An unexpected gift may have revealed the Chicago Bears’ unreleased “Rivalries” uniform. Quarterback Caleb Williams sent a signed jersey to Pope Leo XIV, a Chicago native, through the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See.
When a photo surfaced showing Pope Leo holding the autographed shirt, sharp-eyed fans immediately noticed unique details.
A sneak peek at the threads
The jersey features a white base paired with bold orange numbers wrapped in a navy blue outline. Because this color pattern differs from Chicago’s standard road uniforms, football fans quickly concluded it is Nike’s new alternate design.
According to the league, “The Rivalries uniforms will celebrate storied local traditions and unite fan communities with designs unique to select cities and teams.”
Christmas Day debut
The NFL confirmed the team will officially debut the special gear in Week 16. Chicago faces the Green Bay Packers at home on Christmas Day for a highly anticipated rivalry showdown.
This special game is part of a broader league initiative bringing fresh uniform concepts to select divisions.
Fan base excitement
Social media blew up after photos of the holy figure holding the number 18 jersey went viral. The Bears have not formally confirmed the leak but anticipation is sky-high for their holiday game.
Fans are eager to see if Williams and the squad will step onto the field in the exact orange-and-white look shown at the Vatican.
