Windy City Gridiron
After a formal press conference Tuesday, Johnson hit multiple shows and showed some personality.
Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson drew a big crowd for his formal press conference at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis Tuesday. He was doing more intimate hits on TV, radio and podcasts on Wednesday.
The hits give fans a little more insight into Johnson’s personality and, in some cases, a look at what’s happening with him in his first few weeks running the show.
On NFL Network, he told a story about how Caleb Williams was lighting up his phone during the Super Bowl. He says it shows how “hungry” he is.
On ESPN1000’s Waddle and Silvy Show, Johnson got into more detail about how he holds players accountable. It gave us the first real sound bite or quotable from Johnson: “No block, no rock.”
Appearing on Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take, hosted by notable Bears fan Dan “Big Cat” Katz. Katz recently admitted that he had kept quiet the fact that he grew up in Massachusetts before covering Chicago sports and becoming a diehard Chicago fan.
That context sets up this clip in which Johnson pokes fun at Big Cat’s Boston sports roots. Plus, it's a subtle callback to PMT’s interview with Matt Eberflus a few years ago, where the former Bears coach identified as a cat guy.
During more scenarios, he said what he would give up to win a Super Bowl.
Plus, Johnson shared his mentality on trick plays and how he isn’t afraid to “burn” one versus the idea of “saving” it for later in the season.
Oh, and he settled the debate over whether or not he is friendly with Matt LeFleur after taking a shot at him during his introductory press conference.
It’s refreshing to see Johnson’s confidence and personality carry over into these other appearances. He seems so much more comfortable and not afraid to joke around. Following previous coaches who often came off as boring, corny or just afraid to ruffle any feathers, it’s fun to have a coach who seems, well, fun! But he also answers the football and scheme questions knowledably, confidently and seriously.
