Bears legend Brian Urlacher talks team’s likely move, USC son’s college career
Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher has publicly questioned his former team's plan to relocate from Chicago to Hammond, Indiana, suggesting the move announcement is more of a negotiating tactic than a settled decision. The Pro Football Hall of Famer, speaking to Fox News Digital, said he still hopes the franchise remains in Illinois, backing a continued presence at Soldier Field rather than the proposed Indiana stadium site.
The Bears confirmed in June that they were "advancing" plans for a new stadium project in Hammond, Indiana, as part of a potential departure from their long-time Chicago home. Urlacher, who spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, framed the Indiana announcement as a possible ploy rather than a done deal. The same interview also touched on his son's football career at USC, though further details were not included in the available article text.
In short
- Urlacher calls Bears' Indiana relocation announcement a likely negotiating ploy.
- Bears said in June they're advancing a Hammond, Indiana stadium project.
- Urlacher hopes the team stays in Illinois at Soldier Field.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Moving to Hammond could give the Bears room to build a modern stadium and surrounding facilities suited to the team’s long-term needs. If the Indiana proposal offers a more workable site or financing arrangement, pursuing it could be a practical way to secure investment and stronger amenities for fans.
The case against
Keeping the Bears in Chicago would preserve the franchise’s historic connection to the city and make matches more accessible to many local supporters. Staying at Soldier Field, or building elsewhere in Illinois, could also retain the economic and civic benefits of having the team remain in its home state.
Explained simply
Brian Urlacher is a former American footballer who spent his entire 13-year career with the Chicago Bears and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He remains a significant figure in Chicago and respected among the team's supporters.
The Chicago Bears have been based in Chicago since the sport's early days, making the franchise a longstanding part of the city's identity. In June this year, the team announced plans to build a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana—across the state border—which would mean relocating from their traditional Chicago home.
Urlacher has publicly questioned whether this move will actually happen or is mainly a negotiating tactic to secure better terms to remain in Illinois. He said he hopes the Bears will stay in Chicago, particularly at Soldier Field where they have played for many decades.