Bears fans who bet big on their team are now reaping the rewards as they're making a deep postseason run.
Local resident Phil Ioriatti, a die-hard Bears fan and avid gambler, placed a $100 bet on the team at 70-1 odds earlier in the season. He wasn't exactly optimistic about the chances of victory but had to take a chance. "A lousy $20," he chuckled, referring to his initial wager, "so I didnβt have too much faith."
Fast forward to now, and Ioriatti's optimism seems justified as the Bears are making waves in the NFL playoffs. Meanwhile, fellow Bears fan and handicapper Tom Barton took a risk on the team with 40-1 odds on winning Super Bowl LX just before the season started.
Barton believes that the Bears' chances have increased significantly since their bye week, thanks to key players returning from injury, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson. He also thinks that the team's creative offense under rookie coach Ben Johnson will be crucial in their postseason push.
While some fans and bettors may be skeptical about the Bears' chances, Ioriatti remains confident that his beloved team is destined for success. "This team has lost 240 player-games to injury," he pointed out, referring to the numerous losses suffered by key players throughout the season. He believes that this adversity will ultimately propel the team to victory.
The parallels between the Bears and heavyweight boxing champions are striking, according to Ioriatti. The team's ability to overcome obstacles and stay motivated is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Barton agrees with Ioriatti's assessment, noting that the Bears' wins this season have been impressive and often unexpected. "These Cardiac Bears have gotten off the mat late quite a few times this year," he said, echoing Grabon's sentiments about the team's ability to turn games around.
As the postseason unfolds, fans like Ioriatti and Barton are holding their breaths in hopes that their beloved team will bring home the championship. And with 40-1 odds on winning Super Bowl LX at one point, it seems that even the most unlikely of dreams can come true.
Local resident Phil Ioriatti, a die-hard Bears fan and avid gambler, placed a $100 bet on the team at 70-1 odds earlier in the season. He wasn't exactly optimistic about the chances of victory but had to take a chance. "A lousy $20," he chuckled, referring to his initial wager, "so I didnβt have too much faith."
Fast forward to now, and Ioriatti's optimism seems justified as the Bears are making waves in the NFL playoffs. Meanwhile, fellow Bears fan and handicapper Tom Barton took a risk on the team with 40-1 odds on winning Super Bowl LX just before the season started.
Barton believes that the Bears' chances have increased significantly since their bye week, thanks to key players returning from injury, including cornerback Jaylon Johnson. He also thinks that the team's creative offense under rookie coach Ben Johnson will be crucial in their postseason push.
While some fans and bettors may be skeptical about the Bears' chances, Ioriatti remains confident that his beloved team is destined for success. "This team has lost 240 player-games to injury," he pointed out, referring to the numerous losses suffered by key players throughout the season. He believes that this adversity will ultimately propel the team to victory.
The parallels between the Bears and heavyweight boxing champions are striking, according to Ioriatti. The team's ability to overcome obstacles and stay motivated is a testament to their resilience and determination.
Barton agrees with Ioriatti's assessment, noting that the Bears' wins this season have been impressive and often unexpected. "These Cardiac Bears have gotten off the mat late quite a few times this year," he said, echoing Grabon's sentiments about the team's ability to turn games around.
As the postseason unfolds, fans like Ioriatti and Barton are holding their breaths in hopes that their beloved team will bring home the championship. And with 40-1 odds on winning Super Bowl LX at one point, it seems that even the most unlikely of dreams can come true.