Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football

by Rich Cohen
Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football cover
Good Books rating 4.31
History, Political, Military, Adventure
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  • ID: 9401
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2026-02-18
  • ISBN: 9781250056047
  • Publisher: Picador
  • Published: 2014-10-14
  • Reviews: 4

Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football is a vivid retelling of a legendary season that transcended the sport. Rich Cohen captures the essence of a team that was as much a cultural phenomenon as it was a football dynasty. From the high-stepping runs of Walter Payton to the revolutionary 46 defense, the book paints a picture of a team that was as colorful as it was dominant. The narrative extends beyond the field, exploring the personal stories of the players and coaches, their rivalries, and their impact on the city of Chicago. It's a story of victory, loss, and the unyielding passion of fandom. /n/nCohen's account is not just about the games but about the people who made the 1985 Bears unforgettable. The book delves into the psyche of the players, their fears, their triumphs, and their lives after football. It's a celebration of the game and a tribute to the fans who lived and breathed every moment of that historic season. The result is a portrait of a team, a city, and a game that continues to inspire and captivate.

Reviews
The StoryGraph · 2026-02-18
enjoyable 3.50

The book is fun and informative, offering a history of both the NFL and the Bears, but at times it reads like a hagiography. It provides an entertaining and educational read for football fans.

The StoryGraph notes that the book is both fun and informative, offering a comprehensive history of the NFL and the Chicago Bears. The reviewer appreciates the entertaining and educational aspects of the book but feels that it sometimes reads like a hagiography, which can be a bit one-sided. They highlight that the book is a great resource for football fans looking to learn more about the 1985 season and its impact on the sport. The reviewer finds the book to be an enjoyable read, despite its occasional bias.

Quick quotes

    It's fun and informative, and is equally a history of both the NFL and the bears, not just 1985.

    It reads too much at times though like hagiography.

    It provides an entertaining and educational read for football fans.

WAMC · 2014-01-10
nostalgic 4.75

For many fans, the 1985 Chicago Bears were more than a football team; they were the greatest football team ever. The book captures this sentiment and provides a gripping account of their championship season.

This review underscores the book's ability to evoke the nostalgia and admiration that the 1985 Chicago Bears inspire in their fans. The author's portrayal of the team as a cultural icon is noted, making the book a compelling read for those who remember the era and those discovering it for the first time. The book is praised for its vivid storytelling and the way it captures the essence of the team's legacy.

Quick quotes

    For Rich Cohen and millions of other fans, the 1985 Chicago Bears were more than a football team- they were the greatest football team ever.

    The book is a gripping account of a once-in-a-lifetime team and their lone Super Bowl season.

    It's fun and informative, and is equally a history of both the NFL and the Bears, not just 1985.

SportsBookGuy · 2014-01-07
insightful 4.50

The book is a vivid portrait of the 1985 Chicago Bears, capturing the essence of the team and the city. It combines personal stories with historical context, making it a compelling read.

SportsBookGuy provides a detailed and appreciative review of 'Monsters: The 1985 Chicago Bears and the Wild Heart of Football'. The reviewer highlights how the book goes beyond just recounting the team's achievements; it delves into the personal stories of the players and the cultural impact of the team on Chicago. The reviewer praises Cohen's ability to capture the spirit of the era and the unique character of the 1985 Bears. The book is seen as a tribute to the team and the city, offering a rich and nuanced perspective on one of the most iconic teams in NFL history. The reviewer also notes that the personal anecdotes and interviews add a layer of authenticity and depth to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    This book is a portrait not merely of a team but of a city and a game.

    It's an accurate account of the book, as well as adding personal stories.

    The book is a love letter to the Bears and to Chicago, written with the passion and insight of a true fan.

SportsBookGuy Blog · 2014-01-07
comprehensive 4.50

The book is praised for its accurate portrayal of the team and the city, along with personal stories that add depth to the narrative. It is seen as a comprehensive account of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

This review highlights the book's accuracy and depth. The reviewer appreciates that the book is not just about the team but also about the city and the game. They mention that the book includes personal stories that add to the narrative, making it a well-rounded account. The reviewer seems to enjoy the book and finds it a comprehensive look at the 1985 Chicago Bears, making it a great read for fans of the team and the era. They also note that the book is a portrait of a team, a city, and a game, which adds to its appeal.

Quick quotes

    This book is a portrait not merely of a team but of a city and a game.

    This is an accurate account of the book, as well as adding personal stories.

    This is a comprehensive account of the 1985 Chicago Bears.

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