Chicago’s “Double Doink” Haunts Bears Fans on Historic January Day

The Chicago Bears faced a heartbreaking playoff loss on January 6, 2019, when kicker Cody Parkey missed a crucial field goal attempt, a moment now infamously known as the “double doink.” This kick, which hit both the left upright and the crossbar, denied the Bears a chance to advance in the NFC Wild Card game against the Philadelphia Eagles, ending the contest with a score of 16-15.

As memories of this fateful kick linger, the significance of January 6 extends beyond football. This date is also marked by a significant political event in U.S. history. On January 6, 2021, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting the congressional certification of President-elect Joe Biden‘s victory. The aftermath saw over 1,500 arrests nationwide, making it one of the largest criminal investigations in American history.

Weather and Historical Events on January 6

Weather records from the National Weather Service provide a stark contrast to the political and sports narratives associated with this date. January 6 has seen a wide range of temperatures and weather events, including a record high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit in 2008 and a chilling low of minus 16 degrees Fahrenheit in 2014. Notably, a blizzard that struck on January 6, 1918, dropped nearly 15 inches of snow on Chicago, leading to significant disruptions. This storm was the ninth-largest in the city’s history, prompting city officials to call for community assistance in clearing the streets.

In 1976, another significant milestone occurred when Evelyn Carmon Nicol, a respected immunologist, received a U.S. patent for her work on urokinase production. Nicol, one of the few Black women to achieve such recognition in the sciences, contributed greatly to the field while working at local companies like Abbott Laboratories. Her legacy continues to inspire future generations, even after her passing in 2020.

Flashbacks to a Fateful Game

The Bears’ playoff loss in 2019 remains etched in the minds of fans. In that decisive game at Soldier Field, the Bears initially held a 15-10 lead in the fourth quarter after a touchdown pass from Mitch Trubisky to Allen Robinson. However, the Eagles responded with a touchdown of their own, leading to a tense finish.

After the Eagles took the lead, the Bears quickly moved into position for a game-winning field goal, setting the stage for Parkey’s ill-fated attempt. Despite making the first kick, a timeout called by the Eagles forced him into a second try, which resulted in the now-infamous double doink. This moment is often revisited in discussions about playoff heartbreaks in Chicago sports history.

As Chicagoans reflect on January 6, they remember not only the game that defined a season but also the historical events that shaped the nation. The interplay of sports, weather, and politics on this date serves as a reminder of the complex tapestry of events that can unfold in a single day.