Chicago Bears

A little backyard football to start the day 🏈 Happy Thanksgiving! 🐻💙🧡

Last week, the Chicago Bears and Bears Care teamed up with The Firehouse Community Arts Center of Chicago (FCAC) for a Rookie Rally Line Up Against Hunger Event. Chicago Bears players worked together to prepare Thanksgiving food boxes for families in need from the North Lawndale community.   Led by Pastor Phil Jackson, founder and CEO of the FCAC, the event gave the rookie players an opportunity to learn more about the North Lawndale community while emphasizing the important role they play in giving back. Thanksgiving meals were distributed on Nov. 25 at the FCAC, with support from local volunteers and Bears alumni, including Christopher Zorich, and Henry Melton. Together, they provided food to over 500 families, approximately 3,500 individuals, for the holiday. 🦃   FCAC is dedicated to empowering at-risk youth in North Lawndale through creative programs and community support by providing a safe space for self-expression, fostering personal development and equipping young individuals with the tools they need to succeed in life.   For over a decade, the Chicago Bears, Bears Care and FCAC have shared a strong partnership rooted in their mutual commitment to uplifting Chicago’s neighborhoods and creating a brighter future for local families. 🐻 💙 🧡

On Sunday, the Chicago Bears proudly hosted a special halftime celebration honoring five outstanding athletes from Illinois and one very special guest who represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics.   Illinois Olympians Honored: 🤸♀️ Evita Griskenas – World-class rhythmic gymnast, Olympic competitor at Paris 2024 & Tokyo 2020 🏐 Lauren Carlini – Setter for Team USA, Olympic silver medalist in Women’s Volleyball at Paris 2024 🏅 Noelle Malkamaki – Paralympic gold medalist in Shot Put F46 at Paris 2024 🏊♂️ Ryan Held – Two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 4x100m freestyle relay at Paris 2024 & Rio 2016 🏃♀️ Shamier Little – Olympic gold medalist in the 4x400m women’s relay and silver medalist in 4x400m mixed relay at Paris 2024   A Special Guest of Honor: 🤸♀️ Simone Biles – Four-time Olympic medalist at Paris 2024, including gold in the All-Around, Vault and Team competitions   These athletes have shown the world what it means to push boundaries, embody excellence and proudly represent Illinois and the United States. Thank you for inspiring us and making us proud! 🐻 💙 🧡

At halftime last Sunday, the Chicago Bears celebrated Devin Hester for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024. He was honored as one of the most prolific return specialist in NFL history. Joined by his family, former teammates and Bears leadership, Hester was presented with his Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence.   Known for his record-breaking 19 kick-return touchdowns and 14 punt-return touchdowns, he delivered a speech filled with gratitude. He thanked his family, teammates and, of course, the fans who pack Soldier Field week after week. When he asked the 60,000 fans to give him five seconds of the deafening roar he missed while returning kicks, they did not disappoint.   “Day in and day out, win, lose, rain, sleet or snow, you guys showed up and packed the house,” Hester said. “Without you and all the cheering you did, none of this would be possible.” Congratulations to one of the greatest Chicago Bears players ever, Devin Hester!  💙 🐻 More on his halftime celebration here: https://lnkd.in/gn39XDT6

The Chicago Bears are proud to announce the launch of the Virtual History Tour at Halas Hall, a fully immersive digital experience that brings the rich tradition of the Chicago Bears to fans worldwide! Now accessible at ChicagoBears.com/History and the official Chicago Bears App brought to you by Verizon, this innovative platform allows fans to explore the storied legacy of the Bears, including iconic moments, legendary players and the incredible contributions of George S. Halas. Key Highlights of the Tour: 🏆 George S. Halas Statue: View the nine-foot-tall bronze statue of "Papa Bear," a symbol of the team's foundation and legacy. 📜 The Life of George S. Halas: Discover the journey of our founder, from multi-sport athlete to visionary leader, through rare photos and artifacts. 🏈 Hall of Fame Inductees Wall: Celebrate the 32 Bears legends enshrined in Canton, including 2024 inductees Devin Hester and Steve McMichael. 🏆 Super Bowl XX Trophy: Relive the glory of the 1985 Bears’ historic championship run. 📸 Retired Jersey Numbers: Pay tribute to the 14 legendary players whose numbers inspire greatness within Halas Hall. This launch is just the beginning. Return to ChicagoBears.com or the official Chicago Bears App brought to you by Verizon, for more stories, exhibits and updates as we continue to celebrate the rich history of the Chicago Bears. 🐻⬇️

