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USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ruben Hyppolite: Bears teammate Kyle Monangai is best running back he's faced
Ruben Hyppolite: Bears teammate Kyle Monangai is best running back he's faced The Chicago Bears were expected to add a running back in the 2025 NFL draft, but they didn't do it until the seventh round with the selection of Kyle Monangai out of Rutgers. Monangai, who was named to the All-Big Ten team in 2023 and 2024, is a powerful runner who put himself among the best running backs in the conference, and he left a lasting impression on one of his new teammates and fellow rookies. Before they selected Monangai in the seventh round, the Bears drafted Maryland linebacker Ruben Hyppolite in the fourth round. Having gone against Monangai in their college careers -- both playing in the Big Ten -- Hyppolite had high praise for his new teammate, calling him the best running back he's ever faced. "I tell everybody that he's the best running back I faced in my career in the Big Ten," Hyppolite told the CHGO Bears Podcast. "He has a great ability to run behind his pads, he's fast and slippery. He knows how to get through the holes and he knows how to finish runs, he's physical. When you look at him you don't really expect physicality with his size, when he runs the football you definitely feel it when you tackle him. I played him for about three, four years, so I had to see him every year, it was always a good battle." Both Monangai and Hyppolite will have a chance to earn playing time as rookies with competition at their respective positions. There's optimism about both rookies having a role in what should be a very competitive roster for new head coach Ben Johnson. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
USA Today
06-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
C.J. Gardner-Johnson on what Bears are getting in DC Dennis Allen
C.J. Gardner-Johnson on what Bears are getting in DC Dennis Allen The hiring of Dennis Allen as defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears has drawn plenty of praise around the league. Whether it's been from coaches who worked alongside Allen or players who have played for him in his long and respected coaching career, there has been plenty of talk on the new defensive coordinator in Chicago that will be tasked with rebuilding a defense for a franchise long-known for being a dominant unit. Philadelphia Eagles safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson spent his first three seasons with the New Orleans Saints, where he played under Allen, so he has plenty of experience with the well-respected defensive mind. Preparing to play in his second Super Bowl as a member of the Eagles, Gardner-Johnson was asked about Allen, who he credited with starting his career off in the NFL. "He got my career going, I appreciate him, I'm happy for him [landing in Chicago," Gardner-Johnson told the CHGO Bears Podcast on Super Bowl Opening Night. When asked about the coaching style that Allen will bring to the Bears defense, Gardner-Johnson kept it short and sweet: "Hard, gritty, and ready to work". Gardner-Johnson may have only spent three years being coached by Allen, but the consensus around the league is that Allen will be a tough-nose coach that gets the most out of all his players.
USA Today
27-01-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Cole Kmet says Bears will have to meet Ben Johnson's expectations
Cole Kmet says Bears will have to meet Ben Johnson's expectations In the days that have followed since Ben Johnson was hired as the head coach of the Chicago Bears, players on the team have expressed their excitement for their new coach. One marquee player of the Bears offense who figures to get more involved in 2025 with Johnson at the helm is tight end Cole Kmet, who had little opportunity this past season in a very disappointing outing. Giving his first thoughts to the hiring of Johnson, Kmet stated recently that he believes the coaching move shows the team is in "win now" mode, and has plenty of excitement over his new head coach. Appearing on "CHGO Bears Podcast," where he also hosts his own "The Eighty Five Podcast," Kmet explained what excites him about Johnson, while also saying that the arrival of their new coach will mean the players have to step up and raise their standards. "What he's done has been shown the past few years in Detroit and throughout his coaching career," Kmet said of his coach's resume. "It's really exciting stuff and like I said, it's going to be on us to elevate our level, our play, and meet his expectations for what he wants on the offense." The Bears locker room seemed to have a major disconnect with their former head coach Matt Eberflus throughout the 2024 season, but now with Johnson's persona and credibility, the tone has changed in a big way. With Johnson now the head coach, there's a level of not only excitement, but an understanding that the players will have much higher standards and expectations to meet next season.
