Bears 10-Year Veteran Bids Emotional Farewell to Chicago

In a heartfelt message posted to Instagram, Scales penned a goodbye letter filled with gratitude:

‘Words will never be able to describe our gratitude for the city of Chicago, the Chicago Bears Organization, or the fans who have cheered us on and loved us through the years.

Cheers to the best friends who helped us get here, the family we made throughout the years, and the memories that we’ll cherish forever.

Chicago, you were a dream come true, and you’ll always feel like home.

Our kids know no life without you, Chicago Bears, and raising them with you was the biggest honor of our life. Thank you to the McCaskey family, who truly feel like family to us. We cherish & love you forever.

It is truly an honor to play for the NFL & we’re excited and hopeful for what’s next, but we’ll never forget the team who gave us everything & got us here today. Bear Down, baby’

Scales missed the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL and underwent back surgery in 2024 that ultimately kept him off the field. While he hasn’t officially announced his next move, he made it clear he won’t be back in navy and orange. In his absence, the Bears signed veteran long snapper Scott Daly on March 17, 2025, to take over the role moving forward.

After a decade of consistency, leadership, and resilience, Scales exits as one of the most respected locker room voices of the past generation. Whether his playing days continue or not, his legacy in Chicago is secure.