Earlier this week, the NFL and Nike announced the eight teams that will receive new, redesigned uniforms for select rivalry games during the 2025 season. All eight teams in the AFC East and NFC West get a makeover for eight games, with additional “Rivalries” uniforms debuting during the 2026, 2027, and 2028 seasons.
“The unveiling of the first eight Rivalries club uniforms and fan gear marks a significant moment for the NFL, Nike, and Fanatics, as creativity and innovation merge together to deliver
a new take on what it means to be a rival,” said Taryn Hutt, vice president of club marketing for the NFL. “Rivalries will bring fresh energy to the field with each new uniform, while providing a platform to amplify the community and hometown pride that is rooted in each NFL fan.”
“Fresh” and “new” aren’t something a traditional franchise like the Chicago Bears has always welcomed, although they did take advantage of the NFL allowing an alternate helmet to accompany their orange jersey a few years ago.
But a complete redesign that isn’t a 1930s throwback or Monsters of the Midway historical celebration would never fly for this team. Would it?
According to ESPN, the Bears and the NFC North will get their very own Nike uniform redesign in 2026.
After this season, the threads will be in the team’s uniform rotation for three years alongside existing alternate looks. More rivalry uniforms are set to debut during the 2026 (AFC South and NFC North), 2027 (NFC East and AFC West) and 2028 seasons (AFC North and NFC South).
This is just so out of character for Chicago’s franchise, which is why my article’s title is phrased as a question.
I’ve tried to verify the ESPN report elsewhere, but neither the NFL nor Nike gave a future uniform schedule with specific teams or conferences. The only other outlets reporting that the Bears and the NFC North will get a rivalry uniform in 2026 are citing the ESPN report.
I’ll have my doubts the Bears will get some new threads until either they or the league makes an announcement, but if they do, as long as it’s not another orange pervision, I’ll be okay with it.
You can also count me among those fans who would welcome an all white road look, but for the love of Halas, please no references to a polar bear. In no way are the Chicago Bears the same species of bear as an Ursus maritimus.
