The Chicago Bears revealed their new Rivalries uniform on Tuesday morning, and the Bears' fanbase clearly is leaning one way with what they think about the new look.
The Chicago Bears officially released their "Rivalries" uniforms on Tuesday morning, and it's pretty clear what the fanbase thinks of this new look.
You don't have to scroll too far at all under the Bears' social media post on X to see a majority of people are not fans of the "Illinois Bears." Just kidding, but the uniforms strike an earily resemblance to the Illinois Fighting Illini.
"The Rivalries uniform draws inspiration from the Bears' storied history, the city of Chicago and the generations of players who established the Monsters of the Midway legacy. While honoring the past, the design also looks forward, capturing the mindset and identity of the modern Bears," via chicagobears.com
The Bears will wear their "Rivalries" uniform against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day, the second matchup between the two teams in the 2026 NFL season.
The University of Illinois design is on purpose as it pays respect to Bears founder, owner, coach and player George Halas' alma mater. The "GSH" patch on the front of the jersey honors Halas, who passed earlier this year.
One thing that is unique and admittely a nice touch to the jersey is the "Monster of the Midway" inscription that is stiched on the jersey collar. That honors the Bears' historic tradition of dominant defenses. However, it's such a small detail that could go overlooked if someone didn't point them out.
Just based on my X timeline, I think a lot of fans were hoping for some kind of "Polar Bear" look, something different but still representing Chicago.
"We are proud to add to the treasured history and tradition of the Chicago Bears with the unveiling of our Rivalries uniform," said Bears director of equipment Tony Medlin, via chicagobears.com. "It is an honor to work for, and help represent, the Chicago Bears. I am grateful for the support and leadership from George and Kevin, and I am excited for our fans to enjoy our Rivalries uniform."
The Bears are not the only team that will feature a new uniform this season. This is Year 2 in a four-year NFL and Nike Rivalries program, with the NFC North and AFC South also wearing Rivalries uniforms that also represent each team's respective history and heritage.
So, if you mad about the throwback look, that wasn't just a Bears decision. All eight teams with Rivalries uniforms this year will have a vintage design.
It's just happens to be a design that a lot of fans are not happy about, but if the Bears defeat the Packers on Christmas day with the new uniform, that will make for a memorable day in the long-standing rivalry between the two teams.
