Both men have played crucial roles in the firefighter’s life.

Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso) was the unexpected star of Chicago Fire‘s fall finale. The character took center stage with a subplot that involved his younger brother and the relative of a gang member he failed to save during season 1.

It’s been a long time since fans have gotten to see Joe Cruz’s brother, Leon (Jeff Lima). He was a consistent presence throughout season 1, but he has only made sporadic appearances since then. He dropped by for single episode cameos in seasons 7 and 8, and his return in the season 13 fall finale marks his first appearance since the birth of Cruz’s son.

Both Leon and Otis inspired Cruz’s son’s name

CHICAGO FIRE — “A Man’s Legacy” Episode 607 — Pictured: (l-r) Yuri Sardarov as Otis, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz — (Photo by: Elizabeth Morris/NBC) /

Leon Cruz may have limited screen time within the show, but he shares an important connection with a beloved Chicago Fire character: Otis (Yuri Sardarov). These two men have played very crucial roles in Cruz’s life, be it away from the firehouse or in it. As such, they were the two that came to mind when Cruz was naming his son.

Cruz’s first child is named Brian Leon Cruz. The “Brian” is a reference to Otis’ first name, and Leon is pretty self explanatory. It’s a sweet way to tribute both characters, and remind the viewer that Cruz considers (or considered, in the case of Otis) them to be his closest friends.

Leon’s return to Chicago Fire in season 13 will provide a fascinating addendum to his character arc. He was able to leave the street gang known as the Insane Kings thanks to Cruz’s help. His return denotes a return to the danger that he was initially in, however, due to the emergence of Junior Polanco (Richard Cabral).

Leon returned to Fire after several seasons away

CHICAGO FIRE — “Down The Rabbit Hole” Episode 13005 — Pictured: (l-r) Taylor Kinney as Kelly Severide, Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami, Joe Miñoso as Joe Cruz, Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter, Anthony Ferraris as Tony Ferraris, Randy Flagler as Harold Capp /

Junior is the cousin of Flaco (Jose Antonio Garcia), the man who refused to let Leon leave the Insane Kings. He stood by and watched as Flaco got trapped in a building fire, and Cruz left Flaco to die. He wants revenge, and Leon’s reemergence could put him in harm’s way yet again.

The second half of season 13 will mark the first time Leon and Cruz have interacted onscreen since the latter became a father. Things have changed since their last encounter with the Insane Kings, and it’ll be interesting to see whether Cruz saves the day yet again or Leon steps up and returns the favor his brother did for him in season 1. We cannot wait to find out which occurs.