Chicago Bears star Grady Jarrett faces backlash for showing support for Chicago fire
Chicago Bears star Grady Jarrett shows support for Chicago Fire with personalized photo op
The Chicago bears defensive tackle embraced his new city’s soccer culture by posing with a personalized Fire kit alongside Sparky
- Jarrett received personalized Fire kit with his name
- Two-time Pro Bowler posed with Fire’s mascot Sparky at Soldier Field event
- Jarrett joined the Chicago Bears in 2025
WHAT HAPPENED
Recently signed Chicago Bears defensive tackle Grady Jarrett demonstrated his support for fellow Chicago sports franchise Chicago Fire FC. The NFL star participated in a photo opportunity with a personalized Fire jersey bearing his name and the number 50. The veteran NFL star, who joined the Bears in March after spending his first 10 seasons with the Atlanta Falcons, posed alongside the Fire’s mascot Sparky in images that quickly circulated on social media.
Chicago’s professional sports teams have increasingly collaborated on cross-promotional activities in recent years, recognizing the value of introducing fans from one sport to another. The Chicago Fire, competing in a crowded Chicago sports market that includes the iconic Bears, Cubs, White Sox, Bulls, and Blackhawks, thus benefits significantly from associations with established NFL stars like Jarrett.
Chicago Fire sits eighth on the Eastern Conference table and is seven points behind conference leaders Charlotte FC. The Fire face Nashville SC on April 26 on the road and then return to Chicago to host Orlando City SC on May 3 at Soldier Field.
