While not directly tied to the current One Chicago series developments, Entertainment Weekly previously reported that actor Jesse Lee Soffer—who portrayed Detective Jay Halstead on Chicago P.D.—experienced a major personal change prior to stepping back from the franchise. According to the report, Soffer went through a real-life divorce during a period of transition, marking a significant moment both personally and professionally as he reevaluated his future within the long-running television universe.
Notably, Soffer’s on-screen storyline appeared to echo some of these emotional shifts. In the series, Jay Halstead faced a painful breakup and a period of emotional reckoning before the character ultimately exited the show. The overlap between Halstead’s narrative arc and Soffer’s real-life circumstances resonated with fans, many of whom viewed the storyline as a reflective and thoughtfully handled transition rather than an abrupt departure.
In real life, sources noted that Soffer’s marriage ended as he began seeking new creative challenges beyond the One Chicago franchise. Rather than signaling a retreat from the industry, his exit was seen as a strategic move toward growth, allowing him the freedom to explore different facets of storytelling. Since leaving Chicago P.D., Soffer has shifted his focus toward directing as well as pursuing other acting opportunities, embracing the next chapter of both his personal and professional life with a renewed sense of purpose.
