Chicago Bears updates: Playoff run ends in heartbreaking OT loss against Rams

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Last updated: Monday, January 19, 2026 3:51AM GMT
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CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Bears' NFL playoff run has ended, and ABC7 Chicago has the latest updates on the team, fan reaction and more.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks to quarterback Caleb Williams during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Chicago.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson talks to quarterback Caleb Williams during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, in Chicago.
(AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)

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Jan 13, 2026, 10:00 PM

Submit videos showing your Bears playoff spirit to ABC7 Chicago

Show ABC7 Chicago your Bears pride by submitting videos of you with family and friends celebrating the Bears' iconic season. You might see yourself on ABC7.

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Michelle Gallardo Image
Jan 14, 2026, 11:00 PM GMT

'Cheese Grater Guy' fan goes viral during playoff win over Packers

Talk about going viral in the best possible way, and all it took was a quarter wheel of cheese from Costco and a $9 cheese grater to turn a Southwest Side native into an Chicago legend.

It's been a few days since Brandon Martinez made Bears fan history by becoming the "Cheese Grater Guy" at Saturday's playoff game comeback win against the Green Bay Packers, but Martinez is still flying high and still grating that cheese.

"The phone can't stay charged," Martinez said. "I have people telling me so and so wants to talk to you. And I'm like, ok give me a second."

It all started in the fourth quarter, when the Bears scored their first touchdown of what until had been a downer of a game.

"That was the plan. Once they scored a touchdown, the cheese was coming out," Martinez said.

It didn't take long before the stadium's camera crew caught sight of him.

"He gave me the signal to do it again, to keep going, so we were shredding the cheese," Martinez said.

A little surprise came his way, courtesy of Miller Lite. Martinez was invited to attend the Bears-Rams game at Soldier Field.

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team WLS logo
Jan 14, 2026, 7:00 PM GMT

The Wiener's Circle holding Bears QB Caleb Williams lookalike contest

Chicago's Wiener's Circle wants to find the city's most convincing Caleb Williams, or "Iceman," lookalike.

The renowned Lincoln Park hot dog spot says it will host a Bears quarterback lookalike contest at their Clark Street location on Tuesday at 6 p.m.

A Bears victory Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams in the playoffs will only pump up the excitement.

Last week, dozens turned out for a Chicago Bears Coach Ben Johnson lookalike contest in the south suburbs.

ByJohn Garcia and Lissette Nuñez WLS logo
Jan 14, 2026, 12:00 AM GMT

BBB warns Chicago Bears fans to beware of playoff ticket scams

The NFL announced the Bears-Rams will be the Sunday night game, with kickoff at 5:30 p.m. from Chicago.

There's a lot of talk about the forecasted weather and the rush to get tickets. Only resale tickets are available for the Bears game, and they start at $500 each.

With fans flocking to buy game tickets, the Better Business Bureau is urging people to keep an eye out for scams.

The BBB recommends you:

- Only deal with secure websites that begin with "HTTPS" and have a lock symbol in the address bar

- Beware of counterfeit tickets with forged barcodes

- Always use a credit card, so you have some protection if tickets are not as promised.

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Jan 13, 2026, 10:00 PM GMT

Submit videos showing your Bears playoff spirit to ABC7 Chicago

Show ABC7 Chicago your Bears pride by submitting videos of you with family and friends celebrating the Bears' iconic season. You might see yourself on ABC7.

Submit your videos here.