NFL Legend Jimbo Covert on the Future of the Bears & Global Football

Jimbo Covert, Pro Football Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears offensive tackle, delivers a candid and contrarian take on the NFL’s future during a candid conversation with Brian Kilmeade. He argues that the league’s push for a global footprint—evidenced by games in London and potential expansion to Mexico City and Australia—risks diluting the sport’s identity, especially when teams play in extreme conditions like freezing Chicago winters without proper protection. Covert recalls the brutal cold of his rookie season at Soldier Field, where wind chill made games unsafe, and criticizes the modern NFL’s lack of full-contact practice, claiming it’s led to a decline in on-field readiness and increased injuries. He insists that offensive and defensive linemen need live, full-speed reps to develop timing and technique—something lost in today’s rule-heavy, padded-down practices. Beyond the field, Covert passionately advocates for the fight against ALS, sharing the devastating impact of the disease on former players like Steve McMichael and Tim Green, and calling for greater awareness and investment in gene therapy and neurological research. His message is clear: respect for the game’s roots, physical integrity, and the unsung heroes of the offensive line are all at risk in the pursuit of global expansion and modern convenience.