Cody Parkey’s ‘Double Doink’ Haunts Bears Fans on Jan. 6

On January 6, 2019, the Chicago Bears faced a heartbreaking defeat against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card playoff game, a moment that would become known as the infamous “double doink.” The Bears were poised for a victory when kicker Cody Parkey stepped up for a 43-yard field goal with just ten seconds left on the clock. The kick, initially successful, was nullified by an Eagles timeout. On the retry, Parkey’s attempt hit the left upright, ricocheted off the crossbar, and ultimately fell incomplete, sealing a 16-15 loss for the Bears and ending their playoff run.

The game had seen the Bears rally to a 15-10 lead thanks to a touchdown pass from quarterback Mitch Trubisky to wide receiver Allen Robinson with only 9:04 remaining. The Bears’ defense put up a formidable effort, successfully stopping the Eagles on three consecutive plays near the end zone. However, with just over a minute left in the game, Eagles quarterback Nick Foles connected with receiver Golden Tate for a touchdown, bringing the Eagles ahead.

In the aftermath of the game, Parkey’s missed kick entered the annals of sports lore, with many Bears fans lamenting the missed opportunity. The moment has since been referenced frequently in discussions about the Bears’ playoff history, highlighting the emotional weight it carried for the team and its supporters.

Historical Context: A Day of Significance

January 6 has also become a date of historical significance outside the realm of sports. On January 6, 2021, supporters of then-President Donald Trump stormed the U.S. Capitol, disrupting the certification of electoral votes for President-elect Joe Biden. This unprecedented event resulted in over 1,500 arrests across all fifty states, marking it as one of the largest criminal investigations in U.S. history.

Among those arrested, at least 49 individuals from Illinois faced charges related to the Capitol breach, further emphasizing the date’s weight in American history. Prosecutors have described the investigation into this incident as the most significant criminal probe in the nation’s history.

Weather Events and Innovations

January 6 has also been marked by significant weather events in Chicago. In 1918, a blizzard began on this date, accumulating nearly 15 inches of snow, which remains the ninth largest snowfall in the city’s recorded history. The blizzard led to widespread disruption, with roads impassable and services halted, prompting local authorities to enlist the help of citizens to clear snow.

In another notable event, Evelyn Carmon Nicol, a pioneering immunologist, received a U.S. patent for her work in urokinase production on this day in 1976. Nicol’s contributions to science and her status as one of the few Black women to hold a patent in the field highlight the rich history of innovation associated with January 6.

The events of January 6, whether on the football field or in the political arena, underscore the emotional and historical significance of the date, leaving lasting impacts on both the Chicago community and the nation at large.