Chicago Fire is losing another key character ahead of its highly anticipated season 14. Michael Bradway, who portrayed Jack Damon—the younger half-brother of Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney)—has confirmed that he will not be returning for the new season. Bradway’s exit comes after his involvement in 17 episodes over two seasons, where he became a fan-favorite for his portrayal of the charismatic firefighter.

While Bradway’s departure from Chicago Fire may come as a surprise to many, the actor is already making waves in a new venture. On July 17, he was announced as a cast member in the upcoming Prime Video series adaptation of Carley Fortune’s 2022 romance novel Every Summer After. Celebrating the news on Instagram, Bradway shared his excitement, writing, “Couldn’t be more excited to be your Charlie 🚤” alongside a screenshot of the Deadline announcement.

Bradway’s Future with Chicago Fire: A Possibility of Return

Despite Bradway’s exit from the NBC procedural, producers of Chicago Fire have expressed that they are open to bringing him back in the future should schedules align. This leaves the door open for a potential return, although it’s unclear when or if that will happen. For now, Bradway is focusing on his new role in the Prime Video adaptation, which marks an exciting new chapter in his acting career.

Exits and Budget Cuts: A Changing Landscape for Chicago Fire

Bradway’s departure follows a string of exits from Chicago Fire. Earlier in the year, Daniel Kyri (Darren Ritter) and Jake Lockett (Sam Carver) also bid farewell to the show, marking a significant shift in the cast. Kyri, who had been with the series for seven seasons, confirmed his departure with a heartfelt message to fans on Instagram. Lockett, who had been with the show for three seasons, also shared a similar farewell.

The reasons behind these departures appear to be related to budget cuts, with reports indicating that there may be further exits across the One Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago P.D. and Chicago Med. While this news may be disappointing for fans, Chicago Fire has already introduced a new cast member for season 14, with Brandon Larracuente joining the team as the first new face for the upcoming season.

The Future of Chicago Fire: Personal and Professional Turmoil

As Chicago Fire continues to evolve, fans can expect even more personal and professional challenges for their favorite characters. The most recent One Chicago finales saw major life events unfold, from Hannah’s (Jessy Schram) surprise pregnancy in Chicago Med to Chief Dom Pascal’s (Dermot Mulroney) arrest in Chicago Fire. With new cast changes and shifting dynamics, season 14 promises to be full of drama, intrigue, and, as always, the high-stakes action that fans love.

What’s Next for Michael Bradway?

As Michael Bradway steps into his new role in Every Summer After, fans will no doubt be watching closely to see how his career develops. While his departure from Chicago Fire marks the end of Jack Damon’s storyline—for now—Bradway’s new opportunities are sure to open doors for even more exciting roles in the future.