After leading the UCLA Bruins into 20-game winning streak (for the span of two seasons), Cade McNown was ready for the pro-season. McNown after being selected by Chicago bears assured that he was prepared to move the team into winning circles through accurate passes and production. He was banking on his 4-year stint in collegiate football. His career in PAC-10 landed him as the all-time leader in total offense (11,285 yards), ranked second in passing yards (10,708 yards) and his 68 touchdown passes ranked third. He was selected by the Chicago Bears with the twelfth overall pick in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He also appeared on the cover of ESPN The Magazine for a special edition highlighting the draft.
Cade McNown was designated as the upcoming season starter after the draft. Erik Kramer formerly from Detroit Lions, was the starting quarterback for Bears since 1994 but replaced again by Shane Matthews. McNown had his first game when Matthews was sidelined due to hamstring injury in October 1999. Then he switched with Jim Miler back and forth as starter until the latter was suspended. Though it may be brief, his first year broke the franchise rookie records for completion and passing attempts.