News Bears Team Notes

[Chicago Bears]

Mothballed Legacies: Unretiring Bears Uniforms Starting with the Number 7

Historian Jeff Berckes has another take on the Bears' retired jersey situation, and his plan involves George Halas’ number 7 going back in circulation to start the cycle.

The Chicago Bears have a league-leading fourteen numbers retired. I agree with my colleagues Jack Silverstein (The 50-Year Plan - Jack’s story is great and this builds upon it so read his first) and Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. (It’s time for the Chicago Bears to unretire some jersey numbers), but I’m going to take it one step further:

The Chicago Bears should start with the number 7.

Mothballed Legacies​

Can you list all 14 retired jersey numbers? Can you name the man behind each number? Do you know why the franchise set aside that number?

If so, you’re in the minority. Reading through comments on Twitter and Windy City Gridiron from dedicated Bears fans has revealed a layer of dust on the legacies of some of these great gridiron legends.

Someone posted a screenshot of Bronko Nagurski’s stats through the lens of a 2025 football fan as if his legend wasn’t as tall as Paul Bunyan when he played.

Questioning Bronko F’ing Nagurski?!

I about died.

Football continues to evolve. Watch a game from the 1990s and tell me it’s the same game we’re watching today. I dare you. But that’s the beauty of covering this great game. Understanding the evolutions and history of football for how we went from leather helmets and playing games in the shadow of a circus to millions of people watching the 3-day NFL Draft while hundreds of thousands attend in person to watch names be called at a podium.

How can something so popular lose touch with those who built the foundation?

New Opportunity​

The Bears stated that Mike Ditka’s number 89 would be the last jersey they would retire. Ditka last played for the Bears in 1966. For a franchise steeped in history, ending the practice of retiring jerseys threatens to keep you stuck in the past and removes the ability to properly honor greatness of the current generation.

I propose that the Bears evolve their thinking when it comes to retired jerseys and use the opening of their new stadium as a catalyst to make it happen. As I write this, we don’t know if the stadium will be in Arlington Heights or along the lakeshore or some third location we haven’t heard of yet, but one day in the not-too-distant future, the Bears will open a new stadium.

Once inside, they will finally have an opportunity to introduce a Ring of Honor, a Chicago Bears-specific Hall of Fame of players and contributors. Let’s call it the “Den of Honor” because, well, Bears. In year 1 of the new stadium, they should induct one name and one name only:

George Halas.

How many Bears fans know the name George Halas? Probably quite a few. How many know his legacy, including his playing days, and even that he wore the number 7? I’d venture a much lower percentage.

So let’s take the opportunity to celebrate the full legacy of George Halas. Sell jerseys, create a series of giveaways at games, trot out picture opportunities with the giant Halas bobblehead - make it a celebration of all things George Halas.

Then, at the end of the season, put number 7 back in circulation. Throw a cool patch on it. Make it a thing.

If the Bears put George Halas’s number back in play (which, incidentally, was worn by another Hall of Fame player, Ed Sprinkle, in the 1940s and 50s, and worn as recently as 1984), they have the credibility to enact this plan. There is no “inner circle” of numbers, each man given that highest of honor is as deserving as the next.

Rolling Out the Numbers​

As the Bears continue with the Den of Honor, they can unretire several other numbers. Year two of the plan should feature Harold “Red” Grange, aka The Galloping Ghost and his famous number 77. Without Grange, the NFL likely does not gain legitimacy. Celebrate it the same way as the number 7 in year 1, then put it back in circulation.

Year 3 is for number 3 and Bronko Nagurski. Year 4 for Bill Hewitt and his number 56. Year 5 for the number 5 and George McAfee. Year 6 for Clyde “Bulldog” Turner’s 66, Year 7 for Sid Luckman’s 42, and so on as we work through the greats of yesteryear, reviving their stories.

Executing this plan and sequencing of numbers and celebrating legacies will eventually need to answer the question of “when is the right time?” In my opinion, retiring a jersey number should mean that number isn’t worn again as long as that player is alive (Jack suggested a 50-year clock). If the Bears agree, there’s probably a period of 10-20 years after a player’s death where the time could be right to bring that number back. In the case of someone like Walter Payton, who died at a young age with a legacy as bright and vibrant as any in NFL history, that “right time” might not be for quite a while.

However, I do think that at some point, it makes sense to bring back every number, including Payton’s 34. Ask yourself, in 30 years, how old will you be? I never got to really watch him play, even though I certainly understand his legacy, and in 30 years, I’ll be well into retirement. Will a Bears fan born today understand that legacy in 2055? Could they use the refresher celebration like many of us need on George McAfee today? This is, of course, not precluding the Bears from putting Payton in the Den of Honor as early as Year 2 and keeping the number retired for another generation. Or maybe 2034 is the year of Payton. This is more art than a hard and fast rule.

