Former Bears Fullback Still Working at Soldier Field at Age 72

Chicago, IL – More than four decades after his final snap, a former Chicago Bears fullback still walks through the gates of Soldier Field every morning — not to block or run, but to quietly care for the field that once defined his life.

Now 72 years old, he works as part of the stadium’s grounds crew, tending the grass and keeping the turf pristine before every home game. The roar of the crowd may sound different now, but to him, it still feels like home.

That man is Roland Harper, who played for the Chicago Bears from 1975 to 1982, carving out a career built on toughness, teamwork, and selflessness. For eight seasons, Harper served as a reliable fullback and running mate to legends like

Walter Payton, paving the way for one of the greatest rushing attacks in Bears history.

Harper’s game was never about headlines. He wasn’t the one scoring touchdowns or commanding the spotlight. But every fan who watched the Bears’ offense in the late 1970s knew his role — the quiet bruiser who opened lanes, absorbed hits, and made the team better.

He appeared in 90 games over eight seasons, rushing for 1,829 yards and 15 touchdowns, while catching 128 passes out of the backfield. His consistency and grit made him a coach’s dream and a teammate’s favorite.

After retiring from football, Harper stayed close to Chicago, working a series of local jobs before deciding to return to Soldier Field in a very different way — as part of the team responsible for maintaining its legendary turf.

Each morning, he can be seen pushing equipment along the sidelines, making sure every inch of grass is ready for the next generation of Bears. He doesn’t talk much about the past — but his presence says everything.

When asked why he still does it, he just smiles and says it’s about giving back — to the field, the fans, and the city that gave him everything.

TIME UPDATE: Packers vs. Cardinals – NFL Adjusts Schedule Ahead of Sunday Showdown

Glendale, AZ – October 15, 2025

The NFL has announced a schedule adjustment for this weekend’s matchup between the Green Bay Packers (3–1–1) and Arizona Cardinals (2–4) at State Farm Stadium

, following the Charlie Kirk Memorial Event taking place at the same venue earlier that day.

League officials confirmed that while additional security and traffic measures will be in effect to manage both events,

kickoff remains unchanged for one of the NFC’s most intriguing Week 7 games.

🕔 Kickoff Time for Packers vs. Cardinals

Date: Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025
Venue: State Farm Stadium — Glendale, Arizona
Kickoff: 4:25 p.m. ET (unchanged)

📺 How to Watch

TV: FOX
Streaming (in-market viewers): Fubo (Stream now)
Tickets: Available on StubHub

💰 Green Bay vs. Arizona Odds (via BetMGM Sportsbook)

Spread: Green Bay -6.5 (-110), Arizona +6.5 (-110)
Moneyline: Green Bay -325 | Arizona +260
Total: 44.5
Over/Under Odds: -110 each

The Packers enter Week 7 looking to build on their strong start to the season. Behind

Jordan Love’s improving consistency and a top-10 defense, Green Bay has become one of the NFC’s early success stories — averaging 26.2 points per game and showing strong balance on both sides of the ball.

The Cardinals, meanwhile, are trying to snap a four-game losing streak and reignite their offense under pressure. Despite flashes of promise from Kyler Murray, inconsistency has plagued Arizona’s attack, and this matchup presents a chance to rebound at home in front of a fiery Glendale crowd.

🩺 Injury Reports

Packers: No injuries listed.
Cardinals: No injuries listed.

📊 Stats to Know

Green Bay’s offense has averaged 26.2 PPG, 5.0 more than the 21.2 points Arizona allows.
The Packers’ offense gains 359.6 yards per game, compared to the Cardinals’ defense giving up 348.0 yards.
The Packers have held opponents to 20.4 points per game, nearly identical to the
21.7 points scored by Arizona.
Green Bay’s defense ranks among the league’s best, allowing just 280.2 yards per game — 26.8 fewer than Arizona’s average output.

With both teams healthy and the crowd at

State Farm Stadium expected to be electric, Sunday’s matchup offers high stakes and high energy. The Packers aim to solidify their place among NFC contenders, while the Cardinals look to save their season — and their pride — in front of their home fans.

Under the desert lights of Glendale, this Packers vs. Cardinals clash will be a defining moment for both teams as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Kelsey Anderson Gives Update On Wedding Planning With Fiancé Joey Graziadei After 2 Years

Kelsey Anderson and Joey Graziadei are going on two years of being engaged!

The couple first met on season 28 of The Bachelor, where he proposed to her at the end of the season, which

aired in March 2024.

However, the season finale was filmed the November before that.

Now, two years later, Kelsey gave an update on how their wedding plans are going .

“We’re in the early stages, but we’re super excited about it,” Kelsey told E! News at Heidi Klum‘s Halloween party. Check out her outfit here if you missed it!

She was also asked if she had a dress picked out yet, to which she replied, “I do not. Not yet.”

Finally, Kelsey was asked what her goals for 2026 are and she simply responded, with a laugh, “Further wedding planning.

Previously, following the season finale of their season of The Bachelor, Joey and Kelsey shared that they were in no rush to tie the knot, and didn’t foresee getting married for another two to three years.

Earlier this year, Kelsey shut down rumors she was pregnant.

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