as-many-nfc-championship-wins-as-bear-rex-grossman/75981976007/ USAToday.com Aaron Rodgers Has Won the Same Number of NFC Championship Games as Rex Grossman Barbieri Alyssa January 25, 2021 December 10, 2024 December 13, 2024 https://web.archive.org/web/20241213232511/https://bearswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/bears/2021/01/25/packers-aaron-rodgers-has-as-many-nfc-championship-wins-as-bear-rex-grossman/75981976007/ live For the Bears, the game has been characterized as one of the worst defeats in team history. Although Cutler returned the next year and had one of his best statistical seasons, questions regarding the severity of his injury during the game and whether he could have played persisted for years. https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/73789/five-years-ago-jay-cutlers-toughness-was-questioned-in-nfc-title-game ESPN.com Five years ago, Jay Cutler's toughness was questioned in NFC title game Dickerson Jeff January 22, 2016 October 8, 2025 https://web.archive.org/web/20241201192534/https://www.espn.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/73789/five-years-ago-jay-cutlers-toughness-was-questioned-in-nfc-title-game December 1, 2024 live References External links 6fIo-2bhF94 Packers vs. Bears 2010 NFC Championship Game Highlights NFL NFC Championship Game NFC Championship Game Category:American football competitions in Chicago Category:Green Bay Packers playoff games NFC Championship Game Category:NFC Championship Games Category:Chicago Bears postseason Category:Aaron Rodgers