Chicago Bears' Daniel Hardy Debuts WWE-Style Celebration

Defensive lineman Daniel Hardy performed a tribute to Jeff Hardy after recording his first career NFL sack against the Atlanta Falcons.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Football

Expressive sports illustration featuring a Chicago Bears defensive player tackling an Atlanta Falcons quarterback on a football field. — Chicago Bears defensive lineman Daniel Hardy recorded his first career NFL sack during the team's 31-23 victory over the Atlanta Falcons. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Chicago Bears defensive lineman Daniel Hardy executed a Jeff Hardy Juke celebration following his first career NFL sack during a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The 27-year-old pass rusher was prompted to perform the move by Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.

Why it matters

Hardy’s performance highlights his emergence as a key defensive rotation player, a role he earned after injuries and suspensions thinned the Bears' defensive front. He recorded 1.5 sacks and nine quarterback pressures in just 50 pass rush snaps over the last two weeks.

Hardy recorded 1.5 sacks and nine quarterback pressures during Weeks 6 and 7, playing 50 pass rush snaps during that span. He previously spent the 2024 and 2025 seasons primarily on special teams, logging 725 snaps out of 810 total regular-season plays.

The players

Daniel Hardy

He is a 27-year-old Chicago Bears defensive lineman who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2022.

Caleb Williams

He is the starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears who encouraged Hardy to perform his specific sack celebration.

Michael Penix Jr.

He is the quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons who was sacked by Daniel Hardy during the October 18 game.

Devin Bush

He is a linebacker for the Chicago Bears who played alongside Hardy during the sack of the Atlanta Falcons quarterback.

The details

After stunting inside off the right shoulder of linebacker Devin Bush, Hardy used his speed and agility to wrap up and tackle Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the sack. The celebration was a nod to a photo taken in August 2017 where Hardy held a replica championship belt.

2022: Los Angeles Rams drafted Daniel Hardy with the 235th overall pick.
2024-2025: Hardy served primarily as a special teams player.
October 18, 2026: Hardy recorded his first career sack and performed his celebration in a 31-23 win over the Atlanta Falcons.
Weeks 6 and 7, 2026: Hardy played 50 pass rush snaps.

Season Trajectory

Hardy's recent production provides the Chicago Bears with depth along the defensive front as the team navigates the middle of the season. His integration into the pass rush rotation marks a shift from his previous role as a special teams specialist.

Hardy's increased defensive snap count suggests he will continue to compete for pass-rushing opportunities in the upcoming game rotation. Fantasy players should monitor his participation levels as a potential deep-league defensive option.

The takeaway

Hardy's transition from a special teams role to an active pass rusher highlights the importance of depth players in NFL rotations. His celebration serves as a reminder of the personal interests players bring to the field, helping to build their individual brand identity.