The Great Idaho Show - Tim Wrightman - Lazy Bear Ranch - 1985 Superbowl Champion

Former 1985 Super Bowl Chicago Bear tight end Tim Wrightman joins us in this week’s episode to share his extraordinary journey from the gridiron to rural Idaho.

Tim recounts stepping onto the field with the 1985 Super Bowl–winning Bears as a standout tight end from UCLA—where he was a consensus All-American and Academic All-American—through a short-but-impactful NFL and USFL career.

But it was family lore that truly shaped his future. Inspired by his father’s hunting trip through Idaho in the 1960s—where a chance encounter with a landowner sparked annual vacations—Tim fell in love with the region. That affection eventually led him and his wife to settle in Weiser, Idaho, and build Lazy Bear Ranch.

On the ranch—spanning 200+ acres—Tim has created a premier pheasant preserve and event venue. He reflects on starting with “no real master plan” and now hosting hundreds of clients every year—harvesting over 4,000 pheasants—while also opening the grounds to weddings, retreats, and community events.

Tim also dives into his lesser-known career in Hollywood, where he appeared in more than 20 TV shows (Baywatch, The Drew Carey Show, Mad About You) and featured in national commercials.

We wrap up our conversation marveling at how Tim’s drive and versatility—from Super Bowl champion to actor to Idaho rancher—continues to fuel conservation, community, and heartfelt hospitality.