Tag: Kevin Warren

The Bears held an awkward prayer before asking the public to help fund their $4.6 billion new stadium

The Bears aren’t even pretending to respect their fans.

It is not enough that the Chicago Bears are asking the public for roughly $2.3 billion for a new stadium on the Chicago lakefront. They also have to be impossibly brazen and blatantly disrespectful about it, too.

On Wednesday, before they officially requested that Chicago taxpayers foot half the bill on their giant unnecessary toy in a press conference, the Bears began the session with an awkward prayer in a video from Fox Chicago posted by a Twitter user.

Yes, that is not a parody in the least. Yes, that actually happened. Yes, this is real life. Yes, the Bears clearly think extremely little of their fans if they’re pulling shameless stunts like this:

I was already beside myself that the Bears were going to ask Chicago taxpayers to give them a lot of money they don’t have themselves. But to use religion in any context to try and use regular people as a piggy bank is beyond the pale. It is a new low I did not see coming but probably should’ve expected.

Owner George McCaskey should be thoroughly embarrassed by this display.

Featured image courtesy of Fox Chicago.

LOOK: Renderings for Bears’ proposed new lakefront stadium in Chicago

Take a look at the renderings for the Bears’ proposed new stadium on the Chicago lakefront.

The Chicago Bears unveiled plans for a domed lakefront stadium Wednesday during a presentation at Soldier Field.

It is a $4.6 billion project, according to the Sun-Times. On top of $2 billion from the team, additional stadium funds would come via NFL loan request ($300 million) and an Illinois Sports Facilities Authority bond request ($900 million), which brings it to a total of $3.225 billion. The rest would contribute to infrastructure. The organization said it would be 72% funded by them and the NFL.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said the building of a new Bears stadium will “result in no new taxes on the residents of Chicago.”

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“This is not an easy project, but Chicago doesn’t like it easy,” said Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren. “We like to do the difficult things … the things that resonate with people for generations to come.”

The project would require approval from the state, however, and Gov. J.B. Pritzker has expressed skepticism that a stadium project should involve taxpayer dollars.

The Bears shared renderings depicting a stadium atop the current South Parking lot of Soldier Field. The renderings feature an all-glass roof, keeping the historic colonnades in place. Te design shares some similarities with Allegiant Stadium (Las Vegas) and U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota).

Here are the renderings, along with a video, via ChicagoBears.com.

Bears still not interested in being featured on ‘Hard Knocks’

Bears chairman George McCaskey hasn’t changed his stance on “Hard Knocks.”

The Chicago Bears are once again eligible to be featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks” series, which offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into an NFL team during training camp and preseason.

Bears chairman George McCaskey has previously made his feelings clear on the matter: He’s not interested in “Hard Knocks,” which many feel would be a distraction.

But with new president Kevin Warren in place, you have to wonder if the organization’s position has changed. According to the Chicago Tribune, when Warren was asked Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings whether there was interest in doing “Hard Knocks,” he chuckled.

“That’s always interesting,” Warren said. “I have interests in making sure that the NFL stays strong and vibrant.”

While Warren didn’t exactly say “no” in his response, McCaskey later offered a firm “no” in response to whether his own stance on “Hard Knocks” had changed.

The Bears are one of three teams that can be forced into doing “Hard Knocks,” which also includes the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints. When looking at those three teams, there’s little doubt Chicago would be the most attractive option for the NFL.

They’re ushering in a new era with projected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, they have a young, ascending defense, they’re looking to make that next step to contend for the playoffs and they’re one of 10 teams never featured on the show before.

“We’re told there is some interest in other teams being on the program,” McCaskey said. “And we welcome that interest.”

At this point, a team volunteering appears to be McCaskey’s best bet of getting the Bears out of “Hard Knocks.”

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Bears president Kevin Warren shares his thoughts on Justin Fields trade

Bears president Kevin Warren talked about trading Justin Fields and its reflection on GM Ryan Poles.

“What will the Chicago Bears do with Justin Fields?” That was the question that reverberated from the fanbase and through Halas Hall in the twilight of 2023 season and beyond, dominating all conversation as the clock ticked closer to draft day.

