Latest news with #Bears
Chicago Tribune
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Bears announce dates for practices in Lake Forest open to the public
Fans looking to get a glimpse of the Chicago Bears under their new coaching staff will have 11 opportunities to do so this summer in Lake Forest. Seeking to rebound after a disappointing 5-12 regular season, the Bears, under the direction of new head coach Ben Johnson, have announced their 2025 training camp schedule. The slate includes 11 practice sessions open to fans at their Halas Hall headquarters. The first practice that fans can watch is set for Friday, July 25. That will be followed by sessions on July 26, 29, 30, 31, and August 2. They are all set to begin at 8:30 a.m., reflecting a start time one hour earlier from last year. Five additional practices are scheduled between August 7 and 15, including joint practices against the Miami Dolphins on Friday, August 8 and the Buffalo Bills on August 15 at 10:30 a.m. ahead of preseason games against those opponents at Soldier Field. Beyond watching quarterback Caleb Williams preparing for his second NFL season, plus catching a glimpse of the rest of the players, the Bears will offer a series of fan-friendly interactive activities on the Halas Hall campus, including many aimed at children. Some players will be available to sign autographs following each practice, according to the team. Tickets are free and will be available starting July 9 at 10 a.m. through but walk-up tickets on the specific days will not be available. Practice sessions could be closed in case of inclement weather. The team will also have three private community practice sessions available only through invitation. 'Training Camp is one of the most special moments on the Bears calendar. It's a time where our team sharpens their focus, builds chemistry and sets the tone for the season ahead,' Bears Senior Vice President of Fan/Guest Experience and Stadium Operations said in a statement. 'It is also a chance to bring out fans into the experience, allowing them to witness firsthand the dedication, preparation and intensity that fuels the Chicago Bears. The energy at Halas Hall during camp is electric, and it is powered by the passion of Bears fans who show up, year after year, in support of the upcoming season. We are thrilled to welcome our fans back to Halas Hall ahead of an exciting season.' Free parking will be available at Hawthorn Mall in Vernon Hills with shuttle service starting 15 minutes ahead of the gate opening and continuing for two hours after practice, according to a team statement. The team will continue a prohibition of drop-offs near Halas Hall, including ride-sharing services. The Bears moved training camp to Halas Hall in 2020. Lake Forest Community Development Director Catherine Czerniak noted the 2025 operation will look similar to previous years. 'Everything has gone very well the past few years since training camp shifted to Lake Forest,' she said. 'We don't anticipate any changes, and we look forward to hosting Bears fans again this year.'
USA Today
2 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Colston Loveland predicted to have big rookie season with Bears
The Chicago Bears have several exciting rookies on the roster heading into the 2025 season, led by tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Both are expected to play key roles on offense in their rookie seasons, but Loveland is already generating high expectations. Gennaro Filice projected his early 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team, where Loveland was the representative at tight ends. Loveland gets the nod over fellow rookie Tyler Warren, who Chicago passed on and who many believed was the top tight end in this draft class. "Standing 6-6, 241 pounds, Loveland is a tight end who runs routes with the fluidity of a wideout," wrote Filice. "That's what makes him special. And that's what made Sam LaPorta a rookie Pro Bowler under Ben Johnson in Detroit, so it stands to reason that Johnson will get the most out of Loveland in Chicago. With Cole Kmet in place to handle traditional in-line work, Johnson can let his beautiful football mind run wild when it comes to scheming up touches for his new toy. The Bears have a lot of mouths to feed in the passing game, but I anticipate this supersized separator will get a fair share of attention from young quarterback Caleb Williams." There are high expectations for Loveland heading into his rookie season, most notably that he gets to work with one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds in Ben Johnson. Loveland recently shared his impressions of Johnson and his "crazy mind," and it's clear the rookie is excited about his prospects in this Bears offense. While Cole Kmet is a proven veteran on the roster, many expect Loveland to establish himself as the top receiving tight end at some point in his rookie season. If that's the case, the sky's the limit for Loveland, who has drawn comparisons to tight end Sam LaPorta, who was coached by Johnson in Detroit. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Colston Loveland predicted to have big rookie season with Bears