Odds and Ends​

I’ll note that opening a Den of Honor in a new stadium gives the Bears marketing team an amazing opportunity to celebrate the legacies of not just the retired jersey guys but the 32 players and contributors in the Hall of Fame (with significant contributions to the Bears) and great players not in Canton. Guys like Joe Fortunato, Ken Kavanaugh, Jay Hilgenberg, Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Olin Kreutz, etc. that deserve recognition as an all-time great that may never see enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Den of Honor opens up opportunities for fan favorites like Robbie Gould, Pat Mannelly, and Tom Waddle to get their day in the sun.

It can be a time to celebrate the championships of old. Maybe 2032 is the 100-year celebration of the 1932 team, which is maybe the year to put Hall of Famer George Trafton into the Den of Honor. 100-year anniversary opportunities are right around the corner for the 1932, ‘33, ‘40, ‘41, ‘43, and ‘46 champions. All had many contributors deserving of Den of Honor inclusion.

By my estimation, the Den of Honor has at least 25-30 years of ceremonies and marketing built in from Day 1, by which time the current generation of players will all be long retired. It’s an amazing opportunity to lift history to the present and keep the memories of these great players alive.

All they have to do is start with the number 7.

---

If you’d like to see the Chicago Bears enact some sort of plan to unretire jersey numbers, then sign the petition here.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...nge-bronko-nagurski-walter-payton-sid-luckman

 

[Chicago Bears]

Bears rookie Luther Burden III is a ‘candidate’ to return kicks and punts

Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images

The Chicago Bears added a few veteran candidates to help in the return games this offseason, but when special teams coach Richard Hightower was asked about rookie Luther Burden III, he said he could also be in the mix.

“I see it as an ongoing competition, as we always have at the returner spot,” Hightower said, “so he’ll [Burden] be a candidate.”

It’s, of course, getting some play on social media, but it really was a very nonchalant response from Hightower as he went on to say that they’ll coach up several players to be ready just in case.

“Like I always tell you all, anybody that has a helmet on on gameday has a chance to return, so they’ll all be options back there, and our job is to get them trained.”

The Bears added former Detroit Lions practice squadder Maurice Alexander, six-year veteran Olamide Zaccheaus, and former Pro Bowl returner Devin Duvernay. They also brought back Travis Homer, who has kick return experience, and Josh Blackwell, who had a 94-yard punt return last year on a trick play.

But back to Burden, who had 24 punt returns in college, with one returned for a touchdown, Hightower called him “electric” and said, “He’s a different dude with the ball in his hands. All we’re looking for is playmakers that’ll help us change field position and win games, so that’s what I see in him, along with our other returners that we’ve acquired this offseason.”

Would you like to see Burden returning picks or punts in 2025?

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...-kicks-punts-devin-duvernay-richard-hightower

 

[Chicago Bears]

Chicago Bears: A Post-Draft 53-Man Roster Projection

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

With the 2025 NFL draft and rookie mini-camp in the rearview mirror, it’s time to take a look at what the Bears’ roster could look like in Week 1.

The 2025 NFL Draft and rookie mini-camps have concluded, and the fruits of each general manager’s offseason labor can be seen more clearly. For the Chicago Bears, it’s been another season of vast changes. It started with a brand new coaching staff, which led to significant changes in the trenches. The Bears have been the biggest “winners” in the NFC North for what feels like the third-straight offseason, but will it be enough to get them out of the cellar?

Let’s examine the Bears’ current roster more closely and consider what it might look like without any other significant moves heading into Week 1.

Quarterback (3): Caleb Williams, Tyson Bagent, and Case Keenum

After the conclusion of the 2024 regular season, it became apparent that not having a proven veteran leader in the quarterback room was a mistake. After hiring a new coaching staff and most of the free agent dust had settled, the Bears committed to surrounding Williams with the proper support system to succeed. Although it’s possible that they could opt to go with two quarterbacks once the regular season begins, the team still seems to value Bagent as the primary backup. Barring injury, this group appears set.

Practice Squad: Austin Reed

Running Back (4): D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, Kyle Munangai, Travis Homer

If you had asked me at the start of the offseason for an over/under on how many new names this group would have, I would have set the number at 1.5. It’s hard to imagine many scenarios where the Bears believed they would come out of the draft with just one seventh-round running back, yet here we are. This is one of the few areas left on the depth chart where the Bears could monitor potential veterans. This appears to be the group they’ll roll with unless Wheeler or Hankins surprises.

Practice Squad: Ian Wheeler

Tight End (3): Cole Kmet, Colston Loveland, and Durham Smythe

There’s a world where the team could choose to keep four names at the position, but considering the quality of these three at the top of the depth chart, that seems unlikely. Smythe will act as the primary blocker, while Kmet and Loveland split time as the primary tight end on the field. Fans can expect head coach Ben Johnson to run plenty of 12-personnel, but don’t be surprised if they bring Loveland along slowly at the start of the year until he proves he can handle a bigger workload.