The Bears have been transfixed with USC phenom Caleb Williams ever since the team had a firm grasp of the number overall selection of the 2024 NFL draft, but their clear intention to select him with the pick left an odd man out in the QB room. Would the team retain Fields and allow him to compete with his rookie counterpart in training camp? Or would the team part ways with the talented dual-threat QB, giving him a chance to start somewhere else?

The latter was the route the Bears took. Chicago shipped Fields off to Pittsburgh in exchange for a conditional 2025 sixth-round pick that could be a fourth based on his playing time, closing the book on the Fields era in Chicago. The move was met with frustration from some fans, bemoaning the little amount of compensation the Bears received, but general manager Ryan Poles made it clear that it was Fields’ wish to go to Pittsburgh. Poles emphasized that Fields would have a say throughout the whole prolonged process, and that ended up being true in the end.

Bears president Kevin Warren voiced his approval of the deal when speaking with the media at the NFL owners meetings, specifically praising Poles for staying true to his word.

“I’m glad we were able to do right by (Fields),” Warren said. “And that was another critical data point to show you who Ryan Poles is. That he’s going to build this (team) with integrity and class and when he says he cares about people and players.”

Warren spoke at length about Fields, saying that he believes that Pittsburgh was the right place for him.

“One of the things I appreciated the most is that we wanted to do right by Justin, and Pittsburgh was the best trade destination for him,” Warren said. “And I think in the long term, if you do right by people… those things come back to you in ways you really hasn’t planned… I wish him well. And I say that sincerely.”

It’s quite the breath of fresh air to see the organization so unified in their beliefs, as the Bears’ front office has been notoriously rigid in the last couple of decades. They were in lockstep when handling the Fields dilemma, and it seems that they are dedicated to hitting a home-run with the number one pick next month. There’s much work to be done before Chicago is ready to be a serious playoff contender, but communication between the higher-ups is something the Bears have gotten right thus far.

 

Bears president Kevin Warren says intention is to build new stadium on lakefront

Bears president Kevin Warren spoke at the owners meetings on Tuesday and says he intents to break ground on a new stadium on the lakefront.

The Chicago Bears’ stadium saga continues to roll on, with little action taking place. The team is at an impasse with Arlington Heights and the 326-acre property they purchased over a year ago, and reports came out two weeks ago that indicate they have their sights set on a new stadium near Soldier Field.

On Tuesday, president Kevin Warren confirmed that the team intends to build a new stadium on the lakefront.

Warren met with reporters during the 2024 NFL owners meetings in Orlando, Florida, and was asked by CHGO’s Adam Hoge whether the Bears intended to build a new stadium in Chicago if everything came together. Warren didn’t mince words.

“The plan would be to put a shovel in the ground on the lakefront,” he said.

Ever since he was hired as team president and CEO, Warren has expressed his affinity for the city of Chicago. Last August, in an interview with Peter King, Warren talked about the possible options for a stadium location and couldn’t stop gushing about Chicago and its lakefront.

“God really kissed downtown Chicago with that lakefront,” Warren said via NBC Sports Chicago. “I don’t think there’s any place in the country that has that beauty of a city right upon a beautiful lake in Lake Michigan.”

The vision for a new stadium just south of Soldier Field comes after the difficulties the Bears have had with the Arlington Park property. Disagreements surrounding the proposed tax assessments have stalled progress, and even after the village recently proposed a fair compromise that would lower the current tax rate, the Bears are making their intentions clear.

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Bears prepared to provide $2 billion in private funding for new lakefront stadium to replace Soldier Field

The Chicago Bears are closer to staying in the city than ever before.

The Chicago Bears are closer to staying in the city than ever before.

According to the Chicago Tribune’s Robert McCoppin, the Bears are preparing to provide $2 billion in private funding for a new publicly owned enclosed stadium on the lakefront that would replace Soldier Field.

This lakefront site, which would be in the area of Waldron Drive (just south of Soldier Field), would replace the current stadium while also increasing open space on the museum campus by 20 percent. It would give the Bears an idea location to host the Super Bowl, NCAA Final Four and other big events.

While this new state-of-the-art stadium would replace Soldier Field, the project would include saving the Soldier Field colonnade in honor of veterans.

“The future stadium of the Chicago Bears will bring a transformative opportunity to our region — boosting the economy, creating jobs, facilitating mega events and generating millions in tax revenue,” Bears president Kevin Warren said in a statement. “We look forward to sharing more information when our plans are finalized.”

