It's a busy time in the NFL world with the 2025 NFL Draft just a few days away and the offseason program beginning for teams around the league with new head coaches, such as the Chicago Bears.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson has had a lot on his plate over the last few months between moving his family into a new city, meeting his new colleagues, preparing for the NFL Draft, and getting the offseason started with his new players and assistants.
With all that going on, Johnson still had one thing that he has been anticipating since being hired as the new head coach in Chicago. He wanted to throw out the ceremonial first pitch at a Chicago Cubs game, the MLB team he grew up being a fan of with his younger brother.
"I'm still waiting for it," Johnson said about getting the call from the Cubs a few weeks back on ESPN1000. "I've been practicing too. I'm going to throw the piss out of that ball. It's going to be a strike."
Well, this weekend, Ben Johnson finally had his wish come true by throwing out the first pitch prior to the Chicago Cubs vs. Arizona Diamondbacks game and he lived up to expectations throwing some absolute gas from the pitcher's mound.
Johnson was joined at the game by his family and multiple Bears players including Caleb Williams, Austin Reed, Tyson Bagent, Drew Dalman, Joe Thuney, Rome Odunze and others. It was all around a great turnaround and show of support by the Bears.
Prior to being hired as the Bears head coach, Johnson explained how his family frequently visited the city and attended Cubs games while he was serving as the Detroit Lions offensive coordinator, but this one probably felt a little more intimate.
"It doesn't take long to realize that this place is special," Johnson said after being hired. "These people are special. This is exactly where I wanted to raise my family, my kids. I know we're going to have so much fun living up here in Chicago."
Seeing Johnson receive such an ovation from the fans at the Cubs game proves this city is equally excited about having him here too.
