The Chicago Bears brought Case Keenum aboard in 2025 for multiple reasons. By far the biggest was to become a valued sounding board for Caleb Williams. Head coach Ben Johnson felt they needed a veteran presence who could help the young quarterback learn how to process the vast amounts of information they had to absorb. In addition, he would serve as an extra coach on the sideline, providing tips and motivation wherever possible. The fact that he’s also a backup was further down the list of importance.
Well, the NFL has a funny sense of humor. A hamstring injury to Williams and a concussion to Tyson Bagent suddenly thrust Keenum into the starting lineup for the first time since 2023. Most didn’t expect much from the 38-year-old, including the opposing Philadelphia Eagles. So you can imagine their surprise when he threw for 247 yards and scored 3 touchdowns, leading Chicago to a 27-7 rout.
Yet after the game, Keenum still had the back of his teammate by calling out Pro Football Focus at his postgame press conference. The analytics site got into hot water for giving Williams a low grade for his week-one performance in Carolina, despite his producing 4 touchdowns. It seems Keenum didn’t forget that, and made sure they didn’t either.
It’s easy to see why everybody loves Case Keenum.
Few more than Williams. The Bears’ young quarterback was caught on camera after the game embracing Keenum on the field, screaming with joy over the big win. The two have forged a close bond since last season. The veteran fulfilled his responsibility with the utmost enthusiasm, always in Williams’ ear with advice or support. Nobody gave him more positive pep talks about late-game heroics. This is probably why everyone can see that Keenum has a clear future in coaching. His personality is made for it.
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He also seems to understand his role. What happened on Monday night was pure magic. Yet Case Keenum isn’t naive enough to believe it will lead to anything. His job was to keep this Bears train on the tracks long enough for Williams to return. He did his job beautifully. That is why he savored the night, knowing it might be the last time he ever got a chance to start. Maybe the Bears will go back to Tyson Bagent this week, or maybe Williams returns sooner than expected. Either way, Keenum never stopped supporting his guy.
There are few doubts left about one thing.
The Bears have the best quarterback room in the NFL. Not only do they have a really good starter who is on the cusp of becoming a star, but their depth is outstanding. When your third-string quarterback makes a playoff team look irrelevant on national television, you’re doing pretty well at the position. This is where Johnson deserves credit. Most teams don’t bother investing much money in the backups. He saw value in stacking the position. That decision has proven fortuitous.
Keenum’s job may not be done. The Bears could decide to ride the hot hand, giving him another start against the New York Jets this Sunday. No one would blame Johnson for doing so. If not, the quarterback will go right back to helping Bagent and Williams prepare. He’s good in either role. Don’t be shocked if the team moves quickly to make him an assistant coach whenever he decides to hang up the pads.
