In a moment that will be etched in the annals of NFL history and forever cherished by the city of Chicago, the Halas-McCaskey family announced Friday that Mike Singletary—the legendary Hall of Fame linebacker and lifelong symbol of the Chicago Bears—has returned to the franchise in a monumental new role: co-owner. The seismic news sent shockwaves through the football world and ignited emotional celebrations across Chicago, as one of the most iconic figures in team history takes his rightful place at the top of the organization he helped define.
Singletary, a ten-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year, played his entire 12-year NFL career with the Bears from 1981 to 1992. As the undisputed heart and soul of the legendary 1985 Super Bowl-winning defense, Singletary embodied toughness, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now, over three decades after he last donned a Bears uniform, he returns to the organization not as a coach or ambassador—but as a co-owner and decision-maker with a seat at the highest table.
The announcement was made in a press conference held at Halas Hall, where Bears Chairwoman Virginia Halas McCaskey, along with team president Kevin Warren, introduced Singletary as the newest member of the Bears ownership group. Visibly emotional, Singletary spoke with characteristic conviction and humility, stating, “Chicago has always been home. This team, this city—it runs through my blood. I am honored beyond words to return not just to support the Bears, but to help lead them into a new era of greatness.”
The journey to this historic moment reportedly began several months ago, with private discussions between Singletary and the McCaskey family intensifying as the 2024 NFL season drew to a close. Known for being deeply protective of the franchise’s identity and values, the McCaskeys saw in Singletary not just a beloved former player, but a leader whose integrity, football acumen, and character align perfectly with the team’s long-standing mission. As Virginia McCaskey put it, “Mike Singletary represents everything we stand for. He is a Bear through and through, and there is no one more deserving of this opportunity.”
The Bears have long been a team rooted in tradition, yet they now find themselves at a crossroads. With young quarterback Caleb Williams ushering in a new era of offensive promise and a revamped front office under Kevin Warren’s leadership, the organization is seeking to recapture the championship glory that defined its past. Bringing Singletary into the fold as a co-owner not only injects immediate credibility and passion into the ownership group, but also reconnects the franchise with its storied legacy in a way that is both symbolic and strategic.
As a co-owner, Singletary will take on an active advisory role in football operations, team culture, and community outreach. While he is not expected to be involved in day-to-day front office decision-making, sources close to the organization confirm that his voice will carry considerable weight in high-level discussions and strategic planning. Singletary’s emphasis on accountability, discipline, and team-first mentality is seen as a cultural anchor that could help the franchise maintain identity and cohesion as it enters a new competitive phase.
For Bears fans, this development is nothing short of emotional. Social media exploded with reactions ranging from stunned disbelief to joyful tears. Many longtime fans who grew up watching “Samurai Mike” dominate the gridiron now see his return as a full-circle moment, one that rekindles pride and optimism. “I haven’t felt this excited about the Bears in years,” one fan tweeted. “Mike Singletary back in Chicago is like a dream. He’s the soul of this team. Let’s go!”
Beyond football, Singletary’s return as co-owner marks a milestone in the NFL’s evolving ownership landscape. He becomes one of only a handful of former Black NFL players to ascend to an ownership position in the league, joining a slowly growing list that includes Magic Johnson (Commanders), Lewis Hamilton (Broncos), and others. Singletary’s elevation to co-owner status is especially significant given his reputation as a principled leader and his long-standing advocacy for character-driven leadership both in sports and life.
A devout Christian and motivational speaker, Singletary has spent much of his post-playing career working with youth organizations, churches, and nonprofit groups, emphasizing the importance of discipline, faith, and hard work. He previously served as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers and held coaching positions with the Vikings and Rams, though he often cited his true calling as mentoring and inspiring future generations off the field. Now, in his new role with the Bears, he has a platform to do both—supporting the team he loves while making a difference on a larger scale.
The announcement also reopens the conversation about the enduring legacy of the 1985 Bears, widely considered one of the greatest teams in NFL history. With figures like Walter Payton, Richard Dent, and Mike Ditka already immortalized in football lore, Singletary’s return reaffirms the emotional and spiritual connection that generation of players still holds with the franchise and its fans. “That team wasn’t just about winning,” Singletary said at the press conference. “It was about character, unity, belief. That’s the spirit I want to help bring back.”
Bears head coach Matt Eberflus praised the move, calling Singletary a “pillar of excellence” and expressing excitement about his presence as a guiding force. “To have someone like Mike around—his perspective, his standards—it’s going to elevate everyone in the building. He brings championship DNA,” Eberflus said.
Players echoed that sentiment, with linebacker Tremaine Edmunds saying he’s honored to now be “in the same building as a legend” and defensive tackle Gervon Dexter calling it “a blessing” to get to learn from one of the game’s all-time greats. Even Caleb Williams, just weeks into his professional journey, seemed starstruck. “It’s Mike Singletary,” Williams said with a grin. “The guy’s a legend. What an incredible example to have around.”
The timing of Singletary’s return is also noteworthy as the Bears prepare to celebrate their centennial season in 2026. Bringing one of the most iconic players in franchise history back as a co-owner adds emotional gravity to the buildup, reinforcing the team’s deep ties to its heritage while signaling bold ambition for the future.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but sources indicate the arrangement was structured to reflect Singletary’s legacy and long-term vision rather than short-term profit. According to team officials, the deal includes provisions for charitable contributions and youth outreach programs in the Chicago area, reflecting Singletary’s lifelong commitment to community empowerment.
For Singletary, this isn’t just a business deal or a ceremonial role. It’s a return to his roots, a chance to finish what he started, and a bold step toward shaping the future of a franchise that helped define his life. “This is personal for me,” Singletary said. “When I played for the Bears, I gave everything I had. Now I’m coming back to give even more—not on the field, but in the boardroom, in the community, and in every corner of this organization.”
As Chicago celebrates and the NFL world watches in admiration, one thing is certain: the return of Mike Singletary is more than just a headline. It’s a statement of intent, a bridge between past glory and future promise, and a reminder that the Bears’ identity—rooted in toughness, loyalty, and greatness—still beats strong. And with Singletary back in the fold, it may beat stronger than ever.