News: Community | Chicago Bears Official Website

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, take a look at Bears players spending time with various social justice groups throughout the season.

The Bears stop by the Joffrey Ballet to speak with dancers and take part in a class ahead of their divisional playoff game against the Rams.

The Chicago Bears announced Wednesday that applications are now open for the 2026 Collin Wehr Scholarship, a $20,000 grant established in memory of Collin Wehr, a young lifelong Chicago Bears fan who bravely battled pediatric cancer until his passing in 2013. The scholarship provides financial support to pediatric cancer survivors or siblings of children who have lost their fight with the disease, helping them pursue higher education.

As winners of NFLPA Community MVP awards this season, Bears quarterback Caleb Williams and cornerback Nick McCloud are eligible for the annual NFLPA Alan Page Community Award. The winner of the award will receive a $10,000 donation to the charity of their choice.

Ajani Crenshaw received the surprise of a lifetime at last Sunday's regular-season finale when he was presented with two Super Bowl LX tickets by former Bears running back Tarik Cohen.

In addition to being on the sideline before Saturday's game against the Packers and serving as an honorary captain, Matt DeMateo — CEO of New Life Centers of Chicagoland and the Bears' 2025 NFL Inspire Change Changemaker Award recipient — was surprised with a pair of tickets to Super Bowl LX courtesy of President & CEO Kevin Warren.

Kristian Rokita, a member of the United States Navy, was flown home to Chicago by United Airlines, where he was surprised by 13 members of his family meeting him at the gate before heading to Halas Hall for a private tour hosted by Hall of Famer and Super Bowl XX champion Dan Hampton. Rokita was then at Soldier Field Saturday to serve as an honorary captain before the Bears' 22-16 comeback overtime win over the Packers.

Since signing with the Bears Oct. 29, defensive back C.J. Gardner-Johnson has been heavily involved in several community efforts, which culminated in Monday's fundraising gala hosted by his Ceedy Cares foundation.

Bears players Kevin Byard III, D'Andre Swift and Rome Odunze take a step inside a BAM (Becoming A Man) circle to connect, problem-solve and explore core values with students.

The Chicago Bears are proud to announce Friends of the Children–Chicago as the recipient of the 2025 Community All-Pros $106,000 grant, recognizing the organization's strong commitment to creating generational change through long-term, relationship-driven mentorship for Chicago's youth facing the greatest obstacles.

Bears defensive back Jonathan Owens surprises staff from "Friends of the Children" with the Bears' $106,000 Community All-Pros grant.

In the midst of the holiday season, the Bears brought joy to 50 Leo High School families in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood Tuesday night with Bears Care's annual "Bears Bearing Gifts" initiative, which provides families on the city's South Side with Christmas gifts for kids, household essentials, gas and grocery gift cards and a festive evening with their community.

The Bears announced Thursday that receiver DJ Moore is the club's winner of the 2025 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award. Through his Moore2Life foundation, Moore and his family help empower inner-city youth through health, wellness, education and recreation to create lasting socioeconomic change.

Wide receiver DJ Moore thought he was just recording an interview when Jarrett Payton, his family, coaches and Bears staff walked in with a very meaningful surprise.

As part of their TNF For Good initiative, Amazon gifted the Bears $250,000 to combat food insecurity, allowing Bears Care — the organization's charitable arm — to help support various player-led initiatives and local food banks ahead of Friday's victory in Philadelphia.

The Bears teamed up with partners PNC and FOX32 in November to pack boxes of food at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, highlighting the importance of coming together to give back to the community.

As a part of Amazon's TNF For Good initiative, the Bears distributed a total of $250,000 to 10 different nonprofits throughout Illinois that fight food insecurity.

On Nov. 15, the Bears partnered with Miller Lite and Jewel-Osco to donate Thanksgiving dinners to 600 veterans and their families.

Over the past month, receiver Rome Odunze has been active throughout the Chicagoland community — making trips to a soup kitchen, a Monsters Flag Football clinic and a career fair — as he aims to reciprocate the love and support he's felt from the city since he was drafted by the Bears.