The Chicago Bears have several exciting rookies on the roster heading into the 2025 season, led by tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III. Both are expected to play key roles on offense in their rookie seasons, but Loveland is already generating high expectations. Gennaro Filice projected his early 2025 NFL All-Rookie Team, where Loveland was the representative at tight ends. Loveland gets the nod over fellow rookie Tyler Warren, who Chicago passed on and who many believed was the top tight end in this draft class. Advertisement "Standing 6-6, 241 pounds, Loveland is a tight end who runs routes with the fluidity of a wideout," wrote Filice. "That's what makes him special. And that's what made Sam LaPorta a rookie Pro Bowler under Ben Johnson in Detroit, so it stands to reason that Johnson will get the most out of Loveland in Chicago. With Cole Kmet in place to handle traditional in-line work, Johnson can let his beautiful football mind run wild when it comes to scheming up touches for his new toy. The Bears have a lot of mouths to feed in the passing game, but I anticipate this supersized separator will get a fair share of attention from young quarterback Caleb Williams." There are high expectations for Loveland heading into his rookie season, most notably that he gets to work with one of the NFL's brightest offensive minds in Ben Johnson. Loveland recently shared his impressions of Johnson and his "crazy mind," and it's clear the rookie is excited about his prospects in this Bears offense. While Cole Kmet is a proven veteran on the roster, many expect Loveland to establish himself as the top receiving tight end at some point in his rookie season. If that's the case, the sky's the limit for Loveland, who has drawn comparisons to tight end Sam LaPorta, who was coached by Johnson in Detroit. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears TE Colston Loveland projected to 2025 All-Rookie Team
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears All-Quarter Century Team: Cornerbacks
Twenty-five years of Chicago Bears football are in the books since the turn of the century. Since the calendar turned over to 2000, the Bears have seen some success, but also plenty of woeful stretches. Early on, Chicago became a defensive force, claiming four division titles and reaching only their second Super Bowl in franchise history from 2000 to 2010. Since then, however, a 14-year playoff victory drought that is still ongoing and a one-sided fight with their rival Green Bay Packers have taken the spotlight. For all the ups and downs the Bears have seen, however, they had plenty of talent over the years across offense and defense. Multiple former Bears players are already in the Hall of Fame, while many more provided years of incredible play in the navy and orange. Here at Bears Wire, we're celebrating the best Bears players at each position over the last 25 years. Next up is cornerback, a group that has featured plenty of ballhawks—and a player who changed the game with forcing fumbles. Charles Tillman We may never see another cornerback quite like Charles "Peanut" Tillman. The lengthy physical defensive back burst onto the scene during his rookie season with the Bears in 2003 when he ripped the ball out of Randy Moss's hands in the end zone to secure a victory, and he became an integral member of Lovie Smith's defense. Tillman ranks third all-time for Bears career interception leaders with 36 and proved to be a great cover corner, having legendary battles with the likes of Calvin Johnson and Jordy Nelson throughout his career. But it was his knack for forcing fumbles that gave him national recognition. Tillman's 44 career forced fumbles are tied for sixth all-time in NFL history, but he's the only defensive back inside the top 10. "The Peanut Punch" became a staple in the 2010s for Tillman's ability to force fumbles on ball carriers. For his efforts, Tillman earned a pair of Pro Bowl honors in 2011 and 2012, as well as being named First-Team All-Pro for his league-leading 10 forced fumbles in 2012. Going against Tillman was difficult in itself for wide receivers, but then they had to watch out if they actually caught the ball. He's one of the most underrated defensive backs in league history and rightfully sits atop the position group for the Bears. Jaylon Johnson Jaylon Johnson has come a long way since his first NFL game when he got trucked by Marvin Jones Jr. The 2020 second-round pick has slowly but surely developed