The comeback kings, the Chicago Bears, have done it once again. The Bears fanbase had a miserable early viewing experience, as the team struggled mightily against the rival Green Bay Packers. The Bears, at one point, trailed by as much as 21-3, as their play calling failed them and the Packers capitalized on their mistakes.
It looked like the Bears, after making it to the playoffs for the first time since 2020, were headed for a quick exit. But then, things changed after some substantial Chicago sports news broke.
Midgame, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reported that the Chicago Cubs agreed to terms with free agent third baseman Alex Bregman. ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reported shortly after that Bregman's contract with the Cubs was for five-years, $175 million.
Third baseman Alex Bregman and the Chicago Cubs are in agreement on a five-year, $175 million contract, sources tell ESPN. One year after their failed pursuit of Bregman in free agency, the Cubs land one of the biggest bats of the winter.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2026
Ironically, after that, Cubs news broke, the Bears came back to life, scoring 25 points to pick up a 31-27 victory over the rival Packers.
Bears fans thank Alex Bregman for helping spark team's playoff win over Packers
Let's take a look at some of the reactions from Bears fans and from the media regarding the timing of Bregman's signing and the Bears' sparking their comeback.
BEARS BEAT THE PACKERS & ALEX BREGMAN IS A CUB.
— Cubs Zone (@CubsZone) January 11, 2026
THE CITY IS ON FIRE!!!
Simultaneous Bears TD with the notification of Cubs signing Alex Bregman pic.twitter.com/BkwLBKNmlW
— Scott Albanese (@SAlbanese03) January 11, 2026
The Cubs signed Alex Bregman and the Bears came ALL THE WAY BACK against the Packers in a matter of minutes.
— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) January 11, 2026
Legendary Chicago Sports night.
Have a night, Chicago.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) January 11, 2026
Alex Bregman just saved the Bears.
— SleeperMLB (@SleeperMLB) January 11, 2026
You cannot convince me otherwise.
Do you remember the night Bregman saved the Bears' season? It's a fun coincidence, that's for sure. But in reality, the Bears' comeback can be credited to head coach Ben Johnson calling the right plays when it mattered the most, and quarterback Caleb Williams for making some unbelievable throws late.
The Bears trailed 21-6 entering the fourth quarter and made the most out of every drive. Their first drive resulted in a Cairo Santos 51-yard field goal. Their next drive saw D'Andre Swift's six-yard rushing touchdown to cut Green Bay's lead to 21-16. After the Packers took a 27-16 lead after a Matthew Golden touchdown, the Bears responded with an eight-yard receiving touchdown by Olamide Zaccheaus. The Bears took the lead late on a 25-yard passing touchdown from Williams to DJ Moore with under two minutes remaining. The defense did the rest, helping keep the Packers out of the end zone to clinch their first playoff victory since 2010.
Read more: Ben Johnson stuck to his word from 11 months ago after stunning win over Packers
Now, the Bears will face the highest remaining seed on the NFC side of the bracket. With the Bears hosting another playoff game at Soldier Field next weekend, maybe the team could invite Bregman? You know, to keep the good vibes going?