In a fresh twist to the storied Bears-Packers rivalry, DJ Moore”s celebration after a thrilling game has introduced a new symbol: a foam cheese grater hat. This event unfolded on December 20, when the Chicago Bears triumphed over the Green Bay Packers in an overtime showdown, clinching their 11th victory of the season.
As Moore basked in the glory of his game-winning 46-yard touchdown reception, he was surrounded by teammates in the locker room. Head coach Ben Johnson presented him with the game ball for the second consecutive week, while Lil Wayne”s “Go DJ” played energetically in the background. The oversized foam hat Moore wore, resembling a cheese grater, became a playful jab at the iconic cheesehead hats worn by Packers supporters for many years.
Tight end Cole Kmet expressed his surprise at the hat”s design, stating, “I didn”t know what that was honestly until the day after. I saw DJ wearing that in the locker room, and I couldn”t tell what it was. But good for the guy, whoever made that. I”m sure he”s doing pretty well right now.”
Kmet”s sentiment rings true for Foam Party Hats, the Houston-based company that manufactured the cheese grater hats, which have now gained viral status. CEO Manuel Rojas recounted that he was inundated with messages the day after the game, showcasing a video of Moore celebrating while wearing the hat. “Pardon my English, but it was an “oh s—” moment,” Rojas remarked, acknowledging the unexpected surge in attention.
The company”s origins trace back to Caracas, Venezuela, where Rojas”s mother, Grace, began crafting whimsical hats by hand. Her creative journey, initially sparked by a desire to don something festive at her daughter”s wedding, blossomed into a business after they immigrated to the United States over 15 years ago. In 2017, Manuel launched Foam Party Hats, and they gained significant visibility when they appeared on the television show “Shark Tank.”
Foam Party Hats offers a wide array of playful designs, yet their cheese grater hat has rapidly become a bestseller. Following Moore”s viral moment, quarterback Caleb Williams was seen wearing one while participating in a holiday charity event. The company reported over 7,000 orders in a short span and has fully sold out of cheese grater hats, facing backorders until at least March.
Interestingly, the hat has caught the attention of Packers players, with wide receiver Jayden Reed commenting, “That ain”t got nothing to do with me.” As the Bears prepare for their upcoming playoff clash with the Packers, Rojas finds himself invested in the outcome. “After this, I”m a huge Bears fan,” he declared, having already purchased a DJ Moore shirt. “I never had a reason to be a football fan because I didn”t grow up with it or watching the games, but now I have an excuse to do it.”