into one of the NFL's best cornerbacks, thanks to his elite cover skills. Johnson may not have the gaudy interception totals like some of his peers, but he's a problem for opposing quarterbacks. So much so that they opt to avoid him altogether. After a solid few seasons in the league, Johnson broke out in 2023, becoming the highest-graded cornerback of the season according to PFF. He allowed an opposing quarterback rating of just 50.9, according to Pro Football Reference, and he nabbed four interceptions. Johnson made his first Pro Bowl that season and was named Second-Team All-Pro. He maintained expectations in 2024 as well, despite a tumultuous season from the team around him. At 26 years old, Johnson is in the prime of his career and has a chance to become the Bears' best cornerback of the 21st century when his career is complete. Kyle Fuller It's easy to forget how wild Kyle Fuller's career was for the Bears. He looked like the heir apparent to Tillman during his rookie season when he shined on the national stage and then was on the verge of becoming a bust in 2016 when he missed the entire season and fell out of favor with Vic Fangio. It took some time, but Fuller found his footing and became a sensational ballhawk beginning in 2017. Despite entering the year as a backup, Fuller became a starter again thanks to injury and didn't let it go. He totaled 22 pass breakups and finally looked like the first-round pick the team invested in three years earlier. Fuller peaked in 2018 with seven interceptions and 21 pass breakups, which led the league, during the Bears' division title run, culminating in a Pro Bowl nod and being named First-Team All-Pro. Fuller took chances playing off the ball and had a knack for jumping routes at the perfect time. It was risky, but he came out on top more often than not. Fuller earned another Pro Bowl trip in 2019 and had a solid end to his Bears career in 2020. It took some time, but Fuller lived up to his potential in the end. Tim Jennings Near the end of the Lovie Smith era, the Bears were in need of a quality cornerback to start opposite Tillman. Nathan Vasher struggled with injuries, and Zackary Bowman was a flash in the pan. The solution was to sign Tim Jennings as a free agent in 2010, and it didn't take him long to become the starter the Bears needed. Jennings helped improve the Bears' run defense early in his tenure and took advantage of the targets that came his way in the passing game when teams were avoiding Tillman. In 2012, Jennings led the league with nine interceptions while also finishing with 21 pass breakups. He earned Pro Bowl honors that season and was named Second-Team All-Pro, finishing just behind Tillman. His strong play continued in 2013, despite the Bears changing regimes and hiring a new defensive staff. Jennings totaled four interceptions and 13 pass breakups. He even scored two defensive touchdowns, which led the league for a defensive player. Despite being undersized at 5'8", Jennings was a productive outside cornerback who played bigger than his frame. Honorable mention: Nathan Vasher
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears All-Quarter Century Team: Linebackers
Twenty-five years of Chicago Bears football are in the books since the turn of the century. Since the calendar turned over to 2000, the Bears have seen some success, but also plenty of woeful stretches. Early on, Chicago became a defensive force, claiming four division titles and reaching only their second Super Bowl in franchise history from 2000 to 2010. Since then, however, a 14-year playoff victory drought that is still ongoing and a one-sided fight with their rival Green Bay Packers have taken the spotlight. For all the ups and downs the Bears have seen, however, they had plenty of talent over the years across offense and defense. Multiple former Bears players are already in the Hall of Fame, while many more provided years of incredible play in the navy and orange. Here at Bears Wire, we're celebrating the best Bears players at each position over the last 25 years. Up next is linebacker, a position that has historically been among the franchise's best -- which has proven true through this first quarter century. Brian Urlacher The Bears have had some of the best linebackers in the history of the NFL, and that trend continued into this century with Brian Urlacher, who's not only the Chicago's best linebacker this century but one of their greatest of all-time. Urlacher, a former college safety, established himself as the latest in a long line of Hall of Fame linebackers as an incredibly athletic and gifted player. He played all 13 NFL seasons, all with Chicago. Urlacher is the franchise's all-time leader in solo tackles (1,040) and his 41.5 career sacks is the most by a linebacker in franchise history. Urlacher was the face of one of the