He got it from his mama.
Bear 89, aka Backpack, is the 2026 Fat Bear Week champ. Turns out hefty runs in the family.
His mom, Holly the Duchess of Density, won in 2019. She carried him on her back as a cub and helped him survive a serious leg injury. Now her little Backpack has a crown of his own. 👑
Congrats to this legend on retirement. One of the best leaders the game has seen. I could not have asked for a better teammate to come into the league with and I’m proud of all our success together over the years.
What a day.
Today at the Vatican, I met Pope Leo XIV & presented him with a @IlliniFootball jersey: No. 14, "Leo" on the back.
I never imagined there'd be a Southsider leading 1.4b Catholics around the world. Chicago shows up in the most unexpected places. Very grateful.
@scottmerkin Blackhawks bring out Stanley Cup pregame, take group photo with both teams. Then Ted Lilly and Gavin Floyd pitch 7 innings of no hit ball, Lilly takes no-no to the 9th and Cubs win 1-0 on Sunday Night baseball.