Despite pregame sub-zero temperatures, I joined about 55,000 fans at Soldier Field to watch the Chicago Bears battle the Cleveland Browns. Since the Bears are doing surprisingly well this late in the season, it doesn’t seem quite as frigid.

The reported temperature was 4 degrees, with a wind chill in the negative teens. Unbelievably, that was not the coldest game ever. A game in 2008 holds the unofficial record of a 2-degree game start. I was also at a 12-degree game in 2004 that made the top 10 coldest days.

The Bears haven’t had a winning season since 2018. With rookie head coach Ben Johnson and second-year quarterback Caleb Williams, fans felt positive, but few expected a winning record. With three games remaining in the regular season, the Bears are 10–4 in first place in the North Division and second place in the NFC.

Even with the cold, fans tailgated several hours before game time. Their fires were as much about keeping warm as roasting the brats. Hot chocolate seemed to be the popular beverage, at least before it became cold chocolate.

Jumping to a 14–0 first quarter lead, the Bears cruised to a 31–3 victory. Williams was masterful, while his counterpart, Shedeur Sanders, struggled, giving up three interceptions.

The crowd was incredibly loud throughout the game and for a long stretch as the players left the field. Suddenly, it didn’t seem so cold. It’s amazing what a winning football team can do.

— John Wroblewski, podcaster