<p>The Chicago Bears one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL) has a rich history that dates back to its founding in 1920. It all began in Decatur Illinois when A.E. Staley a food starch manufacturer decided to sponsor a football team for his employees. Staley hired George Halas and Edward 'Dutch' Sternaman two erstwhile football players to run the team. Named the Decatur Staleys the team became a charter member of the American Professional Football Association (APFA) which would later become the NFL.</p>