The Bears and Athlitacomics — a comic company started by former defensive lineman Israel Idonije — have partnered for the fourth consecutive year to create "Monsters of the Midway" trading cards, an expansion of the original comic strip campaign that launched in 2018 and melded the world of comics and sports.
The collaboration has led to the creation of an alternate universe where current and former players are depicted as superheroes, each possessing a superpower tailored to their natural talents on the field.
The 2024 collection, produced by PANINI, features 28 players, including six current Bears whose cards are in a foil finish: Keenan Allen, Jaylon Johnson, DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Montez Sweat and Caleb Williams.
Williams' limited-edition foil card will be released during the 2024 season.
Limited-edition foil cards featuring Hall of Famers Steve McMichael — who was enshrined Aug. 3 as a member of the Class of 2024 — and Gale Sayers are also part of this year's collection. The McMichael and Sayers cards are not included in the packs and can only be won through the "Monsters of the Midway Trading Card Sweepstakes."
Every month during the season, 10 lucky fans that enter the sweepstakes will be selected to win a full set of all 28 cards, which included the limited-edition McMichael, Sayers and Williams cards. There are only 100 full, numbered sets in existence. To enter the Monsters of the Midway Trading Card Sweepstakes, which runs August 30, 2024 – January 5, 2025, click here.
20,000 packs of trading cards — which contain seven randomized player cards — will also be distributed to fans for free during the 2024 season. Fans can find the packs at the Kids Club Tent, Staley's Corner and Fan Services booths during home games at Soldier Field, fan events — including in London at the Bears' team pub — Staley Da Bear appearances, Miller Lite Away Game Watch Parties, Bears Fit, Chicago Bears Kids Club activations and Mini Monsters Youth Football clinics. Packs will also be given away through a variety of giveaways on the Chicago Bears Official App brought to you by Verizon, social media and alongside community partners (while supplies last).