In a tale that blends Southern grit with Midwestern ambition, a remarkable group of former LSU Tigers has made headlines once again — this time not under the blazing lights of Death Valley, but amid the towering skyline of Chicago. With a combination of championship pedigree, unwavering camaraderie, and fierce determination, these Louisiana-bred athletes are uniting in the Windy City to conquer new professional challenges — and they’re doing it together.
This unexpected reunion of LSU alumni across Chicago’s vibrant sports spectrum is more than just a coincidence. It’s a collision of talent, loyalty, and timing. From the NFL to the WNBA, and even behind the scenes in executive offices, former Tigers are planting deep roots in the city and transforming its sports culture with a Cajun flavor.
The NFL Connection: Joe Burrow’s Baton Rouge Brotherhood
Though Joe Burrow may have taken his NFL talents to Cincinnati, his LSU teammates and confidants have found new homes with the Chicago Bears. Defensive standouts like JaCoby Stevens and K’Lavon Chaisson, both of whom played instrumental roles during LSU’s 2019 national title run, are now donning navy and orange in the NFL’s oldest franchise. The chemistry developed in Baton Rouge hasn’t skipped a beat — these Tigers have brought their swagger and synergy with them.
“They’re not just teammates,” said a Bears assistant coach. “They’re a band of brothers. You can feel their energy — it’s contagious.”
WNBA Power: Khayla Pointer Elevates the Sky
Meanwhile, over in the WNBA, former LSU women’s basketball star Khayla Pointer has signed with the Chicago Sky, bringing her fierce competitiveness and Tiger tenacity to the hardwood. Known for her clutch performances and defensive prowess during her LSU career, Pointer has already begun making her presence felt among the pros.
She credits her transition to Chicago with the same drive instilled by LSU coach Kim Mulkey. “Coach always told us to own every room we walked into. Now, I’m walking into the WNBA with that same mindset,” Pointer said.
Off the Field: Tigers in Leadership
But the LSU imprint in Chicago extends beyond athletes. Former Tigers are stepping into leadership roles across the city’s sports ecosystem. Jordan Jefferson, once a dual-threat quarterback for LSU, is rumored to be taking on a player development role with a local franchise, mentoring young athletes on life after college and the mental toughness required in pro sports.
A New Tiger Den in the Midwest
Chicago may be known for its deep-dish pizza and frigid winters, but thanks to this growing LSU alumni presence, it’s quickly becoming a second home for the purple and gold. LSU fans in the Midwest are reveling in this Tiger takeover, showing up at games in droves and creating pockets of Southern spirit in the heart of Illinois.
As the 2025 sports season unfolds, all eyes will be on Chicago to see how this Baton Rouge brigade rewrites its legacy — not just as college legends, but as icons transforming the professional sports stage. From Death Valley to Lake Michigan, these Tigers are proving once again: you can take the athlete out of LSU, but you can’t take the LSU out of the athlete.
