Bears' Coby Bryant Announces New Jersey Number

The former Seahawks safety explains his reasoning behind choosing #2 for the upcoming season.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 2:22pm

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A fragmented, multi-angled painting depicting the number 2 in various geometric shapes and planes, representing the new jersey number of Chicago Bears safety Coby Bryant.Coby Bryant's new jersey number 2 with the Chicago Bears is deconstructed into a cubist geometric illustration, reflecting his desire to create his own legacy in the Windy City.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears made a big splash in free agency by signing former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant. Bryant has now announced that he will be wearing the number 2 jersey with the Bears, last worn by wide receiver DJ Moore. Bryant had initially hoped to wear either Kobe Bryant's number 8 or 24, but ultimately decided to go with number 2 to create his own legacy.

Why it matters

Jersey number selections are always a big deal for fans, as they often want to purchase the new player's jersey. Bryant's decision to wear number 2 will likely lead to a surge in jersey sales, as hundreds of Bears fans had previously worn that number to support the traded DJ Moore.

The details

Bryant explained that he reached out to Bears kicker Cairo Santos about acquiring the number 8 jersey, which he wore in Seattle to honor Kobe Bryant. However, they were unable to come to an agreement, so Bryant decided to go with number 2 instead, which he wore when he first started playing football. The Bears also announced jersey number changes for other new additions to the team.

  • Bryant signed with the Bears as a free agent in the 2026 offseason.

The players

Coby Bryant

A former safety for the Seattle Seahawks who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency.

Cairo Santos

The Chicago Bears' kicker, who currently wears the number 8 jersey that Bryant initially wanted.

DJ Moore

The former Bears wide receiver who previously wore the number 2 jersey, before being traded to the Buffalo Bills this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“I got some things cooking up, but I'm definitely reached out to him and asked him about the number eight. He was very cool about it, so we're trying to come to an agreement pretty soon. I don't have a set number yet, I don't want to speak too soon, but definitely have two options.”

— Coby Bryant, New Bears Safety

“Creating my own legacy with #2! I started football wearing 2! It's reasons behind it.!”

— Coby Bryant

What’s next

The Bears will now make Coby Bryant's new number 2 jersey available for purchase on the team's online store, allowing fans to show their support for the new defensive addition.

The takeaway

Coby Bryant's decision to wear number 2 with the Bears, rather than honoring Kobe Bryant with number 8 or 24, shows his desire to create his own legacy in Chicago. This move will likely be well-received by Bears fans, who previously supported the number 2 jersey of traded wide receiver DJ Moore.