Blagojevich: Pritzker Dropped the Ball
Rod Blagojevich did not hold back. He told Fox & Friends Weekend that Governor JB Pritzker was outmaneuvered as the Bears weigh a move to Indiana. Blagojevich called it “gubernatorial malpractice” and pointed to a pattern of big businesses leaving Illinois. Love him or loathe him Blagojevich drives home a clear point: when a state fails to act the marketplace notices.
Indiana Moves Fast to Woo the Bears
An Indiana House panel approved legislation to help finance a potential new stadium near Wolf Lake in Hammond just over the Illinois border. Lawmakers in Indiana moved quickly once the Bears signaled interest. That speed matters. Teams and owners notice which states roll out the welcome mat and which states offer excuses and higher taxes.
Money Matters: Taxes and Incentives
Blagojevich and others say high Illinois taxes are a big reason for the flirtation with Indiana. Governor Mike Braun says the Bears reached out to Indiana months ago after being rebuffed in Illinois. When civic leaders spend more time pointing fingers than cutting red tape the clock keeps ticking and opportunities leave town.
Chicago Leaders Angry but Slow to Respond
Mayor Brandon Johnson publicly pleaded for the Bears to stay calling the team part of the city. That is understandable. Still images of surprise from Illinois officials suggest they were not ready for this. Complaining is not a plan. If Chicago wants the Bears to stay it will need a plan that matches Indiana’s rapid pitch and clear incentives.
Fans and the Future
Fans are understandably upset. A franchise anchored in a city for decades is more than a business. But franchises are businesses. If Illinois wants to keep major employers and teams it must address its high costs and hostile climate toward commerce. Otherwise more departures will follow.
Yikes: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is visibly upset that the Bears announced that they are committed to moving to Indiana.
“The Bears belong in Chicago.” 😵💫
Losing a thriving NFL franchise is an utter disgrace. https://t.co/HpejjipqaS pic.twitter.com/dy78RqhNse
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 19, 2026
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
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To bad. Both you guys suck! I hope you go down in flames!
Jimmy, please approve my comment that didn’t post (again)!!! Thanks, Buzz
Every person and every business with any good sense should leave Illinois. It is just another liberal stronghold for legislators who have one foot in fantasy land and the other foot in a mentally unstable condition. The only way Democrats stay in power is stealing money from those who produce it and giving it to those who want it and will continue to vote for them. No stable, rational, productive society can survive that kind of thinking.
TIME FOR PRICKSTER AND B JOHNSON TO LEAVE ILLINOIS
goodness, No ! They should stay. Why screw up another state ?
Jimmy, still waiting!!
Why would they stay in IL? They are an American Icon establishment (like apple pie and hot dogs) and IL has gone to the low end of Patriotism.
Prickster and johnson are two of the most incompetent nitwits to ever walk this earth. I hope the bears move and Chicago begins to realize that they need to vote for real Americans, not closet Communists.
This is what happens when you have fat stupid incompetent corrupt leaders. The democrats party is finished they screwed the American people for the last time and the asshole democrats keep lining up Newscum AOC Harris Whitmer
Jimmy, I’ve always loved reading Steadfast and Loyal articles. But I’m officially now fed up with foolish proofreaders culling many of my replies! So, in a matter of a few minutes, I’ll be unsubscribed from this site! Enough is enough! Buzz Buvinghausen