The Bears have some time off before training camp kicks off in July, and the rookie class took advantage of a beautiful day in Chicago on Friday, taking in the Cubs game.
The Chicago Bears’ rookie class took full advantage of their downtime before the grind of training camp begins in July, stepping away from the football field to enjoy America’s pastime. On a picturesque Friday afternoon in Chicago, the first-year players headed to Wrigley Field to catch the Cubs in action, bonding over hot dogs, sunshine, and a classic Chicago sports experience.
For many of these young athletes, it was a rare opportunity to relax, soak in the city’s culture, and build camaraderie before the intense preparations for the 2024 NFL season kick into high gear.
A Well-Deserved Break Before the Grind
The NFL offseason is a whirlwind for rookies. Between the draft, rookie minicamp, OTAs, and mandatory minicamp, the transition from college to the pros is demanding. The Bears’ rookies have been hard at work learning the playbook, adjusting to the speed of the NFL, and building chemistry with their new teammates.
With training camp looming in late July, this brief respite was a perfect chance for them to unwind. And what better way to do that than by enjoying a summer day at one of baseball’s most iconic ballparks?
Wrigley Field, with its ivy-covered walls and timeless charm, provided the ideal backdrop for the group to decompress. For some, it was their first time visiting the historic stadium, adding to the excitement of the day.
Rookies Embrace the Chicago Sports Scene
Chicago is a city that lives and breathes sports, and the Bears’ rookies got a taste of that passion at Wrigley. Whether they were lifelong baseball fans or just there for the experience, the energy of the crowd and the atmosphere of a day game made an impression.
Several players shared glimpses of their outing on social media, posting photos from the stands and even getting in on some classic ballpark traditions. From indulging in Chicago-style hot dogs (no ketchup, of course) to singing along during the seventh-inning stretch, the rookies fully immersed themselves in the Wrigley experience.
Notable Rookies in Attendance
While the entire rookie class was likely invited, a few standout first-year Bears were spotted enjoying the game:
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QB Caleb Williams – The No. 1 overall pick and new face of the franchise was seen taking in the sights, likely drawing plenty of attention from fans in attendance.
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WR Rome Odunze – Another first-round selection, Odunze has already become a fan favorite, and his presence at Wrigley only endeared him further to Chicago sports enthusiasts.
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OT Kiran Amegadjie – The local product (from Hinsdale, IL) was surely no stranger to Wrigley Field but seemed to relish the chance to visit as an NFL player.
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Others in the 2024 draft class – From defensive standouts to depth pieces, the entire rookie group had the opportunity to bond in a relaxed setting.
For Williams and Odunze, who have been under the microscope since being drafted, the game was a rare moment of normalcy before the pressure of the regular season begins.
Why These Team Bonding Moments Matter
While a day at the ballpark might seem like just a fun outing, these kinds of experiences are crucial for team chemistry. The Bears are counting on their rookie class—particularly Williams and Odunze—to make an immediate impact. Building trust and camaraderie off the field can translate to better performance on it.
Football is the ultimate team sport, and the relationships formed in these early days can set the tone for the season. Whether it’s a quarterback developing timing with his receivers or offensive linemen learning to communicate, every moment spent together helps.
Plus, for players new to Chicago, outings like this help them connect with the city and its fans. The more they embrace Chicago’s culture, the more invested they become in representing the Bears with pride.
The Cubs-Bears Connection
Chicago’s sports teams have a long history of supporting one another. Cubs players have been spotted at Bears games, and Bears stars often return the favor by showing up at Wrigley. The mutual respect between the franchises adds to the city’s tight-knit sports community.
In recent years, we’ve seen:
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Justin Fields throwing out the first pitch at a Cubs game.
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Cubs stars like Javier Báez and Anthony Rizzo attending Bears games.
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Even Patrick Mahomes (before his Chiefs fame) taking in a Cubs game during his early NFL days.
Now, the newest generation of Bears players is carrying on that tradition.
What’s Next for the Rookies?
After their day at the ballpark, the Bears’ rookies will soon shift their focus back to football. Training camp begins in late July, and the preseason will follow shortly after. Key milestones ahead include:
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Training Camp (Late July) – The real test begins as padded practices and live drills ramp up.
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Preseason Games (August) – Rookies will get their first taste of NFL game action.
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Roster Cuts (Late August) – Not every rookie will make the final 53-man squad, so these next few weeks are critical.
For now, though, the rookies can savor moments like these—a chance to be fans themselves before they become the ones in the spotlight at Soldier Field.
The Bears’ 2024 rookie class is already making waves, both on and off the field. Their trip to Wrigley was more than just a day at a baseball game—it was a step toward becoming part of the fabric of Chicago sports.
As training camp approaches, these young players will face intense competition, grueling practices, and high expectations. But days like Friday remind them (and fans) that they’re not just athletes—they’re people embracing a new chapter in one of America’s greatest sports cities.
And who knows? Maybe a few of them will be back at Wrigley next year, throwing out first pitches as established NFL stars.
For now, the focus is on football. But for one sunny afternoon in June, the Bears’ future enjoyed the simple pleasure of a day at the ballpark.