Yesterday, the Chicago Bears proudly welcomed a group of young women from St. Francis de Sales HS from Chicago’s Southeast side to Halas Hall for a Career Expo. These young women are a part of UNO – It only takes ONE, Girls MPowered, an inspiring program rooted in Chicago's South Side that focuses on empowering young women. The event featured an engaging panel with Ana Rodriguez, Chris Simms, Laila Griffin and Lorena Soria, who shared their professional experiences, challenges and valuable insights to working in the sports industry. In addition, the students were offered an engaging networking session with various Chicago Bears front office staff who provided tailored advice, support for their future aspirations and an opportunity for them to practice their communication skills in a real-world setting. Girls MPowered is dedicated to mentoring and uplifting young women from underserved communities, providing them with the tools and opportunities to excel in their educational and career journeys. The program focuses on building self-esteem, overcoming challenges, setting and achieving goals, and leadership growth within their communities and beyond. By introducing participants to fields where women of color are often underrepresented—such as STEM, business and sports management—GirlsMPowered creates pathways to meaningful and impactful careers. Additionally, the nationally renowned Carrera de Los Muertos, a fundraiser supporting the Girls Mpowered Program, celebrates the Day of the Dead and Latino culture in Chicago. The Chicago Bears are proud partners of this annual event, which highlights the intersection of cultural celebration and community empowerment. To date, the Girls Mpowered program has mentored over 500 young women, creating a lasting legacy of bridging the gap between aspirations and opportunities. 🐻 💙 🧡

Yesterday evening, the Chicago Bears partnered with The Salvation Army, Jewel-Osco and Molson Coors Beverage Company to kick off the holiday season with gratitude and giving during Veterans Day week. The Turkey Drop event, hosted at Jewel-Osco in Chicago’s South Loop, brought together volunteers and community members to honor 375 U.S. Military Veterans and their families. Each veteran received a Thanksgiving meal kit, including a frozen turkey, traditional holiday sides and a Jewel-Osco gift card. Thanks to Jewel-Osco's generous efforts, attendees also received winter essentials like hats, gloves and scarves. 🦃 🧤 🧣 Adding to the holiday cheer, Bears alumni Christian Jones, James "Big Cat" Williams and Christopher Zorich, JD joined the event, generously donating their time to load veterans’ carts with food while signing autographs and posing for photos. Meanwhile, the Bears Drumline, brought to you by Shell, added to the festive atmosphere with lively entertainment that energized the crowd. This Turkey Drop marked the start of the Chicago Bears’ holiday season initiatives, a time dedicated to giving back and celebrating the heroes and communities that make Chicago strong. With Veterans Day week as the backdrop, the Bears and their partners came together to honor service, build community and embody the true spirit of Thanksgiving. 🐻 💙 🧡

Last week, the Chicago Bears announced Mackenzie Currans as the team’s 2024 NFL Fan of the Year nominee! 🌟 Mackenzie, a lifelong fan since 1984, thought she was attending a Halloween celebration at Halas Hall—only to be surprised by Bears linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards with Super Bowl tickets and the exciting news of her nomination! Beyond her dedication to the Bears, Mackenzie has raised over $77,000 for breast cancer awareness through her “Mac-Attack” fundraiser, showing the same heart and grit that embodies Bears Nation. Now, Mackenzie will represent the Chicago Bears at Super Bowl LIX as she competes for the Ultimate NFL Fan of the Year title. To help Mackenzie bring the title back to Chicago, she’ll need your support by voting for her. To vote, click on the link in the comments section. 🐻 ⬇

Last week, the Chicago Bears had the opportunity to celebrate Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, at Halas Hall. ✨🪔   Diwali is a cherished festival symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness and unity within communities. To honor this tradition, Chicago Bears staff members came together to create a colorful rangoli, light Diyas and enjoy an authentic Indian meal prepared by Bears chef. Bears employees also exchanged greeting cards as a gesture of good wishes and positivity.   To everyone who observed and celebrated Diwali, hoping your season was filled with joy, love and light. 🐻 💙 🧡

Today and every day, we honor those who have served and continue to serve our country. 🇺🇸🐻 #SaluteToService #VeteransDay