Gault reflects on super season

Willie Gault has a lot of great memories of being part of the 1985 Chicago Bears, who—in terms of single seasons—was arguably the best NFL team of all time. (Author’s note: OK, so, yes, perhaps we’re a little biased. Yet still correct.)

Yet the longtime NFL wide receiver is quick to underscore the most crucial asset of that 15-1 team that won Super Bowl XX by five touchdowns. Gault hints that the main ingredient was an undying commitment to working together.

“Winning the Super Bowl was more important than any single thing or any individual’s gratification. At the end of the day, we just wanted to win,” Gault said in a phone interview with the Chicago Star last month.

But doing so with a little bravado helped too. As such, Gault added, “We were dominant. We did it in style. And we did it like no one in the NFL ever had before, and to this day, people still remember it because of that.”

Gault joined the Bears as a rookie and first-round draft pick (18th overall) in 1983. He became one of quarterback Jim McMahon’s many offensive weapons—which also included Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, tight end Emery Moorehead, and tackle-turned-fullback William “The Refrigerator” Perry. From 1983 to 1987, Gault had over 30 receptions in each of his five seasons with the Chicago Bears.

After leaving Chicago, Gault played six seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders. An Olympian in track and field, he also won gold medals as a member of the USA 4x100m relay team at the 1980 Boycott Games and in the 1983 Helsinki World Championships. Gault also made the 1988 Winter Olympic team too, as a member of the USA bobsledding team.

During our interview, the 61-year-old Gault talked about his time with the Bears and shed more light on his career and what it was like to be part of that legendary team.

AF: The ’85 Bears had some really dominant players, from Walter Payton to the entire defense. But there was something else special at work. Talk about that.

Gault: Today, it’s different (in the NFL), and in this day and time, players’ contracts are bigger. But when we played, we all did our thing but wanted to contribute to a team effort. If I had to run down the field 20 or 30 years to catch our passes—and I had to do that a lot of games— that was my role. The dynamic made for an interesting scene, but we knew that as a team, we could win. With individuals, we really couldn’t win.

AF: Today so much emphasis is put on a quarterback being the key. What was it like to be part of such a successful offense that most would say didn’t rely on a Hall of Fame quarterback?

Gault: I wouldn’t say that Jim McMahon was not a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback. I think he has Hall of Fame-type qualities. Did he have the numbers? No, because we weren't that team that only threw the ball. As a receiver, I didn’t have the numbers. We were more of a balanced offense, and the year we won the Super Bowl, we were No. 2 in offense and also ranked No. 1 in defense. Our defense got more attention—and they definitely deserved it—but our offense just took care of the ball.

AF: Receivers are known for their speed. You had lots of that on the field but also on the track too.

Gault: I was blessed with speed and had run as an Olympian before the NFL, so my speed was no secret. I still run to this day and have broken 13 world records in the span of 35 years in track and field. I’ve competed over the years in different age groups—30 to 35, 40 to 45, and even 55 and over. So, I still run because I like it, and it keeps me in shape and healthy.

I represented my country in the 100m and in hurdles, and at times was No. 2, 3, and 4 in the world, and I’m very proud of that. So, I had success in track and field, and in football.

AF: The Bears have a young quarterback in Justin Fields, and fans are hopeful and excited. What does the team have to do to get back to Super Bowls?

Gault: I think it would be somewhat unfair for me to try to judge the team or give an intelligent assessment. I am a fan. I like the Bears, and they're my alma mater. They were good to me, and I was good to them. But any great quarterback needs a great line and great runners. If he doesn’t have that, then he can’t show off his skills.

But Justin Fields has great ability. We’ve seen that in his college years and saw a glimpse of that last year. And if the right plays are called and protection is there, then he’ll have a good career with the Bears.

Chicago Star editor Elaine Hyde also contributed to this story.

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Andy Frye has written for ESPN Chicago and Rolling Stone. His new book about Chicago called NINETY DAYS IN THE 90s is out now.