ESPN’s highly-anticipated “30 for 30″ film “The ’85 Bears” debuted Thursday night, and in case you missed it, it was a bit of a tear-jerker.
The film, which chronicles the rise and fall of Chicago’s only Super Bowl championship team, included more than one moving moment – most notably coach Buddy Ryan’s emotional letter to his former players.
But there were lighthearted moments as well – like when discussing William “Refrigerator” Perry, who quarterback Jim McMahon described as “a big, happy fat guy.”
The documentary, narrated by Vince Vaughn, was received well by fans and former players alike:
Almost time! We’re going to be here all night Twitter #85Bears @ChicagoBears @30for30 pic.twitter.com/QwWp0bWfaw
— Mike Singletary (@CoachMSing) February 5, 2016
Mike Singletary is the kind of guy that no matter how old you are, you call him Sir. #85Bears
— Mike Golic Jr (@MGolicJR57) February 5, 2016
That #85Bears #30for30 sheesh. So inspiring man….no words. Love you @ChicagoBears
— Eric Gehrig (@eGehrig16) February 5, 2016
"We dominated games. We beat the hell outta people" #85Bears #30for30 #DEFENSE
— Otis Wilson (@OtisWilson_55) February 5, 2016
The Minnesota game was gr8 when McMahon came off the bench. Washington was another of my favorite games that year. #85Bears
— Mike Singletary (@CoachMSing) February 5, 2016
Try explaining to your coworkers why you looked like you were crying. Not easy to explain at all! #85bears
— Jeremy Kramer (@airjer54) February 5, 2016
Crying shame Walter didn't get the chance to score in that Super Bowl game. @30for30 #85Bears
— Otis Wilson (@OtisWilson_55) February 5, 2016
@suntimes_sports @30for30 The documentary showed exactly who the 85 Bears were; the connection they had with Buddy Ryan and it was amazing.
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) February 5, 2016
As good a @30for30 that I've seen. So much more than game highlights. A true story. Beautiful to watch and sad too https://t.co/AhzRVhzPSG
— Jeff Newton (@Jeff_Newton847) February 5, 2016
Just finishing #85Bears. My goosebumps have goosebumps.
— Jamie Stangel (@StangelJamie) February 5, 2016
The last 20 min of #30for30 #85Bears is sad but eye opening. You don't want to see the legends end up like that
— Garrett Rempel (@imgarrettrempel) February 5, 2016
Ugh.. That letter from Buddy has me tearing up #85Bears #30for30
— D. Miles (@OctobersOwnTae) February 5, 2016
Buddy was a great teacher… taught me so much. I'm very thankful for him believing in me. #85Bears pic.twitter.com/QqXjWWLBnY
— Mike Singletary (@CoachMSing) February 5, 2016
Ditka: "The best thing that happened to Mike Ditka was Buddy Ryan and the best thing that happened to Buddy Ryan was Mike Ditka." #85Bears
— 85 Bears (@85ChiBears) February 5, 2016
Watching the #85Bears #30for30 reminded me why I love the @ChicagoBears. It's been tough to watch the last couple years but, #BearDown
— Cesar Hernandez (@CaptainSisig) February 5, 2016
Well, I guess I'm gonna weep like a baby now. Thanks #85Bears 30 For 30.
— Kevin Jakubowski (@jakubowski1988) February 5, 2016
Didn’t expect to cry over a football documentary…Singletary & Buddy Ryan’s visit, Payton’s death & Buddy’s letter @espn3030 #85Bears
— LV BonBonz (@bsines) February 5, 2016
Everybody's got some aches and pain, if you didn't you dint play. I'd do it all over again the same way. #85bears #30for30 #BearDown
— Otis Wilson (@OtisWilson_55) February 5, 2016
It started with a letter from his players to save his job. It ended with a letter from him thanking them. @30for30 #85Bears
— MadamDarkness (@MadamDarkness) February 5, 2016
Dave and Walter were great men and are sorely missed to this day. Bears for life. #85Bears #30for30
— Otis Wilson (@OtisWilson_55) February 5, 2016
This #85Bears @30for30 is great stuff, even for a @packers fan. That team was amazing. #SuperBowlShuffle
— Andrew Johnson (@Johnson_Drew) February 5, 2016
We worked together. We were a team. Thank you for watching, Goodnight. #85Bears @30for30 pic.twitter.com/DtUPAiqvh2
— Mike Singletary (@CoachMSing) February 5, 2016
16 iconic Walter Payton photos