Just over a year ago, the Bears purchased the Arlington International Racecourse site with plans to build a new state-of-the-art stadium. But disagreement on increased property taxes have stalled matters, and the focus has shifted to a new stadium on the Chicago lakefront.

Kevin Warren wants Bears to ‘replicate’ draft success from last year

Kevin Warren discussed replicating last year’s draft success again this year and how that could help make the Bears contenders.

All eyes are on the Chicago Bears and their looming decision at quarterback — stick with Justin Fields or draft a rookie (most likely Caleb Williams) at No. 1.

In an interview with WGN’s Jarrett Payton, Warren discussed a variety of topics, including the team’s big draft haul last year, when they traded the top pick to the Carolina Panthers for what became DJ Moore, Darnell Wright, Tyrique Stevenson, the No. 1 pick this year and a 2025 second-rounder still to come.

Warren discussed replicating last year’s success again in this draft and how that could help make the Bears contenders.

“You think of the draft Ryan made last year to get DJ Moore and turn that pick into drafting Darnell Wright and then Stevenson,” Warren said, via WGN. “To get those young guys a chance to play and then trading for Montez Sweat. Not only trade for him, but then extend him. If we can replicate back-to-back years, to really be smart about how we handle our draft capital this year, it could be a really special time for the Chicago Bears.

“You look at the ’85 Bears – how many individuals in one draft came out of that draft – all those starters. So, I’m very cognizant and conscientious that I need to be there to work hand in hand with Ryan. Be supportive. Challenge a thought process. But, make sure that we come out of this draft and this free agent summer, going into the year a much better football team.”

That’s a strong statement from Warren about Chicago’s current draft situation. It certainly seems he’s leaning in favor of trading the pick — coupled with his comments about being glad Justin Fields is a Bear — but it’s hard to say for certain. Then again, general manager Ryan Poles is the one who will ultimately make the call about what to do with the No. 1 pick. But it sounds like it’s going to be a team effort.

“One thing about Ryan and I’s working relationship is the fact that we’re in this together,” Warren said. “I know he’s spending every single day thinking about, not only that decision, but who to draft at number nine, our current roster, what we’re going to do in free agency, what are we doing from a contract negotiation standpoint. I’m sure he’s already starting to play out the draft in his mind.

“We’ll work together, but I have great trust, obviously, in Ryan, Ian Cunningham and all of our scouts. This is that crucial time and they’ve already been grinding away on it to be able to come together. I look forward to going to the combine later this month and then getting a chance to spend some time together because we’re in a very, very unique space and time in the Bears [history].”

The topic of Fields vs. Williams has already been discussed ad nauseam, and it’s just getting started with the NFL Scouting Combine just around the corner, where it will no doubt heat up once again. But, keep in mind, no one knows what the Bears are going to do. Except the Bears.

Bears president Kevin Warren shares strong support for Justin Fields

Did Bears president Kevin Warren just hint about the team’s direction at quarterback?

The Chicago Bears have a pressing decision to make at quarterback this offseason, one that will define the franchise potentially for the next decade.

At this point, the expectation is Chicago will move on from Justin Fields and draft USC stud Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. But amid the continuous speculation and discussion, no one truly knows what the Bears are going to do except, well, the Bears.

WGN’s Jarrett Payton recently sat down with president Kevin Warren, who shared his insights on Fields. And, from the brief sneak peek, Warren had a strong backing of Fields.

“Justin has a rare combination of intelligence, of size, of strength and speed,” Warren said. “You forget how big of a man he is until you’re up on him. He’s not a small man. I just think every year, he’s going to continually get better. So I’m glad he’s on the Chicago Bears.”

Those are strong words from Warren in support of Fields. On the surface, it would seem to indicate the Bears are leaning toward keeping Fields. But there’s nothing surface-level about this franchise-altering decision that general manager Ryan Poles has to make.

Warren’s statement could very well be a strong stance in favor of keeping Fields in Chicago. But it could also serve to drive up the price in a potential trade, where there will be no shortage of teams interested in Fields.

Poles made it clear during his end-of-year press conference that he’s going to do his due diligence when it comes to evaluating all quarterbacks — both this rookie class and Fields. But it certainly sounds like Williams’ skillset has made an impression on Bears brass — now, it’s about Williams, the person, making a similar impression.

