In a remarkable turn of events, the Chicago Bears, led by rookie head coach Ben Johnson, have become a team synonymous with resilience, achieving seven comeback victories this season. Veteran kicker Cairo Santos has shone a light on the pivotal changes that have propelled the franchise into a new era of success.
Chicago, often celebrated for its signature deep-dish pizza and architectural elegance, is now earning a reputation for thrilling comebacks on the football field. Under Johnson’s leadership, the Bears concluded the regular season with an impressive 11-6 record, securing the NFC North title. Recently, they triumphed over the Green Bay Packers in a stunning Wild Card game, marking their first playoff victory against the rivals since 1941. Quarterback Caleb Williams played a crucial role in this thrilling comeback, rallying the team from a 21-3 deficit at halftime to a final score of 31-27, a victory that sent them to the Divisional Round for the first time in over a decade.
Santos, who joined the Bears in 2020 and has now entered his sixth season with the team, emphasized the importance of belief among the players. He noted that the comebacks are the result of contributions from all three phases of the game—offense, defense, and special teams. Santos recalled the pivotal moment during their Week 4 match against the Las Vegas Raiders when a last-minute blocked field goal preserved their chance to win the game.
“Ben Johnson has sparked our belief that we can win these close games,” Santos reflected. “We now have a collective sense of opportunity that we didn’t consistently find in previous seasons.”
The Bears’ commitment to community also remains strong as they expand their reach, particularly in the UK, where they have been promoting American football. Santos, hailing from São Paulo, serves as a key figure in this international growth.
As the Bears gear up to face the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round, they are filled with hope and determination to continue their playoff journey, eyeing a return to the NFC Championship for the first time since 2010. This season’s narrative of resilience and teamwork has not only rejuvenated the Bears’ franchise but also rekindled excitement among their loyal fanbase.