The more that Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson installs his culture with the franchise the harder it becomes not to love the franchise leader. We are still only a season and a half into Johnson's tenure and already there are is a higher sense of optimism compared to the last three hires combined. The offensive mastermind is exactly what the franchise is missing and that shows in not only the explosive offense, but the respect the head coach garners and how he navigates both sides of the roster.
An example of that emerged this past week after a much-needed road win over the Atlanta Falcons. Johnson's energy in the locker room was appreciated as the head coach danced in celebration catching the attention of social media. This was followed up by Johnson handing Grady Jarrett a game ball on the flight home after failing to do so in the locker room.
Jarrett spent the first decade of his career with the Falcons making two playoff appearances with the franchise and sacking Tom Brady a trio of times in a Super Bowl appearance. It had to be emotional to return to a team that the veteran had long helped define as a tone-setter for a defense that rarely had supporting talent around him.
Not only the head coach remembering this, but doing so after his failure in the first place to call out Jarrett's return made the moment all the more special. It points to a head coach locked in on his players and understanding the importance of his leadership.
Ben Johnson gives Bears fans exciting postgame highlights as Chicago builds momentum
Jarrett has been playing far better in the 2026 season after his first year with the Bears was an undeniable frustration. While the sacks might not be happening just yet, there is a consistent backfield presence and the ability to plug up the middle that Bears fans are undeniably appreciating as the regular season continues.
This is the version of the lineman they believed to be signing a year ago. Now, it is safe to say that knee injuries and a new system simply delayed the production, and weren't a sign of things to come. Jarrett has now settled in and is being given deserved credit both for his play and helping the Bears beat his old team.
It has to be refreshing for Jarrett to enjoy both a capable coaching staff and a historic franchise with legitimate hopes of contention. These are opportunities that have eluded the defender since his first two years in the league back in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. No question, Johnson's praise is long overdue for a player often overlooked and underappreciated due to where he previously spent the bulk of an impressive career.
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