Trust in Ben
By Kyle Duplacey
Today is Thursday, April 24, but more importantly, today marks the beginning of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears sit at ten in the pecking order, and for the first time in recent history, draft experts, sports writers, and Bears fans alike haven't the faintest idea how the draft will play out. Will Ashton Jeanty make it past five? Is Tyler Warren a "blue chip" talent? Does Josh Conerly Jr. merit a top ten pick? Nobody knows.
What Bears fans do know is that on January 21st, 2025, General Manager Ryan Poles hired Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson to be the 18th coach in Chicago Bears history. Ben Johnson was not only highly coveted, but was by all accounts the general consensus number one head coaching prospect available this offseason. So who is Ben Johnson?
Ben Johnson is believed to be one of the brightest offensive minds in the National Football League. Detroit's offense finished top five in total offense for three consecutive seasons under Ben Johnson. The Lions led the league in points per game last year, after averaging an astonishing 33.2 points per contest. Ben Johnson was the offensive mastermind in Detroit. He is known by his colleagues, peers, and rivals to be one of the most aggressive, creative, and innovative offensive minds in all of the NFL.
Ben Johnson was brought to Chicago to establish an identity, to change the culture, and most importantly, to develop a franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams. In order to do so, General Manager Ryan Poles and Assistant General Manager Ian Cunningham have an obligation to acquire players that fit the mold of a Ben Johnson-style offense.
Nobody knows who the Bears will select at ten. But mark my words: no matter how unique, far-fetched, or unorthodox the pick may seem, I assure you there is a method to the madness. Before Bears fans run to Twitter to express their disappointment, skepticism, or confusion, just remember—trust in Ben! Ben Johnson has a vision, a clear and precise idea of who the Chicago Bears are, and who they can become. He's an innovator, an offensive guru, and he was brought here to build a legacy.
Trust in Ben. Trust the process. Remember, Rome wasn't built in a day, and maximizing your potential takes time. But if there is one man whom I believe can lift the Bears from sports purgatory, reestablish an identity, and bring the Lombardi Trophy to Chicago, Illinois, it's Benjamin David Johnson!
