Exploring the ‘Super Bowl Shuffle’: A Look Back at the 1985 NFL Sensation in a New Documentary

Chicago Bears players during filming of the Super Bowl Shuffle in Chicago, Illinois in 1985.
Credit :

Paul Natkin/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

• A new documentary recounts the viral phenomenon of the “Super Bowl Shuffle.”
• The rap song and accompanying music video were released in 1985, shortly before the Chicago Bears’ Super Bowl win.
• Many players expressed superstitions about recording the song prior to confirming their playoff eligibility.

The unlikely success of “The Super Bowl Shuffle,” featuring NFL players rapping about a major game they had not yet won, captured public attention in 1985. This phenomenon predated the concept of a “viral” hit, marking a unique cultural moment.

A new HBO Original documentary short titled The Shuffle delves into the creation of this memorable song and its accompanying music video, highlighting the obstacles faced by the team.

Directed by Jeff Cameron, known for HBO’s Hard Knocks, the documentary features interviews with former Chicago Bears players Willie Gault, Mike Singletary, Jim McMahon, and Gary Fencik. The song was recorded for charity, with proceeds benefiting the Chicago Community Trust to support local initiatives addressing hunger and poverty.

Despite its charitable purpose, persuading professional athletes to rap and dance about a game they were uncertain to play proved challenging. The recording occurred shortly after the Bears faced the Miami Dolphins in the Orange Bowl, with only four regular-season games remaining. As players recount in the film, a series of complications arose during the recording process.

The Shuffle.

HBO

Reflecting on a difficult game, Gary Fencik noted, “It just was one of those nights where you couldn’t imagine we could play that bad.” The Bears lost to Miami, 38-24, before returning to Chicago to record the song.

Former linebacker Mike Singletary emphasized the stakes: “Filming and recording the song meant the team had to win the Super Bowl.” The pressure mounted not only to excel on the field but also in the music video, which was filmed weeks later.

While their athletic capabilities were evident, many players struggled with the choreography. Mike Fayette, who led the video crew, remarked, “The fact that these guys couldn’t dance together actually became a post-production problem.” The final product relied heavily on wide shots and brief takes, as players found it challenging to maintain synchronization.

Fayette explained that most video takes lasted no longer than two seconds: “That’s as long as they could keep their hands moving to the left and right.” Some players excelled, such as Mike Singletary, who took a leadership role, while others did not wish to participate, including running back Walter Payton and quarterback Jim McMahon, who ultimately opted out due to superstitions.

McMahon later shared that he and Payton filmed their parts separately in a racquetball court: “Very awkward to just pretend like you’re with a group of people, lip-syncing to the music.”

The release of the song and video, coinciding with the holiday season, led to immediate popularity. As Singletary noted, “The better the Bears did, the more momentum it got.” The song peaked at number 41 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was nominated for a Grammy in 1987 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, ultimately losing to Prince.

Additionally, “The Super Bowl Shuffle” became the second-highest selling music video of all time, trailing only Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Its success coincided with the team’s performance, culminating in their triumph in Super Bowl XX.

As Singletary stated, “We brought a city together.”

The Shuffle premieres on Tuesday, November 25 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on HBO and will be available for streaming on HBO Max.