As the Chicago Bears broke following the conclusion of the offseason program, head coach Ben Johnson left them with a key message, and it appears it was well-heeded with training camp right around the corner. The sentiment was clear: come to training camp in shape, not to get into shape.
Through the power of social media, several Bears players have shown that they have taken Johnson’s message seriously.
Bears HC Ben Johnson Made Training Camp Message Crystal Clear
Caleb Williams, Bears Following Ben Johnson’s Order
Most of the Bears’ veterans departed for the summer following the team’s three-day minicamp, with a select few and the rookies reporting for a one-day OTA to wrap things up. Johnson set the expectation before losing the bulk of the group to their individual plans for the summer.
Since then, Caleb Williams slung the ball around on a field, keeping his arm semi-warm, and defensive backs Jaquan Brisker, Jaylon Johnson, and Kyler Gordon have worked out together.
Moreover, defensive lineman Gervon Dexter Sr. mixed his offseason work into a highlight reel.
“The onus is on our players, now, to take advantage of the next six weeks. They’ve built a lot of goodwill with their bodies conditioning-wise. They’re strong. We’ve got a number of guys that lost fat mass and gain lean mass, and in great shape right now. And we’ve got to continue that trend, not just to maintain, but even keep pushing that a little bit further,” Johnson told reporters on June 5.
“For us, training camp’s not a ‘get in shape camp.’ It’s ‘show up in shape camp,’ so we can become a good football team.”
The most encouraging sign is the caliber of player who are putting this work in.
Bears Attendance Something to Monitor During Training Camp
The Bears broke for the offseason program with plenty of injury questions to address. Gordon and Johnson were among them, but clearly both are ready to go once the team reconvenes for training camp.
Neither of their top two picks – tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III – were on the field during mandatory minicamp.
Burden has been out since rookie minicamp. Loveland has not participated on the field yet.
Johnson said he expected Burden to be back on the field for training camp, while Loveland said that is also his plan. Additionally, the Bears were without presumed starting left tackle Braxton Jones all offseason, potentially allowing rookie second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo to gain ground.