The Chicago Bears are excited to kick off Latino Heritage Month by celebrating the culture, traditions and contributions of Latino communities across Chicago and beyond, beginning with the recognition of Alison Segarra of Amundsen High School in Chicago, Ill., and Alejandro Gonzalez of Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville, Ill., as the club's 2026 Latino Heritage Month Youth Leaders. Segarra and Gonzalez will also represent the Bears as the club's female and male nominees for the fourth annual NFL Latino Youth Honors, which recognizes high school seniors who excel in athletics and academics while engaging meaningfully with Latino culture and community.
The Bears' Latino Heritage Month Youth Leader recognition celebrates tackle football and girls flag football student-athletes who demonstrate excellence on the field and in the classroom, along with resilience, character, leadership and a commitment to serving others. As part of the NFL Latino Youth Honors, all 32 NFL clubs were invited to nominate one male and one female student-athlete, with eight finalists to be selected to represent the league's eight divisions.
Each finalist will receive a college grant and participate in mentorship, career-development opportunities and special events during Super Bowl LXI Week in Los Angeles, Calif. The male and female national winners will each receive a $25,000 grant, while the remaining six finalists will each receive $5,000.
Segarra and Gonzalez will also be recognized during the Bears' Latino Heritage Month game presented by PNC on Monday, Sept. 28, when the team hosts the Philadelphia Eagles. As part of the recognition, both student-athletes will serve as honorary captains and join Bears captains at midfield for the pregame coin toss. The annual themed game celebrates the culture, traditions and contributions of Latino communities across Chicago and beyond through special entertainment, in-game elements and community-focused moments throughout the matchup.
Alison Segarra – Amundsen High School
Alison Segarra, a senior at Amundsen High School, has become an integral leader for the Vikings' varsity girls flag football program. A linebacker and rusher, Segarra led the team in sacks and tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage, using her speed off the edge to pressure opposing quarterbacks and disrupt offenses.
A varsity player since 2023 and team captain since 2024, Segarra's impact extends well beyond her production on the field. She is consistently among the first players in the weight room, encourages her teammates to train alongside her and has played a significant role in recruiting students to the program. Her coaches credit her consistency, positive mindset and willingness to hold herself and her teammates accountable as important parts of the program's growth.
Segarra carries that same commitment into the classroom and her school community. She maintains a strong GPA while balancing IB, AP and Honors coursework and involvement in programs including the National Honor Society, Best Buddies, Working on Womanhood, HOSA: Future Health Care Professionals, College Possible and Women in Sports. She has also served as a High School Connection Youth Leader and Viking Ambassador, helping incoming students adjust to high school and become connected to their new community.
Proud of her Guatemalan and Puerto Rican heritage, Segarra credits the experiences and sacrifices of her immigrant mother with shaping her work ethic and determination. Her commitment to service includes participation in National Honor Society initiatives and Best Buddies, as well as Global Glimpse, through which she plans to travel to the Dominican Republic to participate in community-based projects and learn from another Latino community.
Segarra hopes to pursue a career in healthcare and continues seeking opportunities that combine that interest with service to others. Her ability to remain involved has also been tested through adversity. After a basketball injury kept her from competing for a season, she remained with the program as a team manager, continuing to support her teammates while working toward her return.
Alejandro Gonzalez – Dundee-Crown High School
Alejandro Gonzalez, a senior at Dundee-Crown High School in Carpentersville, Ill., has established himself as a dependable presence on the field, in the classroom and throughout his community. A starting offensive lineman for the Chargers, Gonzalez helped pave the way for an offense that rushed for 1,690 yards and 23 touchdowns last season. Across 112 pass attempts, he did not allow a sack.
A two-sport athlete in football and baseball, Gonzalez also serves on Dundee-Crown's football leadership council, where he works alongside fellow student-athletes to strengthen the culture of the program and develop as a leader. His coaches describe him as a player who leads through his actions, consistently demonstrating a strong work ethic in the weight room and on the field while encouraging and supporting those around him.
Gonzalez maintains a strong GPA while taking primarily Honors courses and participating in the AVID program. He has balanced those academic responsibilities with athletics, leadership and a growing commitment to serving his community.
That service includes working at youth football and baseball camps, where Gonzalez has helped mentor younger athletes, as well as participating in community events through the Rotary Club and completing service projects through AVID and his high school coursework. He is also an active member of Santa Monica Church, where he and his family regularly participate in service projects and events supporting a predominantly Hispanic congregation and the surrounding community.
The son of parents from Mexico, Gonzalez takes pride in his Mexican heritage and the opportunity to represent his family and community. Through his involvement in athletics, school and service, he has continued to demonstrate the responsibility, humility and perseverance his coaches believe make him a positive example for his peers.
The Chicago Bears congratulate Segarra and Gonzalez on this recognition and celebrate their continued leadership and impact on their teams, schools and communities.
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