Practice Squad: Stephen Carlson

Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

Wide Receiver (5): DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, Olamide Zaccheaus, and Devin Duvernay

It’s easy to see what Johnson’s vision is for this group, isn’t it? Speed, speed, and more speed. Three of the five names on this projection are players added over the last two months. Zaccheaus was their best slot option until Burden III was selected at No. 39. No, he’ll slide a spot back, which should provide the Bears with one of the deepest depth charts they’ve ever seen at this position. Odunze is due for a sophomore breakout, but Moore should still be the primary target that gets this group going. Assuming he’s still got “it”, Duvernay should be a welcomed special teams addition with his ability in the return game.

Practice Squad: Myles Boykin and J.P. Richardson

Offensive Line (10): Braxton Jones, Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, Jonah Jackson, Darnell Wright, Ryan Bates, Kiran Amegadjie, Ozzy Trapilo, Lance Newman, Bill Murray

For the first time in years, the Bears project to have an above-average offensive line. More importantly, they’ve got developmental depth and should be able to withstand some attrition. For now, I’m projecting Jones as the starting left tackle. Still, his recovery from a broken leg will significantly affect how many opportunities Amegadjie and/or Trapilo receive in the coming months. I’m not convinced they’ll keep 10 players, but it might be smart considering how big of a role injuries have played in recent years. If not, Murray is likely to be the odd man out.

Practice Squad: Ricky Stromberg, Theo Benedet, & Jordan McFadden

Defensive End (5): Montez Sweat, Dayo Odeyingbo, Austin Booker, Daniel Hardy, and Dominique Robinson

Of any spot on the roster, this is the area where the Bears could focus one last free agent push. Despite giving a sizable contract to Odeyingbo in March, the depth behind the starting two is scarce. Booker would now be the first line of defense if an injury occurred. The good news: Plenty of quality veterans are still sitting on the market, and they could fill this need. Those names include Za’Darius Smith, Preston Smith, Matthew Judon, and Shaq Barrett. This previews what this group could look like without a move.

Practice Squad: Xavier Carlton

Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Defensive Tackle (5): Grady Jarrett, Gervon Dexter Sr., Andrew Billings, Shemar Turner, Jonathan Ford

It’s been a while since the Bears have had this deep group on their defense’s interior. During this offseason alone, they’ve added Jarrett on a big free agent deal and Turner in the second round. In my estimation, this group is still missing another quality run-stuffer behind Billings, but Ford is a bigger body that could help fill that void if needed. Despite giving restricted free agent Chris Williams a $3.26 million tender in early March, the deal has no guaranteed money, and he’ll likely be a cap casualty without a considerable pay cut. Don’t be surprised to see them add another nose tackle before Week 1.

Practice Squad: Zacch Pickens

Linebacker (5): Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, Noah Sewell, Amen Ogbongbemiga, and Ruben Hyppolite

Despite not tendering Jack Sanborn as a restricted free agent and letting him walk in free agency, the Bears have done little to add another linebacker. Hyppolite was a fourth-round pick, but most draft analysts had him as an undrafted free agent. On paper, this looks like a group who could use another steady name, but so far, the team’s actions have said otherwise. Swayze Bozeman could be in line for a bigger role after spending his rookie season in Kansas City. For now, he’s projected to land on the practice squad.

Practice Squad: Swayze Bozeman

Cornerback (6): Jaylon Johnson, Tyrique Stevenson, Kyler Gordon, Terell Smith, Josh Blackwell, and Zah Frazier

The team’s strongest positional group somehow became even stronger this offseason. Chicago locked up Gordon on a three-year extension and added Frazier in the fifth round of last month’s draft. Barring something unexpected, this looks like a group set in stone, especially with their two-year investment of backup nickel and core special-teamer, Blackwell.

Practice Squad: Nahshon Wright and Nick McCloud

Safety (4): Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Jonathan Owens, and Elijah Hicks

On the surface, this group is set for 2025, especially with no significant changes to the depth chart. If 2025 is the only focus, then sure. If not, there’s still some work to do in 2026 and beyond. None of the names projected on this depth chart are under contract beyond this season. For now, we’ll wait and see.

Practice Squad: Tarvarius Moore and Alex Cook

Special Teams (3): K Cairo Santos, P Tory Taylor, and LS Scott Daly

Barring a change at kicker or long snapper (the latter being more likely), this group is set for another year. The Bears opted to move on from veteran long snapper Patrick Scales in favor of Daly, who is five years younger. Santos should receive some competition throughout camp, but it’ll take a convincing performance to unseat Santos, who has been one of the more accurate kickers in the league over the last handful of seasons.

Source: https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2...b-williams-rome-odunze-joe-thuney-ben-johnson