CHICAGO — Grady Jarrett strode down the Wrigley Field steps, heading for the grass with his mother documenting every single moment. He rocked a No. 50 Cubs jersey with his name on the back.

The new Chicago Bears defensive tackle was set to throw out the first pitch before Tuesday’s Cubs-Dodgers game.

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Jarrett relished the moment, both for the opportunity to see a big game and to continue introducing himself to his new sports city.

Jarrett said in an exclusive interview with Marquee Sports Network that Bears fans have been fantastic — a point proven by the line of people who waited for photos and autographs after his first pitch sailed straight and true.

“It has been an amazing experience,” Jarrett said. “The city has been wonderful, and the football season hasn’t even started. The love they’ve shown me and my family has been awesome. Just experiencing the city, from the food to the culture — this is a pro sports city, and I’m happy to be part of it. I just want to immerse myself in this culture.”

Jarrett’s big moment came last month when he signed a three-year contract worth up to $43.5 million with the Bears. And now Bears optimism is sky high, just a few days before the 2025 NFL Draft.

Jarrett told Marquee Sports Network that he pays attention to the draft and is invested in the Bears improving, but he doesn’t live or die with each pick.

“I watch it as a football fan, seeing where the young guys go and where they end up,” Jarrett said. “As far as worrying about who we get, I don’t get caught up in that. I like to support the young dudes getting a chance to chase their dream.”

Jarrett had a cool moment with Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson, a fellow Atlanta-area native who was a huge Jarrett fan when he was with the Falcons. Swanson said he wasn’t a fan of Jarrett leaving his team, but he is excited to follow him with the Bears.

They got to know each other a little bit when Jarrett was the public face of the Falcons’ franchise for 10 years and Swanson helped the Braves win the 2021 World Series.