Quarterback Jim McMahon of the 1985 Chicago Bears is awesome. I know what you’re thinking, this isn’t new information. Knowledge of how awesome McMahon has been available to the human race for ages. So just consider this a jogging of one’s memory. That is unless you’re trying to forget about Jim McMahon and the Chicago Bears…yes we mean YOU Steve Grogan and Tony Eason.

9.) The “Miracle Bowl”

McMahon was awesome before he even took a snap as a Chicago Bear. While attending Brigham Young University, McMahon led the BYU Cougars to one of the greatest comebacks in college football history. This game is known as “The Miracle Bowl”. The Cougars were facing a tough SMU Mustang team who had a RB duo of Craig James and Eric Dickerson, two guys you might have heard of. The Cougars were down 45-25 with four minutes left in the game, sensing the BYU crowd losing hope, McMahon screamed that the game wasn’t quite over yet. . He led them to three quick touchdowns, one including a hail mary pass to Clay Brown as time ran out on the clock. This really put McMahon on the map

8.) This Guy Likes His Beer

Like any other American, Jim McMahon has an affinity for drinking beer. After being drafted by the Bears in the 1982 NFL draft. McMahon showed up to the first public Chicago Bears function with a cold beer in his hand. This didn’t please new head coach Mike Ditka or team owner George Halas. McMahon has some serious cojones. Before we get into this next tidbit of information, I do not condone the actions of McMahon. In 2003, McMahon was pulled over in Florida for drunk driving. That isn’t awesome. However upon being pulled over, McMahon stepped out of the car and announced to the police….“Im too drunk, ya got me.” Even the way he announces his guilt is awesome.

7.) Who’d Win in a Fight? Coach Ditka or a Hurricane?

Coach Ditka would win in a fight against a hurricane, that is unless the hurricane’s name was Ditka…then it would be a tie. Bill Swerski’s Superfans sketch on SNL was onto something when referencing Coach Ditka. It was apparent there was a rift between starting quarterback Jim McMahon, and head coach Mike Ditka.McMahon’s antics and attitude didnt sit so well with Coach Ditka, one of the most notable problems stemmed from McMahon’s tendency to change the plays in the huddle and at the line of scrimmage, which really pissed off Da Coach. This built up tension between them led to a falling out between McMahon and coach Ditka (and team president Michael McCaskey). Ultimately this falling out led to him being traded in 1989 to the San Diego Chargers. Bear fans hated to see McMahon leave but injury problems plagued his playing days in Chicago. I for one, wouldn’t oppose Mike Ditka on anything. Something about Ditka makes me feel as if when he is angry, he wouldn’t be a good person to be around.

6.) He Can Throw a Football and Pitch a Product

Jim McMahon was the pitchman for many 80’s commercials. We all love 80’s TV commercials.

5.) “The Punky QB”

The 1985 Chicago Bears are known for being one of the most dominant teams in NFL history….and for the Super Bowl Shuffle. The Super Bowl Shuffle was a rap record put together featuring the players. As quarterback of the dominant 1985 Bears, Jim McMahon’s classic line in the video was “”I’m the punky QB known as McMahon”. This earned him the nickname, The Punky QB. A nickname cherished by a large cult following, myself, and well….whoever likes this article.

I’m the punky QB, known as McMahon.
When I hit the turf, I’ve got no plan.
I just throw my body all over the field.
I can’t dance, but I can throw the pill.
I motivate the cats, I like to tease.
I play so cool, I aim to please.
That’s why you all got here on the double
To catch me doin’ the Super Bowl Shuffle.

4.) The Signature Glasses

McMahon’s signature sunglasses truly make him “The Punky QB”. Even though they were worn for medical reasons, they are still badass. When he was 6 years of age, he was attempting to untie a knot in a toy gun holster with a fork, and accidentally severed the retina in his right eye when the fork slipped. This may have been an indicator as to future problems with injury. His vision was alright from the “fork-retina-slip-incident”, however his left eye is extremely sensitive to light. He was one of the first players to wear a visor. Check him out wearing some sunglasses on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. This guy is awesome.

3.) The Signature Headbands

Along with sunglasses, Jim McMahon always had to have a sweet headband. There was never any occasion too formal for the right headband. He often wore a headband while on the sidelines. This even led to him being fined by NFL commisioner Pete Rozelle. The headband in question didn’t have a authorized logo on it. The following week McMahon wore a headband that simply stated…”ROZELLE”

2.) He isn’t Rick Mirer, Steve Stentstrom, Moses Moreno, Shane Mathews, Cade McNown, Jim Miller, Chris Chandler, Henry Burris, Kordell Stewart, Jonathan Quinn, Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchinson, Kyle Orton, Rex Grossman, or Brian Griese.

1.) He’s Jim McMahon

That is enough reason for the #1 spot. He’s Jim McMahon and led the Bears to a super bowl victory in 1985. Participated in the Super Bowl Shuffle rap, his antics entertained many, and generally was just awesome. Even though he was in Chicago from 1982-1988, and had some injury problems that prohibited him from reaching his potential….he’s the Punky QB.

http://www.chicitysports.com/2010/05/21/9-reasons-why-jim-mcmahon-is-awesome/