Bears Prized Free Agent Addresses Criticism Over Wearing Legendary Jersey Number

Bears veteran explains his choice to wear No. 50 and acknowledges the number’s significance

The Chicago Bears have been aggressive this offseason, retooling their roster with major talent on both sides of the ball. After adding firepower on offense and reinforcements on defense, one signing in particular has sparked both excitement and debate. A key defensive addition—a 10-year veteran—was handed one of the most iconic jersey numbers in franchise history. And now, he’s speaking out on what it means to wear it.

Grady Jarrett, the Bears’ prized free agent signing on the defensive line, brings with him a decade of experience and leadership. The 32-year-old defensive tackle spent his entire career with the Atlanta Falcons before signing with Chicago. 

Jarrett suffered an ACL tear in October 2023 but made a full recovery and played all 17 games for Atlanta in the 2024 season, recording 53 total tackles, 30 solo tackles, 23 assisted tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 12.5 tackles for loss. Now far removed from the injury, he enters his first year with Chicago. 

He sat down with Jeff Joniak, Tom Thayer, and Jim Miller on the Chicago Bears Podcast to talk about his transition—and the number on his back.

'Number 50 was my first number that I had playing football,' Jarrett said. 'I really wore 50 all the way through high school through college. Then when I first got in the league, they really wasn’t letting linemen wear 50s... so 97 was open — that’s how I got 97 in Atlanta.'

When he joined the Bears, 97 was already taken by Andrew Billings. Jarrett saw that 50 was available and thought it could be a 'full circle moment.'

Jarrett didn’t make the decision lightly.

'I wanted to check and make sure 'cause I know Mike Singletary wore 50 here,' he said. 'So I asked and I looked in, but I seen guys been wearing 50 for the past couple years... Then I start getting people like, 'Why isn’t 50 retired?' I’m like, look, nobody said nothing else to nobody about 50. Then I come get 50.'

Aware of the weight that comes with it, he added:

'I know what the weight it holds and I definitely understand the significance... It just gives me motivation to try to be my best. You know what I'm saying? And I know that means a lot to Bears fans. So, you know, I got to go do what I got to do to represent.'

For Jarrett, the jersey number represents both familiarity and expectation. As a veteran presence on the defensive line, he understands the attention that comes with wearing No. 50. While the number carries a strong legacy in Chicago, Jarrett appears focused on contributing to the team’s overall success and letting his play speak for itself. 

With 10 years of NFL experience and consistent production, his presence could become a major factor in elevating the Bears’ defensive front.