As the new NFL season approaches, Patrick Mahomes aims to capture the Super Bowl after last season's surprising defeat. Josh Allen looks to build on his MVP campaign, while Lamar Jackson seeks to help the Ravens convert regular-season success into postseason wins after years of playoff struggles. While these stars are sure to dominate the headlines, ESPN's Peter Schrager points to a different figure someone fans least expect to hear about.
The person is Ben Johnson, the Chicago Bears head coach.
On Tuesday's edition of ESPN's "Get Up," Schrager highlighted Johnson as someone who has never played a down of NFL football, is barely recognized publicly, but holds a presence in the league. Schrager called him "the most interesting man in the NFL this season" and described him as a man who "could pass as a marketing executive or your buddy’s financial planner."
Schrager emphasized the coach's will to compete and leave his mark. He recalled moments where the coach publicly called out rivals by name, such as Packers head coach Matt LaFleur and Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
"If Caleb Williams and the Bears are actually good this year, it's something," Schrager said. "If they're an offensive firework show, well, that's something we just haven't seen."
The Bears, historically hungry for offensive success and leadership, may have found a transformative figure in this fresh voice. If the offense takes off, this coach's impact will be the biggest sports story of 2025.
"Hey, Ben Johnson, the world is yours. Go get it," Schrager concluded.
