Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland recently shared a quote from head coach Ben Johnson that perfectly captures the mindset driving this team as the postseason approaches. Following the loss over Detroit, Johnson delivered a blunt message to the locker room:
“If you’re not prepared to play the next 5 weeks or if you’re thinking about anything else — thinking about booking a flight, vacations or anything — don’t come in.”
It’s the type of statement that instantly sets a tone. There’s no sugarcoating, no room for distractions, and no wavering focus. Johnson isn’t interested in individual agendas or future plans for the off-season. Right now, the Bears are locked in on one thing: winning.
That mentality is rare, especially coming from a first-year head coach. But Johnson has shown all season that he demands accountability, discipline, and full buy-in from his players. More importantly, the locker room has responded. Veterans and young players alike have embraced the standard, and it shows in how this team prepares, practices, and competes.
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Loveland sharing the quote speaks volumes on its own. When players echo their coach’s message publicly, it’s a sign the culture is real, not forced, not performative. The Bears believe in what they’re building, and they believe in who’s leading them.
Now, that focus turns to Green Bay.
A Bears-Packers playoff matchup on Saturday is going to be electric. The stakes couldn’t be higher, the rivalry couldn’t be stronger, and under Ben Johnson’s short tenure, Chicago looks mentally ready for the moment.
