Wilbur Pauley to Sing Anthem at Bears Game

The veteran performer will honor late coach Mike Ditka at the October 22, 2026, game against the New England Patriots.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Football

Wilbur Pauley to Sing Anthem at Bears Game

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Wilbur Pauley will perform the U.S. national anthem at Soldier Field before the Chicago Bears face the New England Patriots on October 22, 2026. The performance serves as a tribute to former tight end and head coach Mike Ditka, who died earlier this month.

Why it matters

The tribute honors a legendary figure in Chicago Bears history who served the organization as both a player and a leader. This event provides a moment of reflection for the franchise and its fans following the recent passing of Ditka.

Wilbur Pauley enters his 14th season as a Chicago Bears anthem singer, marking a long-standing tenure for the Beaver County native. Mike Ditka, who died on October 9, 2026, would have turned 87 years old this year.

The players

Wilbur Pauley

Wilbur Pauley is a long-time anthem performer for the Chicago Bears who hails from Beaver County.

Mike Ditka

Mike Ditka was a historic tight end and head coach for the Chicago Bears who died on October 9, 2026.

Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears are a professional football franchise based in Chicago that plays home games at Soldier Field.

New England Patriots

The New England Patriots are an NFL professional football team competing in the October 22, 2026, game.

The details

Pauley, a Beaver County native, has performed for the organization for 14 seasons. He previously sang the anthem during a 2017 matchup between the Bears and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

2017: Pauley performed the national anthem during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Oct. 9, 2026: Mike Ditka passed away.
Oct. 22, 2026: The Chicago Bears host the New England Patriots at Soldier Field.

Season Trajectory

This performance anchors the mid-season schedule in the club's historical identity and legacy. It bridges the current 2026 campaign with the franchise's deep-rooted history following the loss of one of its most prominent figures.

Fans attending the October 22 game at Soldier Field should prepare for pre-game ceremonies focused on the tribute. The anthem performance remains a standard fixture of the game-day schedule prior to the official kickoff.

The takeaway

Honoring historical figures through established pre-game rituals remains a staple of professional football culture. Fans can anticipate similar commemorative traditions as the season progresses through the fall.