Michelle Obama subtly hinted at her frustrations with her husband Barack Obama’s favorite NFL team, the Chicago Bears, during a recent Instagram video. In the post, which focused on the ongoing work of the Obama Foundation on Chicago’s South Side, Michelle included a moment that many interpreted as a sly critique of the team’s disastrous season.
In the video, Michelle acknowledged the challenges many have faced recently, stating, “I know it’s been a difficult few months for so many of us. Folks are feeling a little bit anxious and uncertain. But even during these tough times, there are plenty of reasons to stay hopeful.” During her remarks, a man walked by wearing a jacket emblazoned with the Bears logo—a likely nod to the struggles of Chicago’s beloved NFL franchise.
A Season of Disappointment for the Bears
The Bears entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes, having selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Williams, widely regarded as a generational talent, was expected to help turn the long-struggling franchise around. However, the season quickly unraveled. After a promising 4-2 start, the Bears have since lost 10 straight games, culminating in a dismal 6-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday night.
The defeat was met with boos from the Soldier Field crowd and chants calling for the McCaskey family, who own the team, to sell. The frustration of Bears fans is palpable, as the team once again failed to deliver on its potential and missed the postseason.
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Caleb Williams’ Rocky Rookie Year
Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Williams has struggled to meet expectations in his rookie season. The Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback has been outshined by fellow rookie Jayden Daniels of the Washington Commanders, who has enjoyed a far more successful debut campaign.
After Thursday’s loss, Williams reflected on the challenges he’s faced. “It’s my first year. Their frustrations go way longer back than I’ve been here,” Williams said. “My job is to go out there and win games. We don’t focus on the outside noise. The fans, they’re gonna cheer and maybe boo sometimes, and you can’t react to that. It’s not something that we react to.”
A Longtime Bears Fan’s Frustration
Barack Obama has been an outspoken Bears fan for years, often publicly expressing his loyalty to the team. During his presidency, he welcomed the 1985 Bears to the White House in 2011 to celebrate their Super Bowl XX victory—a visit that had been delayed for decades due to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster.
“This is as much fun as I will have as President of the United States,” Obama said at the time. However, being a Bears fan hasn’t always been a joyful experience for the former president. Just two months before honoring the ‘85 Bears, Obama had to host the Green Bay Packers—the Bears’ archrival—after their Super Bowl XLV victory.
“I’m just gonna come out and say it: This hurts a little bit,” Obama admitted. “This is a hard thing for a Bears fan to do. It doesn’t hurt as much as the NFC Championship Game [where the Packers defeated the Bears to reach the Super Bowl], but it still hurts.”
Looking Ahead
The Bears’ disastrous season has reignited questions about the direction of the franchise. Head coach Matt Eberflus was fired in November, leaving the team in turmoil. With one game left in the season—a matchup against the playoff-bound Packers on January 5—the Bears face the prospect of ending their campaign on yet another sour note.
For Bears fans, including the Obamas, this season has been a stark reminder of the franchise’s long-standing struggles.
As the team looks to rebuild yet again, the focus will undoubtedly shift to finding the right leadership and support to help Caleb Williams and the Bears finally realize their potential. Until then, fans may find themselves echoing Michelle Obama’s sentiment: it’s been a tough few months, but hope springs eternal.
