By Darin December 31, 1988. Soldier Field in Chicago was set for a fierce NFC Divisional Playoff battle between the home-town Bears and the determined Philadelphia Eagles. Yet, this highly anticipated grudge match between Hall of Fame coaches Mike Ditka and Buddy Ryan would soon transcend typical postseason drama. By halftime, a ghostly, thick blanket of fog had rolled off Lake Michigan, descending upon the field and turning one of the biggest games of the year into the most surreal, visibility-defying spectacle in NFL history: the legendary “Fog Bowl.”
The Day the Gridiron Disappeared
The game began under clear, cold conditions, but by the end of the first half, a mysterious, dense fog began to creep in. By the time the third quarter started, Soldier Field was nearly opaque. Visibility plummeted to mere yards, making it impossible for fans to track the ball, for coaches to signal plays, and even for television cameras to capture the action reliably.
The bizarre atmosphere fundamentally altered the contest. The Eagles, led by quarterback Randall Cunningham, struggled to execute their passing attack. Meanwhile, the Bears, relying on their powerful defensive line and established running game, adapted better to the close-quarters, grind-it-out nature the fog demanded.
Article from Jan 1, 1989 San Antonio Light (San Antonio, Texas)
The visibility was so poor that players later recalled having to physically bump into each other to identify opponents. Announcers had to rely on fan reactions and stadium sound to call the game, and at one point, officials were forced to halt the clock to confirm the ball’s spot and the down number. Despite the chaotic conditions, the game continued, a bizarre testament to postseason resolve. Ultimately, the Chicago defense held firm, and the Bears emerged victorious with a final score of 20-12.
Conclusion
The 1988 NFC Divisional game is rarely remembered for its score or even its teams; it is remembered solely for the meteorological event that shrouded it in myth. The Fog Bowl stands as a singular, unforgettable chapter in NFL playoff lore—a game where the weather became the star player, turning a fierce rivalry into a hazy, dreamlike struggle that solidified its place as one of the most unique spectacles in the history of American sports.
