Jesse Lee Soffer’s Emotional Farewell to ‘Chicago P.D.’: Inside His Life-Changing Decision to Leave Jay Halstead Behind

After nearly a decade, 189 episodes, and countless gripping cases, Jesse Lee Soffer’s departure from NBC’s Chicago P.D. marked the end of an era—not just for fans of the One Chicago universe, but for Soffer himself. Known for his brooding intensity, unwavering sense of justice, and quiet vulnerability as Detective Jay Halstead, Soffer became the heart of the series. So when he announced he would be leaving the show after Season 10, it sent shockwaves through the fanbase and stirred deep emotions among the cast and crew.

Now, for the first time, Soffer is pulling back the curtain on why he made this life-changing decision—and what it means for his legacy in the Chicago P.D. universe.

The Weight of Nine Seasons

When Jesse Lee Soffer joined Chicago P.D. in 2014, the character of Jay Halstead was still being shaped. A military veteran turned detective, Halstead was originally introduced in Chicago Fire before becoming a lead on the spinoff. He brought a moral compass to a team often mired in gray areas. As the right-hand man to Jason Beghe’s complicated and rule-bending Sergeant Hank Voight, Halstead was often the voice of reason—and sometimes the last line of accountability.

Over time, Halstead grew into a central figure on the show. His on-screen relationships—especially his deepening bond with Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), which blossomed into marriage—captivated fans. Their chemistry, known to fans as “Upstead,” became a cornerstone of the show’s emotional narrative.

“Jay was a part of me,” Soffer confessed in a recent interview. “I gave him everything I had. But after nine years, I felt it was time to challenge myself in new ways.”

The Decision to Walk Away

The announcement of Soffer’s departure came during the production of Season 10, blindsiding viewers who assumed Halstead was a permanent fixture in Intelligence. But for Soffer, the decision was not made lightly. Behind the scenes, he’d been wrestling with his next steps—personally and professionally.

“I love this show. I love this character. But as an artist, I needed to evolve,” he said. “It wasn’t about dissatisfaction—it was about growth.”

Soffer didn’t simply walk away. Instead, he made a heartfelt request to the producers: before his final bow, he wanted to step behind the camera. Directing an episode had long been on his creative bucket list, and he saw this as a fitting way to both honor and part with the character he helped define.

“It felt like the full-circle moment I needed,” Soffer explained. “I wanted to contribute to the show in a new way, to leave a different kind of fingerprint.”

Jay Halstead’s Exit: Duty and Dissonance

In Episode 3 of Season 10, titled “A Good Man,” Halstead’s exit storyline unfolded in a way that felt deeply consistent with his moral code. After a controversial case involving a suspect’s death, Halstead found himself questioning not just the system—but his place within it. Despite Voight’s loyalty and Upton’s pleas, Halstead made the stunning decision to resign from the Intelligence Unit and rejoin the Army for a long-term mission in Bolivia.

It was a noble, if heartbreaking, choice—one rooted in his desire to do the right thing, even if it meant leaving everything behind.

“Jay would never just ghost his responsibilities. He’s a man of principle. He believes in service above self,” Soffer said. “That’s who he’s always been, and I wanted his departure to reflect that.”

The exit was designed to be open-ended, leaving the door cracked for a potential return. But it also marked a painful turning point for his on-screen wife, Upton, who was left reeling by his sudden absence.

The Legacy of Jay Halstead

Jay Halstead was more than just another detective on the small screen. He was a representation of honor in a world increasingly defined by moral ambiguity. His relationships—with Voight, with his brother Will on Chicago Med, and most profoundly with Upton—added rich layers to the One Chicago tapestry.

For Soffer, the biggest takeaway from his tenure on Chicago P.D. isn’t about screen time or accolades. It’s about the emotional connection viewers had with his character.

“I’ve had people come up to me and say, ‘You got me through something really tough.’ That’s not just about Jay. That’s about what he stood for,” Soffer shared. “He gave people hope that even in a broken system, someone’s still trying to do the right thing.”

And then there’s the chemistry with Tracy Spiridakos, which Soffer describes as “magic on set.” Their characters’ romance gave fans a rare kind of realism—messy, intense, but grounded in trust. Their sudden separation, as Jay leaves for Bolivia without a promise of return, was devastating, yet fitting.

Behind the Scenes: Saying Goodbye

Cast and crew alike were emotional during Soffer’s final days on set. Jason Beghe, a longtime co-star, reportedly gave an impromptu speech on Soffer’s last day, thanking him for his commitment to the show and their dynamic. “It was like losing a brother,” Beghe said.

Meanwhile, Soffer’s directing debut later in the season added a poignant coda to his time with the show. His directorial approach was praised by both cast and producers, who noted that his deep understanding of the characters gave him a unique vision.

“You could tell he wasn’t just directing an episode—he was telling a story that mattered to him,” Spiridakos said.

What’s Next for Soffer?

With the chapter of Jay Halstead closed—at least for now—Soffer is already exploring new creative avenues. Rumors swirl about film roles, streaming projects, and even returning to directing. But no matter where he goes, Chicago P.D. remains close to his heart.

“I’ll always be proud of what we built,” he said. “And who knows? Chicago has a funny way of pulling people back.”

As fans continue to grapple with the absence of Halstead in the Intelligence Unit, one thing remains certain: Jesse Lee Soffer didn’t just play a great character—he left a legacy that shaped an entire franchise.

And somewhere in Bolivia, a man with a badge tucked in his pocket and justice in his soul is still fighting the good fight.