The Chicago Bears had long operated as an organization that was just trying to dig itself out of the mud. They were focused on building a roster and culture that wouldn’t be the laughingstock of the wider NFL. If they could just put together seven or eight wins, that would be considered a good year. Last season, Ben Johnson took over as head coach. He immediately set the standard. His goal wasn’t to win eventually. He planned to win right away and made it crystal clear to players that those expectations would not change. If they’re not working towards winning a championship, they should expect not to be around long. Tyson Bagent had a front row seat for what happened next.
The backup quarterback saw the Bears transform from an uncertain, dispirited group of players to an aggressive team with a physical identity and an absolute unwillingness to die. That carried them from a 0-2 start to an 11-6 record, a division title, and the team’s first playoff victory since 2010. While things fell short in overtime against the Rams, there was a feeling that this Bears team had taken a big step forward. Does Bagent still feel that is the case even after the considerable changes made to the roster this offseason?
True to form, the quarterback didn’t dance around the subject. He told CHGO his firm belief that this Bears team can and will win the Super Bowl.
Tyson Bagent reflects how far the locker room has come.
Remember, he arrived in 2023, during the middle of the Matt Eberflus years. Team confidence wasn’t exactly at a high point. He saw things bottom out in 2024, as the team went from 3-1 to 5-12 and endured one of the most gut-wrenching losing streaks in franchise history. People felt it would take at least a year for Johnson to clean up the mess Eberflus left behind. Instead, it took a few months. The head coach not only gave the players a clear purpose but also reignited their competitive drives to be great.
🔥 Subscribe to the Untold Chicago YouTube channel to hear Chicago legends tell stories you’ve never seen in headlines — real moments, real experiences, straight from the athletes themselves.
As the wins mounted, the confidence grew. It got to a point where the Bears felt like they were never out of a game, no matter how far behind they were. That is always the first step for a young team. Learning how to believe. They now know that with hard work and effort, they are good enough to match up with the best teams in the NFC. The next step is to limit mistakes and execute more efficiently. If they figure that out, it isn’t at all crazy to think they can reach the Super Bowl. Bagent understands this reality better than most.
He also plans to contribute to that goal.
Contrary to popular myth, the Bears’ backup quarterback isn’t content sitting in the background. He insisted that he prepares every day as if he will get to play sooner or later. He knows there will be a moment in the future when his number will be called. Caleb Williams started every game last season, but it’s rare for starting quarterbacks these days to not miss at least one game every year. That is particularly true for scrambling types like him. Tyson Bagent is grinding relentlessly to ensure he is prepared for when that moment comes.
Not only will it give him a chance to help the team towards that goal of winning the Super Bowl, but it will also improve his hopes of eventually becoming a starter. This is a reflection of what the Bears are building. Everybody wants to play. Everybody wants to win. That raises the standard across the board, which in turn leads to more success on the field. Bagent will do everything necessary to help Williams succeed. That doesn’t mean he plans to accept his role as the backup forever. No doubt others like him feel the same way.
