Overview
- Caleb Williams sent an autographed No. 18 Bears jersey to Pope Leo XIV that was presented by U.S. Ambassador Brian Burch, a gift photographed and shared publicly after July 4.
- Sharp-eyed fans noticed the white jersey with orange numbers differs from standard game designs, which prompted speculation that it might be the Bears’ forthcoming Rivalries alternate.
- Multiple outlets compared the photographed jersey to Bears Pro Shop listings and concluded it most closely matches the retail 'Tundra White' alternate, which was available online and reportedly sold out.
- The NFL has scheduled the NFC North to receive Rivalries uniforms in 2026, and the league’s official Rivalries reveal is expected around early September, so an on-field alternate is still possible but unconfirmed.
- Beyond uniform talk the exchange highlights Williams’ civic ties and marketing reach, and it shows how team merchandise and publicity moments can drive early fan theories and media attention ahead of formal league announcements.