Kevin Warren for President

Patrick: So, we have a new president with our Chicago Bears. In 2015, Kevin Warren became the first AfricanAmerican chief operating officer of an NFL team. Now, he’s the first Black president in the history of the Chicago Bears. I’m excited for the progress and, even more importantly in regard to the Bears—the sports team—that he seems to be on it. Seems very intelligent.

Donald: Well, it’s nice we have a new president in charge of football operations. While his race is pretty interesting and a definite sign of progress—especially so close to Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday—I just can’t wait to see what he does with these new responsibilities. Holding down the Bears isn’t nothing nice: the media and the fans are ready to get at him.

Russ: You’re right, man. I’m excited to see how everything shakes out with our new guy. My hope is that Mr. Warren keeps us here at Soldier Field.

Patrick: Hmh…

Russ: Yeah, I say we make them honor that deal—or they’ll be hit with a lawsuit. Then again, I’m not sure how that works, so if that’s not really an option, then Arlington Heights it is. That said, having the #1 pick should help the situation. Also, it’s a nice time for Mr. Warren to come into the fold seeing as he can help shape the future of the Bears for a very long time. With Justin Fields pretty much set in stone as our quarterback of the future, who or what we use our draft pick for will determine the Bears’ success.

John: Agreed, Russell. To top it off, we have plenty of options with this #1 pick. Second, Kevin Warren coming in the same year as this new pick— assuming we keep the pick— could be a positive for both. I can’t imagine our new president coming in and drafting a QB, so current quarterback Justin Fields appears solid in his position, which means the Bears could look to trade down with a team who needs to draft a quarterback. Say, for instance, the New York Jets. During an end-of-the-season 6-game los- ing streak, mind you, the Jets' last win ironically came against the Bears—

Donald: Hilarious.

Russ: Right!

John: But, yeah, the Jets scored only 4 offensive touchdowns during this 6-game losing streak, including none in the last 12 quarters of the season.

Patrick: What do you think makes this a deal that both teams could see it as a positive?

John: The Jets get a top-rated quarterback they can groom and grow with; the Bears, with the right maneuvering, this could be the beginning of the development of the offensive line and, perhaps they can snag a few defensive players to help shore up that side—one that can stop the run. If I were the new president, this is what I’d do.

Patrick: Right on.

Russ: John, I can see that working. For example, the Carolina Panthers, Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, Washington Commanders, Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, and the Indianapolis Colts may be willing to trade with us. General Manager Poles has ties to Indianapolis, so maybe they could work something out.

Donald: Russ, if forced to choose, would you still keep the pick?

Russ: I would keep it. Use it to get some defense and an offensive line to protect Fields. Basically, we’re in there with this pick. Whether we actually keep it, or trade it, we’re doing okay. The Chicago Bears could be back on a Super Bowl shuffle within a few years.

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Vendors Russell Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.