George McCaskey, the owner of the Chicago Bears, recently shared his delighted reaction to the team”s thrilling Wild Card victory against the Green Bay Packers. During a press conference after the 2021 NFL season, McCaskey identified himself as merely a football fan, a statement that drew criticism from supporters given the franchise”s struggles at that time.
Fast forward four years, and McCaskey finds himself in a different position. The hiring of Ben Johnson as head coach has revitalized the franchise, culminating in the Bears” first NFC North championship since 2018 and a memorable playoff win over their archrivals, the Packers. This victory served as a significant morale boost for the Bears” fanbase, and McCaskey is no exception to this sentiment.
In an interview with Jarrett Payton, son of Bears legend Walter Payton, McCaskey confessed that he struggled to focus on work during the week following the Wild Card matchup. This feeling is likely shared by Bears fans everywhere, as the triumph over the Packers marked a turning point for the franchise.
Although the Bears faced a tough loss in the Divisional round against the Rams, the team exited the postseason with renewed hope, having defeated the Packers twice in one season and eliminating them in front of a passionate crowd at Soldier Field. This victory was particularly sweet for fans who have endured years of Green Bay”s dominance.
McCaskey is deeply invested in the Bears-Packers rivalry, and he has even coined a new nickname for the Packers while supporting Johnson”s viral comments about their rivalry. He recognizes that a fierce Bears-Packers clash benefits the NFL as a whole, and what benefits the league ultimately benefits the Bears.
McCaskey was able to enjoy the wave of excitement generated by fan reaction videos on social media, relishing the type of playoff success that the franchise had not experienced for 15 years. With the promising partnership between Johnson and quarterback Caleb Williams, McCaskey can take a step back and embrace his role as a fan without facing criticism.
As the Bears continue to position themselves for a Super Bowl run, McCaskey can look forward to more moments of joy alongside the rest of the fanbase. Here”s hoping that 2026 brings even more fan-friendly experiences for him and the Chicago community.
