If you didn't look close enough, you might not notice it. However, a notable change is being made to the Chicago Bears' 1936 throwback jersey. Like the rest of the jerseys worn by the team, the throwback uniform is having the "GSH" memorial on the left sleeve added to the uniform.
Called out by Uni Watch, the throwback jersey never had the tribute to former owner and founder George Halas on the sleeve. Since 2019, the jersey has functioned as a true throwback, not showcasing the memorial. You can see below in 2023 the look of the jersey, more specifically the left sleeve.
As shown above, the left sleeve is blank within the blue, white, and orange stripes. These were last worn in the Bears' 27-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Christmas Eve. However, as showcased in the picture below from the Bears, D'Andre Swift's jersey has the "GSH" present on the left sleeve.
Coming soon to an end zone near you pic.twitter.com/Wb61n8kbUs
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 16, 2024
With the addition, every jersey the Bears currently wear will display the memorial for George Halas. The former team owner passed away in 1983, and the team has worn the memorial on the sleeve of the jersey since 1984. During the season in which he passed away, the Bears wore a patch on the left chest of the uniform in Halas' honor.
It might be a small change, but it is a unique feature that the Bears will continue to uphold as long as his family continues owning the team. Even past that time, the GSH may remain as an iconic part of the uniform. In addition, adding the memorial to the throwbacks likely signals an extended lifetime for the jersey and a consistent spot in the uniform rotations over the coming years.
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