Shorewood Health Care Worker Named 'Bears Fan Of The Year'

SHOREWOOD, IL — The coronavirus pandemic has been challenging for Americans all over the country—especially for those in the healthcare industry. No one knows that better than Shorewood resident, Paul Videtich.

Until recently, Videtich had worked at a New Lenox hospital as a CT technologist for 43 years before retiring earlier this month, his last day being one of the most tumultuous for the American healthcare establishment in living memory.

On Friday, Illinois public health officials reported 13,012 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 along with 126 deaths. It's the third day in a row that deaths have surpassed 100 a day.

While his co-workers are picking up where he left off, Videtich's dedication and contribution to his local hospital for almost half a century has not gone unnoticed. Hours before his final shift, Videtich received honors for another decades-long commitment: his extreme loyalty to the Chicago Bears.

His wife, Phyllis, asked him to put on his Walter Payton jersey to take a Bears-themed Christmas card. Instead, he was greeted by Staley Da Bear and former quarterback Caleb Hanie, making 2020 memorable — but in a good way.

"How are you, my man?" Hanie asked Videtich after he answered the door.

"I'm good!" Videtich responded.

"I'm Caleb Hanie. I'm the former Bears quarterback," Hanie replied, failing to realize the level of fan he was meeting.

"I know who you are!" Videtick said to Hanie with excitement.

According to the Chicago Bears, Videtich became a season ticket holder on June 19, 1992, a day he remembers as if it were his wedding anniversary. He attended every game for the past 28 years as well as created close bonds with the other season ticket holders in his section, to the point where the group became something like extended family, attending weddings and birthday parties.

"I'm still kind of in shock. With all the thousands and thousands of Bears fans, and how I got picked I don't know, but I'm so grateful I can't believe it. I'm just honored. I can't believe this," Videtich said.

Videtich will compete with winners from the other 31 NFL franchises to be one of the three fans selected to win a trip to the Super Bowl.

Fans can see all 32 "Fan of the Year" winners by clicking here.