Daley Talks Bears-Packers With Green Bay Mayor
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Mayor Richard M. Daley greeted Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt on Saturday, the eve of the NFC Championship game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field.
Daley and Schmitt talked about Sunday's game and the friendly wager they've placed, as they met at the new indoor ice rink at the Hancock Building.
Daley, sporting a Bears cap, said it's an exciting time for Chicago and he said some people have underestimated the Bears, who are underdogs in Vegas, despite being the home team.
"This will be a great game. You can't underestimate your opponent" Daley said. "And I think the Bears have grown stronger as they've done all year."
Schmitt, sporting a Packers' jersey signed by quarterback Aaron Rodgers, said he thinks the Bears and Packers are the bedrock of the NFL, thanks to the longest-running rivalry in the league.
Schmitt was beaming with excitement about the showdown at Soldier Field.
"It has been great," Schmitt said. "I drove down here this morning and stopped at a rest stop and I had my jacket on and people are like, 'That's awesome. Go Packers.'"
Schmitt said his city is excited about the game, and wants the Packers to play the Bears for the NFC title as much as playing in the Superbowl.
As part of the bet between Daley and Schmitt, if the Bears win, Schmitt has offered bear steaks, beer, wine and a three-pound chocolate football.
If the Packers win, Daley has offered pierogi, pizza, stuffed pretzels, a 15-pound sub sandwich and other Chicago foods.
Schmitt has also said that if the Packers win, he'll send Daley one pound of cheese for every point of Green Bay's victory.