This game will forever be known in Bears' lore as the Walter Payton Game, thanks to the heroics of Bryan Robinson.
Robinson, a little-known defensive end, became unforgettable when he reached up and blocked Ryan Longwell's 28-yard attempt with seven seconds left to give the Bears a one-point win.
It was an emotional day at Lambeau Field, as Payton had passed away just six days earlier at 45 years old. While memorials were held at Soldier Field, the Bears traveled to Green Bay for what nobody figured would be much of a game.
The Packers had beaten the Bears 10 straight times and held a 10-7 lead at halftime. Jim Miller—who relieved the injured Cade McNown—put the Bears ahead with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Bobby Engram in the third quarter.
While the Packers moved the ball, they had a hard time getting it into the end zone. They got within a point with a field goal. They were easily in range to win the game, but Robinson thwarted their attempt.
Robinson played 14 years in the NFL, retiring in 2010 with the Arizona Cardinals. He was always a stout run defender but never topped five sacks in a season. That was the only kick he ever blocked, although he doesn't think he deserves the credit.
"Walter Payton picked me up in the air. I can't jump that high," Robinson told the Chicago Tribune after the game.
The Packers ended up missing the playoffs by one game that season, and head coach Ray Rhodes was fired after just one year.
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