Bears’ DJ Moore Celebrates Win with Cheese Grater Hat

The rivalry between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers has taken an unusual turn, with Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore donning a giant foam cheese grater hat to celebrate a thrilling overtime victory on December 20, 2023. This unconventional headgear has become a symbol of the Bears’ triumph, as Moore caught a 46-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Caleb Williams to secure a 22-16 win at Soldier Field.

Teammates greeted Moore with enthusiasm in the locker room, where head coach Ben Johnson presented him with the game ball, marking his second consecutive week receiving the honor. As the celebratory music played, the cheese grater hat swayed with every movement, symbolizing the Bears’ victory over their long-time rivals.

The hat was designed by Foam Party Hats, a company based in Houston, Texas, that has gained popularity for its whimsical headgear. Manuel Rojas, the company’s CEO and founder, experienced a surge in interest when he saw a video of Moore celebrating while wearing the hat. “Pardon my English, but it was an ‘oh s—‘ moment,” Rojas stated, recognizing the potential impact of the viral moment.

From Humble Beginnings to Viral Sensation

The journey of Foam Party Hats began with Grace Rojas, Manuel’s mother, who started creating unique hats in their native Caracas, Venezuela. Initially designed for festive occasions, her creations evolved into a full-fledged business after the family moved to the United States over 15 years ago. Manuel launched Foam Party Hats in 2017, and the company now employs 23 people.

The COVID-19 pandemic presented a turning point for the business when the Rojases appeared on the popular television show “Shark Tank.” Their participation helped them gain exposure, but it was the recent attention from Moore’s celebration that propelled their cheese grater hat into the spotlight.

Following the Bears’ victory, Foam Party Hats received over 7,000 orders for the cheese grater hat, which has quickly become a bestseller. The company has sold out of its stock and is on back order until at least March 2024. Several major retailers have also shown interest in distributing the product.

A Rivalry with a Twist

The cheese grater hat serves not only as a humorous jab at the Packers’ traditional cheesehead hats but also highlights the creativity within the world of sports merchandise. Despite previous legal challenges from the Packers regarding trademark issues, Foam Party Hats has shifted focus to expanding their inventory with innovative designs, including the popular cheese grater.

Interestingly, this playful rivalry has caught the attention of players from both teams. Jayden Reed, a wide receiver for the Packers, acknowledged the hats but insisted, “That ain’t got nothing to do with me.”

As the Bears prepare to face the Packers again in the wild-card round of the playoffs on January 7, 2024, the stakes are high. For Manuel Rojas, the game has taken on new significance. “After this, I’m a huge Bears fan,” he expressed, noting that he has already purchased a DJ Moore shirt. His newfound enthusiasm for American football stems from the unexpected success of a humorous celebration that has resonated with fans across the league.

As the Packers and Bears gear up for their matchup, it is clear that the cheese grater hat has transcended mere novelty; it symbolizes a moment of joy and camaraderie in a fierce sports rivalry.