ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — A potential relocation of the Chicago Bears’ stadium hinges on the approval of 75% of NFL team owners, placing considerable authority in the hands of NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. His latest remarks have captured attention due to their apparent contrast with the Bears’ leadership’s public statements about their stadium plans.
A fortnight ago, Bears Chairman George McCaskey pointed to Hammond as the team’s singular stadium focus, refraining from clarifying Arlington Heights’ role in the team’s future plans.
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On August 13, when questioned about his optimism regarding Arlington Heights as the site for the Bears’ new stadium, McCaskey turned to the commissioner’s viewpoint.
“Well, somebody mentioned the commissioner. He has said to us many times in league meetings hope is not a strategy,” McCaskey noted.
Two weeks later, Goodell suggested that Arlington Heights remains a candidate for the new stadium, alongside potential sites in Indiana.
“We want to make sure that Arlington Heights and Illinois have an opportunity as well as Indiana to put their best foot forward,” Goodell said.
Goodell’s remarks came as Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker confirmed he recently spoke with the commissioner.
“Yes, I have spoken with Commissioner Goodell,” Pritzker said. “I have not had the sense that Commissioner Goodell has a dog in the hunt, as they say, and that he’s chosen some, one state or another or a place for the Bears.”
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Others interpreted Goodell’s comments as a challenge to the message the Bears have been conveying about their stadium search.
“Roger Goodell’s comments make clear that the NFL knows that the most valuable location is in Arlington Heights,” said Ernie Rose of Touchdown Arlington.
Rick Telander, a longtime Chicago sports columnist and author, said the commissioner’s remarks undercut the Bears recent messaging.
“If you’re the Bears … you see this as being a bit of an embarrassment, another little mini slap in the face of what we’re trying to do, which at this point, I’m not sure anybody really knows,” Telander said.
Telander also emphasized Goodell’s influence within the league.
“Roger Goodell is the commissioner. If you had a king of the NFL, he would be the guy,” Telander said. “If Goodell is saying, hey listen, don’t cross that border. If that’s what he really means, don’t move to Indiana, the Bears have to listen.”
The Bears declined to comment on Goodell’s statement.
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