Former WWE star CM Punk didn't hold back on Christmas Day, criticizing the Chicago Bears' ownership during a guest spot on Netflix's NFL coverage. The Chicago native placed the blame for the team's woes squarely on the McCaskey family, who inherited the Bears from founder George Halas. "Nothing’s going to change until the McCaskeys sell the team," Punk declared. He further lamented the Bears' past quarterback decisions, referencing Lovie Smith and Mitch Trubisky's tenures, and suggesting that Patrick Mahomes would be in Chicago had the team drafted differently.
Punk's comments came as the Bears struggle through a disappointing season with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams at the helm. Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has faced challenges, and the team's 4-11 record led to the mid-season firing of coach Matt Eberflus. Punk, a self-proclaimed "Chicago sports fan," expressed his frustration with the franchise's current state, highlighting the team's leadership as the root of the problem.
While acknowledging Trubisky's respectable passing yardage during his time in Chicago, Punk emphasized the overall disappointment surrounding his performance. He contrasted this with the success of Mahomes, whom the Chiefs drafted tenth overall in 2017, the same year the Bears selected Trubisky second overall.
Punk's outburst on the Netflix program prompted co-host Devin McCourty to jokingly offer to let him continue his rant off-air. Punk, however, doubled down on his criticism, reiterating his belief that Mahomes would be playing for the Bears if the team had made a different choice in 2017.
