Chicago Mayor Admits He Never Watched a Single Bears Game Before Taking Office

Clear Facts

• Mayor Brandon Johnson admitted he had never watched a Chicago Bears game until after becoming mayor
• Johnson made the confession while attending a playoff game against the Washington Commanders
• The admission has sparked backlash among Chicago residents who view Bears fandom as integral to city identity

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson made a stunning confession that has left Bears fans across the city questioning his connection to their beloved franchise. During a recent playoff appearance, Johnson admitted he had never watched a single Chicago Bears game before assuming office.

The mayor’s revelation came as he attended a critical playoff matchup between the Bears and the Washington Commanders. For a city where football runs deep in the cultural fabric, the admission struck many residents as a fundamental disconnect from Chicago’s identity.

Brandon Johnson notes the ingress/egress of Soldier Field must be fixed.

“Let me tell you how bad it is — Bears vs. Packers, I’m at the game, we’re losing,” he says. “I decide to leave to beat the traffic. Before I get out of the footprint, the Bears had come back to win.” pic.twitter.com/pN4XfpC0gW

— 104.3 The Score (@thescorechicago) June 3, 2026

“I had never been to a Bears game before I became mayor,” Johnson stated.

The Chicago Bears represent more than just a football team to the city’s residents. The franchise, with its storied history dating back to 1920, embodies Chicago’s blue-collar work ethic and Midwestern pride. For many, supporting the Bears isn’t optional — it’s part of what it means to be a Chicagoan.

Johnson’s confession raises questions about his understanding of the community he serves. Local leaders typically demonstrate familiarity with the institutions that define their cities, and in Chicago, few institutions carry more weight than the Bears.

The timing of the admission compounds the problem. Chicago faces serious challenges including rising crime rates, budget deficits, and population decline. Critics argue that a mayor who couldn’t be bothered to watch a single Bears game before taking office may lack the deep connection to Chicago necessary to address these pressing issues.

Conservative observers note this revelation fits a broader pattern of progressive politicians who appear disconnected from the traditional values and cultural touchstones of the communities they represent. Supporting local sports teams has long been a bipartisan way for elected officials to demonstrate genuine ties to their constituencies.

The Bears have struggled in recent seasons, but fan loyalty has remained unwavering. That dedication reflects the kind of commitment Chicago residents expect from their leaders — a commitment that transcends political convenience.

As the 2027 mayoral race approaches, Johnson’s admission may prove politically costly. Chicago voters have shown they value authenticity and genuine connection to the city’s identity. A mayor who never watched the Bears before taking office fails that basic test.

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