The Chicago Bears may have been unrecognizable to many fans watching them against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. That’s because they were wearing 1936 throwback jerseys that were worn during a period of segregation in the NFL.
Members of the Bears’ social justice committee recorded this video that was released on Tuesday talking about the jerseys and the league’s segregated past. Bears quarterbacks Mitch Trubisky and Chase Daniel, defensive lineman Akiem Hicks, linebacker Danny Trevathan, and tight end Trey Burton were the five players who appeared in the video, along with team chairman George McCaskey.
For our NFC North showdown this Sunday at Soldier Field we'll be wearing our classic jerseys for the first time since 1936.
Here’s an important message from our players and Chairman, looking ahead to Sunday. pic.twitter.com/SPbraNMFvL
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 25, 2019
The players said they were excited to be the first black players to wear the uniforms.
The NFL did not allow black players from 1935-1946.
The uniforms received mixed remarks on social media based solely on the aesthetics.
Here’s some of the negative feedback:
These Bears uniforms = PUKE
— Jim Murray (@bigjimmurray) September 29, 2019
I respect the reasons behind the Bears wearing these 1936 uniforms. That doesn't make those helmets any easier to look at for me. To each his own but…time for football.
— David Haugh (@DavidHaugh) September 29, 2019
First off the Bears look like Michigan did they forget this is the NFL those uniforms are hideous.
— Mark McMillian (@MarkMcMillian29) September 29, 2019
You hate to see a team get canceled over their uniforms, but that's what we have with the Bears today.
— C.D. Carter (@CDCarter13) September 29, 2019
There was some positive feedback:
These getups on the Bears are splendid…and provide a powerful reminder to other teams looking to upgrade: Socks are the greatest potential area for growth in uniforms
— Dave Dameshek (@Dameshek) September 29, 2019
Bears uniforms are fantastic. They should wear them every week.
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) September 29, 2019
The Chicago Bears need to wear these uniforms every week
— Robby Baker (@RobbyBakerTV) September 29, 2019
What do you think of the uniforms and the team’s decision to wear them?
