Each year, the NFL awards the George Halas Trophy to the team that wins the NFC Championship Game. The league named it after George Halas, one of its founding fathers. This trophy represents all the sweat, grit, and determination that teams pour into a season, with the ultimate reward being a trip to the Super Bowl. First handed out during the 1984-85 season, it’s been redesigned a few times but has never lost its importance in NFL history.
Here’s everything you need to about the George Halas Trophy including it’s history, it’s worth, which teams have won it the most and more.
Why Is It Named After George Halas?
So, who was George Halas? Known as “Papa Bear,” Halas was basically one of the NFL’s OGs. He helped start the league in 1920 and spent most of his life with the Chicago Bears (originally called the Decatur Staleys) as a player, coach, and owner. Halas led the Bears to eight championships, and for almost 30 years, he held the record for most career wins as a coach (324), a number that still ranks second all-time as of 2025.
Halas not only just win games but he completely changed the way the game is played. He introduced stuff like daily practices, game film reviews, and broadcasting games on the radio. In 1925, he signed Red Grange, which brought tens of thousands of fans to games and helped give the NFL some early credibility. Naming the NFC Championship Trophy after him is the league’s way of thanking him for turning pro football into what it is today.
The History Of The George Halas Trophy
The trophy made its debut during the 1984-85 playoffs, with the San Francisco 49ers becoming the first team to take it home. Back then, the design included a wooden base, an NFC logo, and small football player figurines. Fast forward to 2010, and the NFL partnered with Tiffany & Co. to give it a major facelift. They replaced the wood with sterling silver and gave it a sleeker, more modern look that matches the style of the Vince Lombardi Trophy (the one given to Super Bowl champs).
