The Chicago Bears are entering the NFL playoffs like it’s nobody’s business, and they’re making waves under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. The team’s wild-card playoff appearance will mark Chicago’s first time in the playoffs since 2020, which shows just how quickly Johnson has turned this team around.
Now, the Bears’ postseason fate will be decided in a matter of days. So, the No. 2 seed Chicago Bears will take on their NFC North rivals, the No. 7 seed Green Bay Packers at home in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs on Saturday, January 10 at 8 p.m. Eastern time.
While these Bears players are deeply committed to football, that doesn’t mean they don’t have time to give back. Even amid the busy season, Chicago Bears cornerback Nick McCloud supported his local community with a special event, and he’s being recognized for it.
Chicago Bears Cornerback Nick McCloud Gets Recognition
McCloud was named the NFLPA Community MVP for Week 16 for his commitment to uplifting the Chicago community. Thanks to getting the honor, the NFL Players Association donated $10,000 to the BEAZT Foundation, and others are able to donate, too.
McCloud is a new father, and he’s passionate about supporting other dads in his community. He hosted 30 fathers and their children during the Champions of Fatherhood Holiday Event at Play Street Museum in Chicago in December. As the kids explored the museum, the dads spent time talking together while having a meal.
Also, McCloud made sure that each family that participated got diaper bags with essential items, new winter coats and professional family portraits at the event. The event ended with McCloud talking about the importance of his father in his life.
“Just to be recognized for anything you do in that magnitude is always going to be a great honor,” McCloud told Anne Erickson with Heavy Sports regarding the NFL honor. As for the event, “I thought it was a great opportunity not for me to only give back but for me to do something towards a cause that impacts me. It was an amazing event overall.”
McCloud added that he’s a new father, “so with this event, I just wanted to come into the community and let these fathers know they’re doing a good job. We had a panel, and I gave some advice that I thought helped me the way my dad handled my brother and sister and myself in my life.”
Advice for Dads From Chicago Bears Cornerback
That advice, he says, is to be there for your kids. “My dad was there for us, and my mom, too, in anything we did in terms of school, after school events, sporting events and anything we needed. Some of my friends’ dads were there, and some weren’t, so it’s just about having your dad there and always supportive.”
Even though the Bears have a busy schedule, McCloud says it’s important to make time to give back. “We’re blessed to be in this position, so you should give back, being in the position we’re in, where we’re public figures and people look up to us.”
McCloud and the team will go up against Green Bay on Saturday, and if they win, they’ll move onto the divisional round, which starts on January 17. There, the NFL will host two games, one at 4:30 p.m. and the other at 8:15 p.m. On January 18, games will take place at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
The AFC Championship is set for January 25 at 3 p.m., and the NFC Championship is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. The Super Bowl will take place on February 8 at 6:30 p.m. on NBC.
Bears Cornerback Nick McCloud Helps Chicago Dads: Exclusive