After nearly a decade of portraying Detective Jay Halstead on NBC’s Chicago P.D., Jesse Lee Soffer shocked fans when he confirmed his departure from the series. For many viewers, Halstead wasn’t just another character — he was the moral compass of the Intelligence Unit, the steady hand amidst chaos, and a beloved figure whose presence helped ground the show. His decision to leave felt abrupt, and it left fans wondering why such a central figure would walk away just as the show entered its milestone tenth season. Now, Jesse Lee Soffer is finally opening up about his reasons for leaving and whether this really is the end of Halstead’s journey.
From the very beginning, Jay Halstead stood out. He was a former Army Ranger, a loyal partner, and a detective who constantly wrestled with the ethical gray areas of police work. His tension with Hank Voight’s controversial leadership made for some of the show’s most gripping drama, while his heartfelt romance with Hailey Upton gave fans a couple they could truly root for. So when Halstead announced in Season 10 that he would be leaving Chicago to take on a military assignment in Bolivia — a decision that came seemingly out of nowhere — the emotional reaction from fans was immediate and intense.
In his first public comments following the exit, Soffer expressed deep gratitude for his time on the series. He explained that his decision to leave was not made lightly, but rather stemmed from a personal need to grow beyond the role. “I’ve loved every minute of playing Jay Halstead,” he said in an interview. “But after 10 years, you start to feel like it’s time to stretch creatively, to see what else is out there.” While the decision was difficult, Soffer emphasized that it wasn’t about dissatisfaction — it was about evolution. “I wasn’t running away from something. I was running toward something new.”
Interestingly, although he stepped away from the role, Soffer didn’t completely leave the Chicago P.D. family. Just months after his final appearance on screen, he returned to direct an episode of the show — Season 10, Episode 16. It marked a major career milestone and confirmed that while he might not be acting in the series for now, his creative connection to the show remains strong. “Being behind the camera gave me a whole new appreciation for storytelling,” he said. “I love this team. I love this world. That hasn’t changed.”
Of course, one of the most heart-wrenching aspects of Jay Halstead’s exit was the effect it had on his wife, Detective Hailey Upton. Their relationship had become a cornerstone of the show, offering a rare combination of vulnerability, trust, and strength. Halstead’s sudden departure — and his choice not to return — left Upton shattered and fans deeply unsettled. Many viewers criticized the storyline for feeling rushed and uncharacteristic of Halstead, who had always prioritized loyalty and communication.
Soffer acknowledged that the reaction was emotional, but also defended the show’s attempt to reflect real life. “Sometimes people leave suddenly. Sometimes life takes us in directions we don’t expect. I think the writers tried to stay true to that, even if it was painful.” As for whether he’d return to give Jay and Hailey closure? Soffer left the door open. “I would never say never. If the story makes sense and it feels right, I’d love to see Halstead again.”
Beyond his connection to Upton, Halstead was a bridge to other parts of the One Chicago universe, particularly through his brother, Dr. Will Halstead on Chicago Med. That connection made Jay’s absence all the more profound, as it created a noticeable gap in the tightly woven fabric of the franchise. For longtime fans, Halstead’s departure signaled the end of an era — a turning point that shifted the tone of the show in unexpected ways.
While Jesse Lee Soffer hasn’t yet announced his next major acting project, he has made it clear that he’s excited about the future. Having taken time to rest, reflect, and reimagine his career, he’s now exploring both acting and directing opportunities, hoping to take on roles that challenge him in new ways. “I’m not done. Not even close,” he said. “I’m just getting started in a different chapter.”
So what does this mean for Chicago P.D. moving forward? The show continues to evolve, introducing new faces and testing the resilience of its core characters. Hailey Upton has taken on a heavier emotional load, Voight remains as unpredictable as ever, and the Intelligence Unit continues to fight crime in a city that never sleeps. Yet, even as new stories unfold, the shadow of Jay Halstead lingers. His influence, his decisions, and his integrity continue to shape the choices of the team he left behind.
