Chicago Fire fans know the show delivers powerful on-screen emotion — but according to David Eigenberg, some of the most heartfelt moments happen when the cameras stop rolling. The actor, who has portrayed the fiery yet lovable Christopher Herrmann since the show’s 2012 debut, recently shared a behind-the-scenes story that gave fans a glimpse into the cast’s close-knit bond, especially during Jesse Spencer’s emotional farewell in Season 10.
A Hidden Farewell Tradition
Speaking on the One Chicago Podcast with host and Chicago P.D. producer Brian Luce, Eigenberg revealed that one of the show’s most sentimental off-screen traditions actually began back in Season 1. During long outdoor shoots, the cast would pass time by kicking around an empty water bottle in what they jokingly called “water bottle ball.”
“It’s stupid,” Eigenberg said with a laugh. “We’d put our arms around each other, three or four of us, and start kicking the bottle, trying to get it through each other’s legs. We only play for about a minute or so, but it’s fun.”
That playful game became an unspoken ritual — one that returned in an emotional moment during Jesse Spencer’s final day as a series regular.
“When Jesse left, we were all supposed to go out and give a group hug,” Eigenberg recalled. “We all walked out there, put our arms around each other, and then somebody dropped a water bottle in the middle. We started kicking it around. We loved it — there were little tears and stuff like that. But it didn’t belong in the show.”
The touching detail never made it to screen, but it stands as a testament to the genuine camaraderie among the Chicago Fire cast — a family forged through years of late nights, grueling shoots, and real emotion.
A Cast That Plays (and Wrestles) Together
Eigenberg also spoke about the cast’s playful energy on set, describing their dynamic as a “low-grade sense of humor.” He admitted, “We’re physically aggressive with each other sometimes. When you’re in bunker gear, you just want to wrestle.”
He fondly remembered when Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays Stella Kidd, joined the show in Season 4. “When she first showed up, she threw me to the ground and jumped on top of me,” he said, laughing. “Everyone was laughing so hard. I looked up and said, ‘She fits in.’” Now, ten seasons later, Mayo has become one of the leaders of both Firehouse 51 and the series itself.
A Missed Crossover Connection
When asked which character from another One Chicago show he’d love to see cross over, Eigenberg immediately named Chicago Med’s Marlyne Barrett, who plays nurse Maggie Lockwood. He revealed that in the original crossover pilot, he hinted that Herrmann and Maggie shared a romantic past. “I played it real familiar with her,” he explained. “They asked, ‘Why are you playing it like that?’ and I said, ‘We had a thing!’ They were like, ‘That’s not going to play in the pilot.’”
A Brotherhood That Burns Bright
David Eigenberg’s stories prove what fans have known for over a decade — that the heart of Chicago Fire lies not just in the flames and rescues, but in the deep friendships between the people who bring Firehouse 51 to life.
Whether it’s a silly game of “water bottle ball” or a teary farewell behind the cameras, those quiet moments of laughter and love are what keep Chicago Fire burning brighter than ever.
