At the end of the football season in 1985, Mike Ditka was on top of the world. As coach of the '85 Chicago Bears, his team had a nearly undefeated record that took them to the Super Bowl -- and they won. That year, the Bears solidified their reputation as being one of the most dominant and popular teams in NFL history. But their popularity and wasn't just a coup for their coach, as Ditka tells "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" It extended far beyond the goal lines.
"The 1985 Chicago Bears were something that the city of Chicago needed -- and something that the sport needed," Ditka says.
The way those men played the game, he adds, was downright magical in the way it drew in the fans. "They were old-style football players," Ditka says. "They captured the imagination of the average guy on the street."
On the field, the '85 Bears were the ones to beat. They plowed through the regular season with a 15-1 record, outscored their opponents 456 to 198 and put forth a ruthless defense that only allowed five of their opponents to score more than 10 points in a game.
"They went to work and they kicked somebody's butt. That's the way they played the game -- they came in and worked," Ditka says.
All that work paid off and, in Ditka's view, couldn't have led to a much better season in 1985. The roster was made up of invaluable contributors, and certain players, such as running back Walter Payton, were seen as superstars.
"I had maybe the greatest running back in the history of the game," Ditka says. "And I had a great, great defense. Maybe as ever played the game."
Adding together the powerhouse talents, the intense work ethic and the captivating style of the team gave Ditka and his 1985 Bears a winning formula both on and off the field.
"We had a great group of guys. It was fun to be around them," Ditka says. "It was a great time in America."
Ditka opens up about his experiences as a coach (and as a player) on this weekend's "Oprah: Where Are They Now?", airing Saturday, Oct. 10 at 10 p.m. ET on OWN.
For more from "Oprah: Where Are They Now?", visit wherearetheynow.buzz.
Amazing Photos From The 2015 NFL Season
(01 of10)
Open Image ModalGreen Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy is flipped and brought down by Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware during the first quarter on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2015, at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver. (Mark Reis/Colorado Springs Gazette/TNS via Getty Images) (credit:Colorado Springs Gazette via Getty Images)
(02 of10)
Open Image ModalCLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns throws a second quarter pass behind the defense of Brian Orakpo #98 of the Tennessee Titans at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) (credit:Gregory Shamus via Getty Images)
(03 of10)
Open Image ModalCLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 20: Quarterback Johnny Manziel #2 of the Cleveland Browns scrambles from cornerback Coty Sensabaugh #24 of the Tennessee Titans during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) (credit:Jason Miller via Getty Images)
(04 of10)
Open Image ModalFOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 10: Fans stand with a sign stating 'Hey Mr. Trump Tom Brady for V.P.' before the game between the New England Patriots and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on September 10, 2015 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images) (credit:Jim Rogash via Getty Images)
(05 of10)
Open Image ModalHOUSTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 13: J.J. Watt #99 of the Houston Texans is introduced before playing against the Kansas City Chiefs in a NFL game on September 13, 2015 at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Thomas B. Shea/Getty Images) (credit:Thomas B. Shea via Getty Images)
(06 of10)
Open Image ModalCHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers dives for a touchdown against the Houston Texans during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Streeter Lecka via Getty Images)
(07 of10)
Open Image ModalCHESTNUT HILL, MA - SEPTEMBER 18: A Boston College Eagles fan holds a sign protesting NFL Comissioner Roger Goodell during the game between the Boston College Eagles and the Florida State Seminoles at Alumni Stadium on September 18, 2015 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) (credit:Maddie Meyer via Getty Images)
(08 of10)
Open Image ModalCHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 20: Garrett Graham #88 of the Houston Texans makes a touchdown catch over A.J. Klein #56 of the Carolina Panthers in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 20, 2015 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) (credit:Streeter Lecka via Getty Images)
(09 of10)
Open Image ModalTAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 13: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers takes the field prior to his first regular season game against the Tennessee Titans at Raymond James Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Tampa, Florida. The Titans defeated the Bucs 42-14. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) (credit:Joe Robbins via Getty Images)
(10 of10)
Open Image ModalORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 20: Buffalo Bills fans in the stands with "Deflategate" signs as the Patriots came onto the field. The New England Patriots take on the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, Sept. 20, 2015. (Photo by Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) (credit:Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Already contributed? Log in to hide these messages.