The Bulls may be struggling.
But Chicago showed up for Ben Johnson.
And Scottie Pippen did, too.
Rewritten Article (Dramatic & Engaging Version)
The Chicago Bulls entered Sunday riding an 11-game losing streak.
The vibes inside the United Center?
Strangely electric.
Because Bears head coach Ben Johnson was in the building — and Chicago treated him like royalty.
Before tip-off against the Milwaukee Bucks, Johnson was presented with a classic red Bulls jersey and greeted with a warm ovation from fans who have quickly embraced him as one of the city’s rising sports figures.
When he appeared on the jumbotron early in the second quarter, the reaction was loud.
Johnson smiled.
Waved.
And then — in a moment everyone saw coming — pretended to rip his shirt off.
The arena erupted.
A Joke Chicago Won’t Forget
The fake shirt rip was a nod to Johnson’s now-viral moment earlier this NFL season, when he tore off his shirt in celebration after the Bears beat the Packers.
That celebration came after Chicago institution The Wiener’s Circle promised free hot dogs if he went “tarps off.”
He delivered.
And Chicago hasn’t let it go since.
So when he teased the move again at the Bulls game?
The entire building was in on it.
Sitting Courtside with Legends
The Bulls didn’t just give Johnson a jersey and applause.
They rolled out the red carpet.
According to reports from the Chicago Sports Network broadcast, Johnson:
- Met with Bulls head coach Billy Donovan before the game
- Sat in a suite with owner Michael Reinsdorf
- Chopped it up with Bulls legends
And cameras caught him laughing alongside none other than Scottie Pippen as the game got underway.
That’s rare air.
Scottie Pippen’s Return Steals the Spotlight
As much buzz as Johnson generated, Scottie Pippen’s presence may have been the bigger headline.
The franchise legend has kept his distance from the organization in recent years, particularly after tensions surrounding The Last Dance documentary and his public rift with Michael Jordan.
He notably skipped the Bulls’ Ring of Honor ceremony in 2024.
But recently?
The temperature seems to be cooling.
Pippen narrated Derrick Rose’s tribute video during Rose’s jersey retirement ceremony — a sign relations were improving.
Now he’s back in the building.
Smiling. Socializing. Engaged.
For a franchise icon whose jersey hangs in the rafters, that matters.
Two Franchises, One City Energy
Chicago sports are in an interesting place.
The Bulls are struggling on the court.
The Bears, under Johnson, have restored hope.
And Sunday felt like a symbolic crossover moment.
A football coach embraced like a basketball star.
A basketball legend reconnecting with his franchise.
The wins may not be piling up for the Bulls.
But for a few moments, the United Center felt like Chicago sports unity at its best.
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