The Chicago Bears are packing up and heading southeast, but their iconic name isn't coming with them—at least not in the way some fans might expect. As the storied franchise prepares to relocate from Soldier Field to a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana, the question on everyone's mind is: will they become the Hammond Bears? According to Indiana Governor Mike Braun, the answer is a definitive no.
Appearing on The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Braun made it crystal clear that the team's identity won't change with the zip code. “No, no (we’re not changing the name). That would be obtuse to think it would be the Hammond Bears. It’s the Chicago Bears,” Braun said, shutting down any speculation of a rebrand. The governor's blunt stance reflects a broader understanding that after more than a century in the Windy City, the Bears' brand is too powerful to abandon.
Fan Reactions: A Tale of Two Camps
Unsurprisingly, the decision has sparked a lively debate among NFL fans. Some argue that keeping the Chicago name feels dishonest when the team won't even play in Illinois anymore. Others point to the New York Giants and New York Jets, who have played in New Jersey for decades without a name change, as proof that geography doesn't always dictate branding. “Nobody calls ’em the New Jersey Jets or the East Rutherford Giants. Chicago Bears will remain THE Chicago Bears,” one fan declared on social media.
But not everyone is convinced. “Doesn’t feel like the CHICAGO Bears anymore I can say that. Yeah Arlington isn’t Chicago either but it’s still in Illinois. Could live with that but crossing over the border makes it feel less and less like our team idk,” wrote another disappointed supporter. A third fan offered a more pragmatic take: “People have said ‘I’m from Chicago’ for generations despite not actually living in Chicago proper. We have a term for it. ‘Chicagoland’ and it most certainly includes Hammond. This is not some controversial new thing.”
What This Means for the Bears' Future
The move to Hammond follows years of negotiations and a board vote to explore a stadium relocation to Indiana, a decision that has divided fans and city officials alike. While the Bears' on-field performance has been a rollercoaster—highlighted by Caleb Williams making history as the first Bear on the Madden cover—the off-field drama is just as compelling. The team's willingness to move likely came with a handshake agreement that their brand identity would remain untouched.
For now, the Bears will keep their name, their navy blue and orange, and their storied history. Whether fans in Hammond embrace them as their own or hold a grudge over the loss of Soldier Field remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the Chicago Bears aren't going anywhere—even if they are.
