Carnell Tate's Father Stays Loyal to Bears Despite Son's NFL Career
Tennessee Titans rookie wide receiver Carnell Tate, a Chicago native and lifelong Bears fan, says his father remains a Bears fan and will not wear Titans gear for the preseason game against Chicago. Tate grew up admiring Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, and Brandon Marshall. He also stood out during the joint practice between the two teams.
Tate's Chicago roots run deep—he was born in the city, attended Marist High School before transferring to IMG Academy in Florida, and later starred at Ohio State before entering the NFL. His childhood allegiances to Jay Cutler, Matt Forte, and Brandon Marshall reflect a formative era of Bears football that shaped his fandom.
The joint practice between the Titans and Bears turned contentious, with multiple skirmishes breaking out. Bears safety Xavier Woods delivered a hard hit on Titans receiver Wan'Dale Robinson, who entered concussion protocol, prompting Titans coach Robert Saleh to call the play "cheap." Additional scuffles involved Bears receiver Zavion Thomas and backup quarterback Tyson Bagent, setting up a tense preseason finale in Nashville.
This story could resonate with NFL fans who navigate divided loyalties between hometown teams and players they follow professionally. Tate's father's refusal to wear Titans gear may humanize the rookie and endear him to Bears supporters, potentially boosting his profile in Chicago. The heated joint practice could also heighten interest in the preseason matchup, though its broader impact remains limited to fan engagement and team chemistry narratives.