Offensive tackle Theo Benedet, running back Travis Homer, defensive back Josh Blackwell and punter Tory Taylor spent their day off Oct. 21 at Naval Station Great Lakes, touring the facility and meeting military personnel. The visit was made in partnership with USAA and in advance of the Bears' Salute to Service game against the Giants Sunday at Soldier Field.

To kick off the Bears' first "Community Tuesday", Theo Bendet and Chris Williams were among a handful of players who chose to spend their day off in the community. The pair of linemen attended the annual Conway Park Autumn Classic to help support the team's "Real Bears Fans Wear Pink" campaign.

The Chicago Bears are now accepting applications for the 2025 Community All-Pros, a $106,000 grant that supports a nonprofit organization advancing social justice and uplifting local communities. This annual initiative reflects the Bears' commitment to organizations driving meaningful changes across the team's four social justice pillars: economic advancement, education, community safety and health equity.

Bears Care, the team's charitable arm, is hosting its first-ever charitable sneaker auction starting Tuesday. Proceeds will benefit the causes Bears Care supports, and the digital auction will take place in the Chicago Bears Official App brought to you by Verizon, with new pairs dropping each week through Sept. 12.

10-year-old Bears superfan Vincent Barbaro was treated to a once-in-a-lifetime experience at Halas Hall Tuesday, which included meeting and getting autographs from his favorite players.

The Bears honored active-duty service members and veterans during Military Appreciation Day presented by USAA at Monday's training camp practice. Service members from Great Lakes Naval Station, along with representatives from 25 different military-focused nonprofit organizations, were invited to watch practice, meet players and receive autographs. Pro Football Hall of Famer Devin Hester and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport were also on-site to participate in the day's programming and engage with guests. Following practice, USAA and the Bears hosted a special Military Boot Camp inside the Walter Payton Center, where service members competed in NFL Combine-style drills.

For the second straight year, Bears tight end Cole Kmet worked alongside United Airlines' Special Olympics Service Ambassadors at O'Hare International Airport to help drive awareness of United's Miles on a Mission program, which allows loyalty customers to donate their unused airline miles to support Special Olympics athletes' travel needs.

To close out Pride Month, the Bears showed their support by partnering with the Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association for the 54th annual Chicago Pride Parade and Pride Bowl 2025.

The Chicago Bears announce the return of the Small Business All-Pros presented by PNC, a signature initiative celebrating small businesses that are driving positive change across Chicago's neighborhoods. The program offers selected small business owners an opportunity to connect with Bears fans and elevate their business through team-led storytelling and in-season exposure.

At the 28th annual Bears Care Gala, the organization's charitable arm paid tribute to Virginia Halas McCaskey and her passion for supporting the Chicagoland community.

On Tuesday, the Chicago Bears released their 2024-2025 Season Community Report, showing the club's efforts over the past year to support, uplift and give back to Chicagoland communities.Take a look at some of the notable highlights from the Bears' work in the community in 2024-25.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Leia Hammerschmidt, a junior at Oak Park and River Forest High School in Oak Park, Ill., as the ninth and final recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

Every season, the Brian Piccolo Award is given to one rookie and one veteran who best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Bears running back. Take a look at the winners of this award dating back to 1970.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Wyatt Halter, a senior at Lawrenceville High School in Lawrenceville, Ill., as the eighth recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Claire Anderson, a senior at West Aurora High School in Aurora, Ill., as the seventh recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Nolan Brass, a senior at Byron High School in Byron, Ill., as the sixth recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Amelia Fernandez, a junior at Maine South High School in Park Ridge, Ill., as the fifth recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Allen Wiesner, a senior at Round Lake High School in Round Lake, Ill., as the fourth recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Sana Musa, a senior at Nicholas Senn High School in Chicago, Ill., as the third recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Nicholas Ohanian, a senior at Fenton Community High School in Bensenville, Ill., as the second recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

The Chicago Bears proudly announce Yolanda Barrera, a senior at Julius Sterling Morton East High School in Cicero, Ill., as the first recipient of the 2025 Community High School All-Star Award. The Community High School All-Star Award, brought to you by Athletico Physical Therapy, recognizes high school football and girls flag football players who make a positive impact in their communities and schools. From February through April, nine student-athletes will be honored for their leadership, character and dedication to community service.

