Bears Stadium Update: NFL and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Share New Statements
Sponsored · Presented by HOMAGE
Da Bears, well done.
This Bears season makes it all feel like Soldier Field again, and HOMAGE has the gear to match: throwback logos, player t-shirts, and fan-favorite collaborations. Officially licensed, vintage vibe, soft Legendary Comfort®.
Shop HOMAGE Bears gear →
Something stands out in statements from Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and the NFL on the latest Bears stadium situation. But before we dive deep into this mess, let’s read the statements.
First, from the Illinois governor’s office (to Paris Schutz):
“The governor’s office remained in conversation with the Bears about their plans in Illinois throughout the summer.
“Today, Governor Pritzker was grateful to meet in Illinois with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Pat Ryan, Chairman Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Representative Kam Buckner and Senator Bill Cunningham.
“The Governor and General Assembly leaders were pleased to participate in a productive meeting focused on keeping the Bears in Illinois and protecting taxpayers.
And now, from the NFL (via NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport):
“The NFL appreciated the opportunity to meet with Governor Pritzker and legislative leaders today. Swift action is essential as the Bears work to find a long-term solution for the club and their fans.”
Does anything in the above statements strike you?
Two things strike me the most. First, that line about the Bears and Illinois staying in touch throughout the summer. So much for the “single focus” of being on Indiana. Of course, I never believed it. If you recall, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell met with Illinois officials less than 24 hours after Chairman George McCaskey and Speaker Kevin Warren maintained their public stance that construction in Hammond was their priority. Both the NFL commissioner and the governor of Illinois confirmed the meetings.
Second, and perhaps most notable, is the absence of Kevin Warren. The above statements do not include the Bears President/CEO. It is telling that Warren is not named while Pat Ryan, a prominent member of the Bears board of directors, attends these meetings. Warren, who helped the Minnesota Vikings build U.S. Bank Stadium, was hired to put the finishing touches on a Bears stadium deal. If he’s not attending these meetings, what exactly is he doing here? President George McCaskey is also not mentioned. All things considered, perhaps this is for the best.
This isn’t the first time Warren has been left out of a stadium update. In September, we covered a story about the Bears’ meeting with Illinois officials, headlined by the arrival of Pat Ryan and the absence of Warren. It was telling that the team’s billionaire co-owner, who had just gotten his hands dirty building Northwestern’s new Ryan Field, suddenly appeared. This is something to watch out for as this story develops.
More bears from Bleacher Nation: Go ad-free | Subscribe to the BN newsletter
Gn headline
