Bears fans thank familiar face after blockbuster trade

The Chicago Bears pulled off a stunning blockbuster trade on Friday, sending the No. 1 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers. In doing so, they received the No. 9 overall pick, several others, and wide receiver D.J. Moore.

As Bear fans celebrated the huge trade, dubbed by some already as one of the greatest in Chicago sports history, many took the time to not forget about someone who made this possible. Somebody that Bear fans know very well and, well, now they love him. They might not have for a little bit for one big reason.

Bears fans took to Twitter on Friday while they celebrated the big blockbuster to thank one man: former head coach Lovie Smith.

Smith is, in part, responsible for the Bears owning the No. 1 overall pick. The now-former Houston Texans head coach, controversially to some, led his team to victory in the final week of the season. Prior to Week 18, Houston and Chicago were ‘battling’ for the top spot in the 2023 NFL Draft. With Houston’s victory, Chicago sealed up the pick. And without that win in January, the Bears never would have gotten the top pick. And, in turn, never would’ve made the deal they made today.

It’s always nice when someone gets a redemption story, eh? Chicago fans made sure to spread all the love they could. For today, they’ll forget all about Super Bowl XLI.

BUILD THE LOVIE SMITH STATUE

— VP of Wu Tang Financial (@BarbChairScott) March 10, 2023

Give this man a statue. #Bears

This wouldn't have been possible without him in Week 18. pic.twitter.com/O05AD8A6ns

— Aaron Leming (@AaronLemingNFL) March 10, 2023

Lovie Forever https://t.co/TRKxAT73Xg

— Robert O'Neill (@RobertONeill31) March 10, 2023

Once again, let’s all take a step back and thank Lovie Smith.

— DaBearsBlog (@dabearsblog) March 10, 2023

LOVIE SMITH FOREVER. #ThanksLovie pic.twitter.com/zZ4clRmlVX

— OBVIOUS SHIRTS® (@obvious_shirts) March 10, 2023

Shoutout to Lovie Smith.

None of this happens without him.

Bears legend.

— Dave (@dave_bfr) March 10, 2023

Lovie Smith Field at Willis Arena in Arlington Heights, Illinois

— Mr.Jackson (@JacksackPhD) March 10, 2023

Lovie Smith to the Ring of Honor ASAP https://t.co/bG0Z8HO1ST

— Tyler Aki (@TylerAki_) March 10, 2023

Thank you Lovie Smith #Bears legend forever pic.twitter.com/lA3HNL5L0S

— As a Former NFL Agent (@TommyK_NFLDraft) March 10, 2023

Love that @LovieSmith is trending! Secures his standing as a #Bears legend! pic.twitter.com/VGvVzt6Gh4

— Sean K. Jensen (@seankjensen) March 10, 2023