Defensive back Kyler Gordon was honored as the Bears' recipient of the 2024 Ed Block Courage Award by Maryville Academy Wednesday at Manzo's Banquets in Des Plaines.

With the help of Bears nickel back Kyler Gordon, the Bears surprised Liberty University freshman Allison Brown with the 2025 Collin Wehr Scholarship, an annual program that provides financial assistance to young cancer survivors or the siblings of children who lost their battle with pediatric cancer.

Kenwood Academy High School junior Jayvon Anderson — a varsity football captain — and Lane Tech College Prep High School senior Grier Burke — a girls flag football athlete — were surprised by the Bears last week with the inaugural Black History Month Youth Leader Awards.

Three Guilford High School seniors represented the Bears in an NFC versus AFC matchup during the inaugural NFL Flag High School Girls Showcase, a competition featuring 30 of the best flag players in the nation as part of the 2025 Pro Bowl Games in Orlando.

Bears receiver Rome Odunze visited the Lake County Boys & Girls Club Jan. 7 to spend time with more than 60 kids and surprise them with 25 new Microsoft Surface Laptops.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is among 18 NFLPA Community MVPs vying to become one of five finalists for the NFLPA Alan Page Community Award.

The Bears are proud to announce Children's Advocacy Center of North and Northwest Cook County (CAC) as the recipient of the 2024 Community All-Pros $105,000 grant. The non-profit, based out of Hoffman Estates, Arlington Heights and Skokie, Ill., is a child-focused, trauma-informed non-profit bringing help, hope and healing to young survivors of abuse or violence and their non-offending family members.

The Bears honored several groups of IHSA girls flag and boys football players and coaches during Sunday's game against the Lions at Soldier Field for their outstanding performances throughout the 2024 season.

The Bears on Monday announced Kabob-It as the third and final winner of the 2024-2025 Small Business All-Pros program, presented by PNC. From Dec. 23 to Jan. 5, Kabob-It will be featured across the Bears' digital platforms and social media as well as in-stadium promotions at Soldier Field during the game against the Seattle Seahawks on Dec. 26.

Less than 24 hours after playing on Monday Night Football in Minnesota, Bears receiver DJ Moore and running back D'Andre Swift gave back to their community ahead the holiday season by providing shopping sprees for local children and families.

Bears Care teamed up with @ChevyDrivesChi and other community partners to give gifts to 50+ families from the Auburn Gresham neighborhood.

Dr. Janice K. Jackson, CEO of Hope Chicago — a scholarship-based organization designed to support students' and their families' postsecondary education journey — was surprised on Friday at Halas Hall by nickel back Kyler Gordon as the Bears' 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker recipient.

Dr. Janice K. Jackson, CEO of Hope Chicago, was surprised at Halas Hall by nickel back Kyler Gordon as the Bears' 2024 Inspire Change Changemaker Award winner.

When Caleb Williams had his USC jersey retired last Saturday at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, he arranged to share the experience with kids from a Boys & Girls Club in California.

Defensive tackle Andrew Billings is surprised with the Bears' nomination for the 2024 Walter Payton Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide.

The Collin Wehr Scholarship empowers survivors and their families with $20,000 to support their educational dreams. Take advantage of this incredible opportunity—apply by January 3, 2025! If you know someone that can benefit from this opportunity, encourage them to apply.

The Bears rookie class and a pair of former players helped spread holiday spirit by packing and delivering Thanksgiving meals for hundreds of families in the Chicagoland community through an annual initiative funded by Bears Care, the organization's charitable arm.

The Bears on Wednesday partnered with Miller Lite and Jewel-Osco to donate Thanksgiving dinners, hats, gloves and scarves to veterans and their families. The Bears were represented by chairman George H. McCaskey, former players James "Big Cat" Williams, Chris Zorich and Christian Jones, as well as the Chicago Bears Drumline, brought to you by Shell.

Six-year-old Evie Johnson, who became a fan of rookie receiver Rome Odunze during his time at the University of Washington, took a trip with her family to Chicago last weekend to meet her favorite player, visit Halas Hall and watch the Bears take on the Patriots at Soldier Field.

