The Chicago Bears are bringing a legendary figure back to the spotlight for the 2026 NFL Draft. Hall of Fame left tackle Jimbo Covert will have the honor of announcing the team's Day 2 selections, adding a powerful dose of franchise history to the event.
This moment carries special significance, as the draft will be held in Pittsburgh. For Covert, it's a true homecoming. Before anchoring the Bears' offensive line, he was a standout for the Pittsburgh Panthers, setting the stage for his storied professional career that began when Chicago drafted him sixth overall in 1983.
Covert wasn't just a player; he was a foundational pillar of one of the most dominant eras in Bears football. As a key protector for the legendary Walter Payton, he helped lead an offensive line that powered the NFL's top rushing attack for four straight seasons. His resume is the stuff of legends: a two-time All-Pro, two-time Pro Bowler, Super Bowl XX champion, member of the NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team, and a well-deserved 2020 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Having a titan like Covert step to the podium connects the Bears' glorious past directly to its promising future. It's a reminder of the toughness, excellence, and championship pedigree that defines the franchise—qualities that resonate deeply with every Bears fan watching a new generation of talent join the team.
