Windy City Gridiron
If you’re not sure which team to root for on Super Bowl Sunday, maybe these former Chicago Bears will sway your interest one way or the other.
I’m still not sure who I plan to root for on Sunday. Sure, I’m just hoping for a fun and interesting Super Bowl, but I always find more enjoyment if I’m emotionally invested in the outcome.
On one hand, we have the Kansas City Chiefs going for a historic Threepeat. Like many, I’m getting tired of hearing about that team, but there’s something to be said for appreciating greatness.
Opposite the Chiefs are the Philadelphia Eagles.
The only thing in the pro column for Philly is they aren’t the Chiefs.
Perhaps a look over each roster and coaching staff will find some ex-Chicago Bears that could help sway my rooting interests. Here are the former Bears I found on each squad.
Offensive Coordinator Matt Nagy: In his four years as Bears head coach, Nagy had a .523 winning percentage and helped the Bears make two playoff games. His time in Chicago isn’t remembered fondly, but he’s the only coach to get the Bears in the playoff since Lovie Smith in 2010 and the only coach to have a winning season since Smith in 2012.
Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator Dave Toub: During his run with the Bears (2004-2012), they had one of the best special team units in the game.
Offensive line coach Andy Heck: Heck played left tackle for the Bears from 1994 to 1998, starting 76 games.
Outside linebackers coach Rod Wilson: He was a seventh-round pick of the Bears in 2007 and played five years in the Windy City.
Nose tackle Mike Pennel: Pennel played all 17 games for the Bears in 2022.
Practice squad safety Deon Bush: Originally a fourth-round pick by the Bears in 2016, and played in Chicago for six years.
Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio: He was Chicago’s defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2018.
Senior Defensive Assistant/Defensive Line Coach Clint Hurtt: Hurtt was Fangio’s outside linebackers coach in 2015 and 2016.
Practice squad fullback Khari Blasingame: After the Bears cut Blasingame earlier in the ‘24 season, he landed with the Eagles. He has appeared in three games for them.
Practice squad linebacker Nicholas Morrow: In his lone year with the Bears (2022), Morrow had 116 tackles.
Do any of these coaches or players make you more or less likely to cheer for either club?
