After 23 years as president and chief executive officer of the Chicago Bears and 39 years as a member of the team’s front office, Ted Phillips is retiring at the end of the 2022 season, marking the end of an era in which the team thrived off the field but was inconsistent on it.
Last fall, Phillips, 65, told team chairman George McCaskey he was considering retirement. After a series of discussions, the decision was made for Phillips to step down next February.
“When COVID came, it changed a lot of dynamics and gave me some time to reflect on my life, my work life,” Phillips said in an exclusive interview with The Athletic. “I came to the conclusion that, my gosh, almost 40 years is a long time. It’s time to hand over the baton and give myself the gift of time. You know how this business can be, a lot of hours and time away from family. I just turned 65 years old. I feel good. My health is good. I felt it was time to slow down and do whatever I want to do.”