"Bears: Won for Papa"

Signed and Numbered *Limited Edition 20" x 16" Lithograph

"Limited Edition" refers to the fact that there is only a certain amount, or "limited" number of serigraphs printed of a specific piece of artwork. After the edition is printed, all of the original artwork and screens used to make the print are destroyed or effaced. This ensures that no additional prints of this image will be made in the future. This is the opposite of an "Open Edition," where public demand determines the number of pieces included in an edition.

WON FOR PAPA
SUPER BOWL XX: THE CHICAGO BEARS
Papa Bear George Halas would have been proud. His Chicago Bears, long the also-ran of the National Football league, had finally arrived. With the tempestuous Mike Ditka at the helm, the 1985 edition of the Bears had reeled off 13 victories and one defeat and was now gunning for that prestigious title of World Champions. It was Super Bowl XX against the New England Patriots.

The Patriots had gotten to the coveted post-season bowl on the backs of third-year quarterback Tony Eason, the running of Craig James, world-class sprinter/pass catcher Stanley Morgan and a defense that could rival anyone around. But, unfortunately for the Red, White and Blue Patriots, they were facing an irrepressible team of hungry bears on the prowl.

Their cast of players included "punk rocker" quarterback Jim McMahon, burner Willie Gault, all-pro linebacker Mike Singletary, and "Sweetness" himself, the late great Walter Payton, quite possibly the greatest runner in NFL history. (Payton, who died in 1999, still holds the single game NFL rushing record. Concerning Payton, Ditka said, "He was the greatest football player I ever saw.") Throw into that mix the colorful and unpredictable William "Refrigerator" Perry, the lineman who could not only block but could make the scoreboard light up with his running and passing, and you had a team that would not be denied.

The Patriots struck first after a Bear miscue, but for New England's best this was going to be a day to forget. The Bears pre-game boasting became all too real for the Patriots. Led by McMahon's 256 yards passing, and highlighted by Refrigerator's third-quarter TD and a stingy Bear defense, Super Bowl XX was show off time for the Windy City.

The final: Chicago 46, New England 10.

In this special tribute to Walter Payton and this incredible Chicago Bear football team, America's Sports Artist, Rick Rush, reaches into the past to bring their finest hour to life. This exceptional work, highlights Rush's talent for capturing the most minute details surrounding an athletic event while vividly portraying its essence, culminates in a rare and insightful look into Super Bowl XX, the day the Bears "Won for Papa."

Bears: Won For Papa