This summer, 6-year-old Evelyn Johnson was heartbroken to learn that her favorite player, Rome Odunze, was no longer on the Washington Huskies. This weekend, she got the chance to meet Rome and see the rookie in his new colors.

Bears safety Jonathan Owens kicked off the holiday season Monday afternoon by hosting his third annual turkey drive to provide Thanksgiving meals for 500 families on the west side of Chicago.

The Bears helped celebrate the 2024 girls flag football season last Friday by hosting the All-State dinner at Halas Hall to honor the sport's top 56 high school student-athletes in Illinois.

Bears superfan Mackenzie Currans arrived at Halas Hall last Thursday prepared to enjoy a fan experience after a winning a team sweepstakes but instead was surprised by linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as the team's' 2024 Fan of the Year.

For the first time in the program's history, the Chicago Bears have officially announced two deserving individuals from the same high school as the final Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Football Coach of the Week and Girls' Flag Player of the Week for Week 9. Head Coach Becca O'Dette and rusher MacKenzie Drake, both from William Fremd High School in Palatine, were named recipients of these awards in recognition of their recent success in leading their school to its first IHSA State Girls' Flag Football Championship.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Daniel Finger, head coach of Whitney M. Young Magnet High School in Chicago, as the final recipient for the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and Frankie Hosty, quarterback of Fenwick High School in Oak Park, as the final recipient for the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for Week 9.

The Bears on Wednesday, in partnership with Jewel-Osco, The Salvation Army and Shur-Way Movers, kicked off their 36th annual Coat Drive, which will run through Feb. 10, 2025.

Bears offensive linemen Bill Murray and Jake Curhan spent their day off Tuesday at Naval Station Great Lakes, touring the facility and meeting military personnel.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Carlton Rosemond, head coach of Evanston Township High School in Evanston, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Football Coach of the Week and Zariah Burnett, defensive back from Guildford High School in Rockford, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Player of the Week for Week 8.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Joe Ryan, head coach of Sycamore High School in Sycamore, as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and Jacob Bell, quarterback of Naperville North High School in Naperville, as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for Week 8.

The Bears and their fans were out and about during the team's busy trip across the pond, which culminated in a victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Saja Alnajjar, head coach of Stagg High School in Palos Hills, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Football Coach of the Week and Florencia Fabian, linebacker Lane Tech High School in Chicago, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Player of the Week for Week 7.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Germaine Padilla, head coach of Taft High School in Chicago, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Football Coach of the Week and Emily Ovaska, a quarterback from Lakes Community High School in Lake Villa, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Player of the Week for Week 6.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Thomas Hart, head coach of Joliet Central High School, as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and Myles Mitchell, running back from Richards High School in Oak Lawn, as the Chicago Bears High School AllStar award recipients for Week 7.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Nathan Eimer, head coach of West Aurora High School in Aurora, as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and Quinn Schambow, quarterback of Libertyville High School in Libertyville, as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for Week 5.

After the Bears beat the Rams in Week 4, the team's charitable arm received a surprise donation from actor Bryan Cranston, who stayed true to a bet he publicized days before the game in Chicago.

While in London last week, the Bears supported a handful of flag football activations — including a 14U tournament, coaching clinics and gameday recognitions — to continue helping expand the sport globally.

For the third consecutive year and second time in 2024, the Bears brought their Mini Monsters clinics to the United Kingdom, reaching over 600 students throughout London.

The Bears on Friday teamed up with Tottenham Hotspur FC and the Premier League to educate 30 elementary students from Lea Valley Primary School in London about the league's No Room for Racism initiative.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Nathan Eimer, head coach of West Aurora High School in Aurora, as the Chicago Bears High School Coach of the Week and Quinn Schambow, quarterback of Libertyville High School in Libertyville, as the Chicago Bears High School All-Star for Week 5.

The Chicago Bears have officially named Greg Taylor, head coach of Guilford High School in Rockford, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Football Coach of the Week and Myonnia Johnson, running back from Charles A. Prosser Career Academy in Chicago, as the Chicago Bears Girls' Flag Player of the Week for Week 5.