Bears chairman George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren congratulate team’s Hall of Fame inductees

Bears chairman George McCaskey and president Kevin Warren had words of appreciation for Devin Hester, Steve McMichael, and Julius Peppers.

Chicago Bears greats Steve “Mongo” McMichael, Devin Hester, and Julius Peppers were officially elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the NFL Honors Night on Thursday. McMichael and Hester spent the vast majority of their careers in Chicago, while Peppers had four impactful years with the Bears. The other inductees include Dwight Freeney, Andre Johnson, Patrick Willis, and Randy Gradishar. Hester and Peppers were on hand in Las Vegas for the announcement, while McMichael was represented by his wife, Misty. McMichael was diagnosed with ALS in 2021.

Congratulations have been pouring in across social media, and the Bears brass made sure to give their kudos to these legendary players who shined on the lakefront for a number of years. Chairman George McCaskey had words of appreciation for all three inductees via Larry Mayer of the Bears website.

On McMichael, who spent 13 seasons with the Bears, totaled 92.5 career sacks, and was a key component of the 1985 Super Bowl team:

“This honor is well deserved and long overdue and we are so happy for Steve and his family. To be cut by a team early in your career and then go on to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a tremendous accomplishment.  Steve showed us all what can be achieved through grit, toughness and hard work, and he has earned his place among game’s immortals.”

On Hester, who became the most dynamic return specialist almost immediately when he was drafted in 2006 and holds multiple special teams records:

“Devin revolutionized the game. No one had seen anything like him, and there hasn’t been anyone like him since. He had opposing head coaches telling their special teams coordinators ‘don’t kick to that guy’ and they suffered the consequences when the message didn’t get through. We’re delighted that the Hall has recognized Devin’s special talents.”

On Peppers, who was a Bear from 2010–2013 and made three Pro Bowls during that time:

“Julius was one of the best free-agent signings in Bears history, and a dominant player on the field. Our congratulations to him.”

In addition to McCaskey, Bears president Kevin Warren also shared his congratulations to all three players on their achievement:

“We are ecstatic and extremely grateful that both Steve McMichael and Devin Hester have been selected for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both of these men were transformative football players who have always represented themselves, their families and the Chicago Bears with dignity, class and grace. Having Steve and Devin become the 31st and 32nd members of our franchise enshrined into Canton is very memorable and special. We would also like to congratulate Julius Peppers on his enshrinement and we deeply appreciate his positive impact on the Chicago Bears.”

All three players will be enshrined this August in Canton, Ohio.

Report: Bears’ focus for new stadium shifts to Chicago lakefront

According to a new report, the Bears are focused on staying in Chicago with their new stadium.

There’s been a significant update in regards to the Chicago Bears’ plans for a new stadium.

While the expectation was the Bears would build a new stadium at the 326-acre property in suburban Arlington Heights they purchased, the organization has pivoted in a new direction.

According to Greg Hinz of Crain’s Chicago Business, the Bears are re-focusing on the lakefront in Chicago as the location to construct their new stadium.

The Bears would build a state-of-the-art domed stadium on the Soldier Field south lot with the goal of hosting Super Bowls, Final Fours and other events, which was the plan in Arlington Heights, as well.

Bears president/CEO Kevin Warren recently praised downtown Chicago as a potential site for a new stadium.

“What intrigues me about downtown is I strongly believe Chicago is the finest city in all of the world,” Warren said at the team’s end-of-year press conference in January. “Very rarely do you get the opportunity to have such a beautiful downtown with a vibrant business community, with an absolutely beautiful lake and the energy that goes along. I always focus on, what’s a way that we could bring together the beauty of the lake, the beauty of downtown, the business community, all the art exhibits, to bring that together for an environment — because it’s always about the fans. How can we create an environment that they really enjoy?

“I live downtown. I love the city. And I just think we’re blessed to be able to live in a city like Chicago. It has many pluses. I’m a big proponent of the Chicagoland area. I’m a big proponent of Arlington Heights, but there’s something that’s really special about downtown Chicago.”

While Arlington Heights was once the focal point, there have been disagreements over property taxes that opened the door to the Bears exploring other locations.