Chicago Bears rookie Logan Jones has quickly become one of the more unusual storylines from this year’s NFL Draft after being selected 57th overall in the second round. The 24-year-old centre from Iowa stepped into the spotlight not just because of his professional future, but because of an unexpected corporate perk attached to his draft position: a lifetime supply of Heinz ketchup.
While Jones is set to earn millions under his rookie contract, he told reporters he was almost more excited about the condiment deal, enthusiastically praising the promotion and joking that he would happily “take as much as possible.”
The promotion itself comes from Heinz 57, which has a long history of linking its brand identity to sporting milestones and numerical coincidences. The company’s most famous stunt dates back to 1941, when it offered baseball legend Joe DiMaggio a financial bonus if he extended his then-record hitting streak to 57 consecutive games.
DiMaggio ultimately fell short in Cleveland, but the campaign became part of baseball lore and helped cement Heinz’s association with sports storytelling.
This year’s NFL Draft added another chapter to that tradition, especially fitting since the event took place in Pittsburgh, the company’s hometown and former naming rights holder of the Steelers’ stadium, once known as Heinz Field. Jones being selected at pick 57 created a perfect marketing alignment that quickly gained traction across media coverage and fan discussion.
A city where ketchup meets resistance
Despite the celebratory tone surrounding his new endorsement, Jones may encounter an unexpected cultural challenge in Chicago. The city is famous for its strict culinary traditions when it comes to its signature hot dog style, and ketchup is widely considered unwelcome on the classic way of eating it.
A traditional Chicago-style hot dog typically includes mustard, green relish, diced onions, tomatoes, sport peppers, celery salt, and a pickle spear, creating a carefully balanced combination that locals believe requires no tomato-based additions.
While there is no official rule or law prohibiting ketchup, the practice is often mocked or discouraged, making it one of the more light-hearted food controversies in American sports cities. For Jones, this means his lifetime supply of ketchup may be more appreciated away from the city’s most iconic street food.
On the football side, Jones arrives in Chicago as part of a reshaped roster following recent changes at centre. The Bears added veteran Garrett Bradbury after Drew Dalman’s unexpected retirement at just 27, which reduces the likelihood that Jones will start immediately.
However, he remains an intriguing developmental prospect thanks to his athletic profile, including a sub-five-second 40-yard dash and two All-Big Ten selections during his time at Iowa. Some fans have even suggested he wear jersey number 57, currently held by linebacker Jack Sanborn, as a nod to his draft position and unexpected ketchup connection.
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