There isn’t a single self-respecting Chicago Bears fan out there that doesn’t know the name Jeff Dickerson. He was a central part of ESPN’s coverage of the franchise dating all the way back to 2001. A constant presence with both his columns and regular appearances on the radio and television. Everybody knew and respected the beat reporter. That was why it was heartbreaking when news dropped that he had died this week after a long battle with colon cancer.
While a terrible blow for everybody that knew Dickerson personally, it was a cruel twist of fate for his son Parker. Just 11-years old, the poor kid had already lost his mother Caitlin in 2019 to melanoma. Now he loses his father as well to a similar disease. That is something no child should ever have to experience. In an effort to give him some financial support in these dark times, his aunt Jen Hobin established a GoFundMe page in hopes friends, family, and Bears fans would donate to his cause.
The outpouring of support has been nothing short of tremendous.
In a span of 48 hours, the $100,000 goal has already been shattered. It sits at just over $168,000 at the time of this article’s publication. A reminder of just how loved Jeff Dickerson the reporter and human being was.
— Adam Hoge (@AdamHoge) December 29, 2021
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This is absolutely heartbreaking news. JD was a consummate professional and we all enjoyed his dedicated work for the Chicagoland sports community. His passion for fatherhood was unmatched – our hearts go out to his son Parker and his family & friends. 💜 https://t.co/5fOinMEiRG
— Pat Fitzgerald (@coachfitz51) December 29, 2021
It's hard to put into words. I'll miss you, JD. Always.
I just want everyone to know what a great guy he was.
He was the best. pic.twitter.com/xUshkUrcT3
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) December 29, 2021
Jeff Dickerson was a top guy. The absolute best. Every interaction with him made you feel better than before it began. He was relentlessly positive—like, to the point you could mistake him for a phony if you didn’t realize that his light simply shined that brightly.
— Rich Campbell (@Rich_Campbell) December 29, 2021
Crestfallen pic.twitter.com/PpECA48hMh
— Zach Zaidman (@ZachZaidman) December 29, 2021
Bears fans can be a somewhat combative lot. Even with each other at times. Yet there is no doubt they are a family. When one of their number dies, everybody feels it. Jeff Dickerson touched multiple generations with his quality work. Not to mention his easy-going and positive personality. I had a chance to meet the legend back in 2016 during Bears training camp. We spoke for a couple of minutes. He was utterly gracious and patient with somebody he’d never met before.
If he was able to earn my admiration after just one meeting, it’s hard to imagine how hard this must be for the people he was truly close to. It’s nice to see fans do right by him and his family when needed most.
