With a new NFL season right around the corner, the excitement is palpable among the fans. But to further increase the hype, the new version of the rivalry jerseys was finally revealed, albeit to mixed reactions.
While some designs were praised, others didn’t leave the masses thrilled. The Chicago Bears, unfortunately, fell into the latter category as they tried to embrace their history with a touch of modernism.
Fans Aren’t Feeling the Chicago Bears Design
Fresh off a season where they made the playoffs and new head coach Ben Johnson brought out some of the upside that made Caleb Williams the runaway selection with the first overall pick in 2024, the Bears are teeming with optimism.
Last year, they won the NFC North and had a thrilling game against the Los Angeles Rams in the Divisional Round that went to overtime. This time around, they’ll be hoping to get a step further.
But before the season can get underway, fans got a first look at their new navy blue and orange rivalry jerseys.
Scheduled to debut them against the Green Bay Packers on Christmas Day 2026, the official Bears website revealed the idea behind the design.
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Unfortunately, even with that level of detail, fans weren’t instantly enamored with the jersey. As a result, the memes quickly began spreading through social media, as one fan believed they were a direct knockoff.
Inspired by the past. Built for the future. pic.twitter.com/WzxAIyzOcA
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) August 25, 2026
Another fan felt a similar way about the design, exclaiming, “So the University of Illinois Bears? Ok. But why can’t you listen to the fans and give us the frickin’ white polar bears we want?!?!?!”
But for most people, the design was far from an inspiring choice. Instead, they believed it lacked true innovation. As one fan complained, “Lmao, these are ugly af, not as bad as the bland [expletive], no seasoning, Gray unis from Buffalo, but still Nike could have done better, all this is is Nike Slop.”
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For some, though, the design represented a much bigger problem with the organization as a whole. Rather than moving toward the future, the Bears were continuing to embrace the past.
— Brian Marshall (@bmarsh1013) August 25, 2026
“How this team continues to screw up the most simplistic assignments. These are hideous! Give the people what they want: the Polar Bear with a white helmet. We are sick and tired of living in the past with this organization. Let’s move into the future!” Another fan said.
It’s unlikely that the outcry on social media will lead to any kind of change for the design this season.
However, with fans desperate about the polar bear design and rejecting this version of the jersey, it might force the franchise to consider those jerseys for the next iteration of the rivalry jersey.