league's most dominant defenses in the 2000s, where he made life difficult on opposing quarterbacks. He was an integral part of two defenses that led the league in defensive scoring in 2001 and 2005, as well as the 2006 defense that was the catalyst in the team's Super Bowl run. In 13 seasons, Urlacher totaled 1,361 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and 22 interceptions en route to First-Team All-Pro honors (four times), eight Pro Bowl nods, Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000), Defensive Player of the Year (2005) and he was a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Lance Briggs If not for the Hall of Famer he played alongside for many years, Lance Briggs might be in consideration for the Bears' best linebacker this century (so far). Briggs was a mainstay of Chicago's defenses in the 2000s, playing all 12 NFL seasons with the Bears. In that span, Briggs totaled 1,566 tackles, 15 sacks, 16 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles. While Briggs did play most of his 12-year career alongside Urlacher, Briggs was nothing to scoff at. He was dominant in his own right, especially when it came to taking the ball away. Briggs had six defensive touchdowns (five interceptions, one fumble recovery) which is the third most in franchise history. He was also the first linebacker in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown in each of his first three seasons. Briggs had an impressive resume that includes two First-Team All-Pro nods (2005, 2006), one Second-Team All-Pro nod (2009), seven Pro Bowl appearances (2005-11) and he was named to the 100 greatest Bears of All-Time (28th). The biggest question is why hasn't Briggs been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet? It's most likely due to the fact that he played most of his 12-year career alongside a Hall of Famer in Urlacher. Briggs has made the initial list for the Hall of Fame several times now, but he's yet to get to the semi-finalist round. Given Briggs was a defensive cornerstone on some of Chicago's best defenses in the 2000s, the hope is he eventually gets the recognition he deserves. Roquan Smith The Bears' linebacker position has been defined by Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs this century, and Chicago found another stud in Roquan Smith with the eighth pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Things didn't get off to a good start after a holdout his rookie season, but he quickly found his stride and established himself as an integral part of the Bears' defense. In four and a half seasons with Chicago, Smith totaled 607 tackles, including 47 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, seven interceptions (including one for a touchdown) and 20 pass breakups. He also totaled at least 100 tackles in each of his four seasons, becoming the first Bears player to achieve that feat since Lance Briggs did in six consecutive seasons (2004-09) Smith earned Second-Team All-Pro nods in 2020 and 2021. Although, there was an argument to be made for him to make the Pro Bowl or even First-Team All-Pro. Unfortunately, a contract dispute proved to end Smith's time in Chicago as he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in Nov. 2022. Since joining Baltimore, Smith has been named a First-Team All-Pro three times (2022-24), earned three Pro Bowl nods (2022-24) and earned the pro Butkus Award (2022, 2023). Smith never got the recognition he deserved while playing in Chicago, which is probably due to the team's struggles amid a coaching carousel. But once he was traded to the Ravens, people started finally paying attention to Smith, whose play didn't necessarily improve but was better highlighted on a better team. Rosevelt Colvin An underrated linebacker for the Bears this century is Rosevelt Colvin, who was selected in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL draft. Selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Colvin emerged as a talented pass rusher. Playing outside linebacker on run downs and defensive end in passing situations, he recorded a career high 10.5 sacks in 2001 and again in 2002. In the process, he became the first Bears player with double digit sacks in back-to-back seasons since Hall of Famer Richard Dent in 1990-91. Colvin spent just four seasons with the Bears, totaling 185 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. After his best season in 2002, he was signed by the New England Patriots in 2003, where he spent his final six NFL seasons and won two Super Bowls before retiring following the 2008 season. Colvin grew up watching the Bears and, even 20-plus years removed since playing for Chicago, he's still rooting for the Bears. Honorable mention: Hunter Hillenmeyer Bears All-Quarter Century Team Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
