Every Chicago Bears fan knows Staley Da Bear. But the fuzzy and friendly mascot has become so popular, even people who do not follow the NFL have heard of him. Today, Staley has thousands of followers on Twitter, and outside of the football season, he performs at more than 300 events every year. How did the iconic bear become so popular? Here is a look at Staley Da Bear’s impressive rise to fame.
Where did Staley Da Bear’s name come from?
Staley is named after AE Staley, who founded the Bears franchise in 1919. At the time, the team was known as The Decatur Staleys. It changed its name to the Chicago Staleys in 1921 before becoming the Chicago Bears in 1922.
When was Staley Da Bear’s debut?
The anthropomorphic bear who wears a customized team jersey debuted during the 2003 season. It was the Chicago Bears’ 84th NFL season. The team showed improvement from their 2002 record of 4-12 with a new record of 7-9. With Staley Da Bear entertaining fans at Soldier Field, perhaps he played his part in inciting enthusiasm and motivation in the team as well as the crowd.
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What are Staley Da Bear’s accomplishments?
Staley Da Bear has been named Pro-Bowl Mascot an incredible five times, in 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2013. 2007 was an exceptionally good year for Staley. His winning percentage with the Bears that year was .537. According to his official biography, Staley also won a gold medal for playing rock-paper-scissors and a silver medal for the staring contest at the Celebrity Mascot Olympics.
Staley’s Rise to Stardom
Although Staley became well-known in the first few years of his mascot career, he really gained attention in 2006 due to making numerous cameos on TV, especially during the Bears’ Super Bowl run. He went on to participate in many charity events, Chicago Rush games, and parties. And he also became well-known for taking on a group of youth players from Naperville during half-time, along with Staley’s fellow NFL mascots. Staley Da Bear also made a memorable appearance in the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
With Staley’s help, 2006 was a good season for the Bears. The team finished with a 13-3 record, which was the best in the NFC. And they finished the NFL season tied for second in points scored and third in points allowed.
Staley’s Work in the Community
Staley Da Bear loves helping communities and children. He regularly visits schools to promote anti-bullying programs, and he provides schools with several other educational programs and shows. They include:
· Fuel Up to Play 60. This interactive program enables students to make their schools healthier places. Kids earn prizes by completing challenges with their classmates.
· Mini Monsters. This fun clinic is a free youth program that stresses the importance of things like healthy eating, physical activity, and proper hydration
· Tales to Tackle. Staley Da Bear himself created this show. The 45-minute comedy and educational show promotes his love of reading and learning to little-ones.
Staley is a Record Breaker
According to Staley Da Bear’s official Chicago Bears biography, he holds some impressive records. He presently leads the Bears in most T-shirts shot into the crows, with 1,920, as well as the most costume changes in a season, with 77. Other records he apparently holds that are mentioned in his biography include:
· The longest butt bounce, at 40 yards.
· The most autographs signed, at 16,726.
· The most high-five given, at 34,051,054.06.
Staley Da Bear has been synonymous with the Chicago Bears for 17 years. And he looks set to continue his mascot duties for years to come yet. This bear is as popular as he always was.
