After joining Chicago Fire as a fresh face in Season 12, Michael Bradway’s character, Jack Damon, quickly became a fan favorite at Firehouse 51. But just as viewers began to warm to him — and his surprising connection to Kelly Severide — Bradway’s time on the hit NBC series came to an unexpected end.

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A Short but Memorable Run at Firehouse 51

Michael Bradway made his debut as firefighter Jack Damon in Season 12, Episode 10, “The Wrong Guy.” His arrival came after Rome Flynn’s Derrick Gibson left the show, creating an open spot on Truck 81. Damon’s confident but good-natured energy helped him settle in quickly with the Firehouse crew, earning him a place in the One Chicago universe.

Over 17 episodes spanning Seasons 12 and 13, Damon’s character began to take shape — most notably with the late-season twist revealing that he was Kelly Severide’s younger half-brother. The revelation promised exciting family dynamics for Taylor Kinney’s long-running character, sparking speculation that Damon would play a key role in upcoming storylines.

However, as production ramped up for Chicago Fire’s fourteenth season, fans were shocked to learn that Bradway wouldn’t be returning.

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A New Opportunity with Prime Video

Bradway’s exit wasn’t due to creative differences or behind-the-scenes drama — but rather a career-defining opportunity. The actor was cast in Prime Video’s adaptation of Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel Every Summer After, a romantic drama that became a BookTok sensation.

In the series, Bradway plays Charlie, the older brother of Sam, the love interest of the main character Percy. With production on the series beginning in mid-2025, Bradway’s filming schedule made it impossible for him to continue appearing in Chicago Fire.

Showrunner Andrea Newman had hinted ahead of Season 14 that fans could expect “a lot of turnover” in the new episodes, and Bradway’s departure was among the most notable changes.

When the show returned in fall 2025, viewers learned that Damon had been transferred to another firehouse, a quiet but open-ended write-off that leaves the door ajar for a future comeback.

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A Door Left Open for Return

While Bradway hasn’t publicly commented on his departure, insiders say producers made sure not to close the book on Jack Damon completely. Given his connection to Severide — and his popularity among fans — it’s likely that Chicago Fire could revisit the character down the line, even if only for a guest appearance.

With Every Summer After expected to debut on Prime Video in 2026, Bradway’s star is clearly on the rise. But for One Chicago fans, there’s still hope that Damon’s gear isn’t hanging up for good.