The NFL was already reportedly "leaning toward" kicking off the 2019 season with the Bears hosting the Packers on the first Thursday night game, and on Monday at the Owners Meetings, they made it official.
Instead of the defending Super Bowl champion hosting the first game of the season, the Patriots will play their home opener on Sunday Night Football. The opponent has not been announced yet.
The Bears and the NFL are celebrating their 100-year anniversary, so the league is going with a celebration of their history for the first game. The Super Bowl champion has hosted the first game since 2004, excluding the Ravens in 2013.
Fortunately for the Patriots, they've hosted their fair share of season openers over the last few years.
Click here to download the new MyTeams App by NBC Sports! Receive comprehensive coverage of your teams and stream the Celtics easily on your device.