Dillon Thieneman’s big Chicago Bears decision turns heads

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Dillon Thieneman’s big Chicago Bears decision turns heads

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 26, 2026 9:24 PM ET

When it was the Chicago Bears’ turn to pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft, it was as if Dillon Thieneman was a match made in heaven. The Bears needed to fill a huge void in their secondary, and Thieneman was clearly the right choice.

Thieneman is coming off a memorable season with the Oregon Ducks. He earned All-American honors as a junior after registering 96 combined tackles (44 solo) and two interceptions in 15 games played.

With Thieneman, the Bears have added a new defensive back who is ready to play at the NFL level. He should slot in alongside free agent acquisition Coby Bryant as Chicago’s new safety duo.

New Chicago Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman meets with the media at the 2026 NFL Combine.

Chicago Bears announce Dillon Thieneman’s jersey number

The Bears took to social media on Saturday to announce that Thieneman has selected the No. 13 jersey for his 2026 rookie season. This is the same number Thineman wore for Oregon and for the Purdue Boilermakers in his first two years in college.

Incidentally, Thieneman will take over the No. 13 from three-time All-Pro safety Kevin Byard, who left the Bears in the offseason. The three-time Pro Bowler signed with the New England Patriots in free agency.

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Thieneman turned heads with his decision to secure the No. 13 jersey.

“BYARD WHO!?

” a comment on Instagram read.

“I love you KB3. But I’m so glad he kept his number so that him and Bryant can be 312 together,” another said.

“Don’t know how to feel yet,” a fan wrote.

“

wear that number proud man

” a reaction read.

“This jersey is going to numbers in Naperville

” said another.

“We got 312 as our safeties,” a user posted.

There is clearly a lot of hype surrounding Thieneman as he heads into his first season with the Bears. This, of course, also comes with a lot of pressure as the team’s first-round pick.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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