Ryan Poles Vows to Fix Bears’ Roster Mistakes: ‘It’s About Winning, Not My Reputation’
As the Chicago Bears continue to rebuild their roster, General Manager Ryan Poles is standing firm in his commitment to creating a winning team. Despite some missteps during the team’s roster construction, particularly in the backup positions, Poles is taking full accountability and vowing to right the wrongs as the season progresses. In a recent interview, Poles made it clear that his focus is not on his own reputation, but on the success of the Bears.
“It’s never been about my reputation, and it never will be,” Poles said. “My job here is to build a team that can win consistently and bring a championship to Chicago. If there’s a mistake, whether it’s in the scouting department or on the roster, I take full responsibility. When it comes to the running back room, we didn’t get it right, and I’m the one who has to fix that. But this isn’t a one-off job — it’s about looking at every decision through the lens of what’s best for the team long-term.”
Poles’ transparency in taking ownership of the Bears’ roster decisions speaks to his leadership style. The Bears have had some struggles this season, particularly at the running back position, where the team failed to adequately address depth behind their starter. While Poles admits that they fell short in certain areas, his resolve to improve the team remains steadfast.
“I’ll own where we fell short with the backups, and I’ll continue to work tirelessly to ensure we’re not just fixing this problem, but building an even stronger unit for the future,” Poles added. “Every move I make moving forward will be with that in mind — to strengthen this roster, to develop our depth, and to give this team the tools it needs to succeed.”
Poles’ statement underscores his dedication to improving every aspect of the Bears’ roster. While the team has made strides in areas like defense and offensive line play, Poles is determined to address the areas where the team is lacking and create a more well-rounded, competitive squad. His focus is clear: ensure that every position is addressed in a way that supports the team’s long-term success.
“The goal isn’t just to fix things in the short term,” Poles continued. “It’s about building a sustainable, winning culture here. The Bears have a rich history, and my job is to make sure that we are moving forward, always with the goal of winning championships. We are constantly adapting and improving, and that’s the mindset I’m bringing to every position, especially in areas where we need to grow.”
The Bears are currently at a crossroads, and Poles’ leadership will be critical in guiding the team through this phase of transition. With his focus on building a championship-caliber roster, Poles is not deterred by the challenges or the mistakes that have been made along the way. His willingness to take accountability and his commitment to improving the team for the future are the qualities that will ultimately define his success as the Bears’ GM.
Poles has already shown his ability to make bold moves — from trades to the NFL draft — and Bears fans are hopeful that, with his guidance, the team will continue to evolve and get closer to reaching their ultimate goal: a Super Bowl title. The road ahead may be long, but Ryan Poles is ready to do whatever it takes to make sure the Bears are successful for years to come.
A former Steelers running back, now 53 years old, still quietly helps maintain Heinz Field every morning. He says that when he hears the fans shout “Here We Go Steelers,” every ache of age disappears.
Pittsburgh, PA – Long after the cheers faded and the pads came off, a former Pittsburgh Steelers running back still reports to work at Heinz Field — not to run over defenders, but to care for the very field he once dominated.
Now 53 years old, he begins each day before sunrise, helping the grounds crew maintain the turf that has seen generations of Steelers players come and go. For him, it’s not about nostalgia — it’s about belonging.
That man is Jerome Bettis, who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1996 to 2005, anchoring the backfield and earning the nickname “The Bus” for his bruising running style and his ability to move the chains. His journey through the NFL was marked by toughness, leadership, and a championship run that cemented his place in Steelers history.
Bettis appeared in 192 career games and started 130, rushing for 13,662 yards and 91 touchdowns. His blend of size, power, and quickness made him one of the most feared running backs of his era, and his leadership on and off the field inspired teammates and fans alike.
Teammates called him “The Bus” — not just for his nickname, but for his ability to carry the team on his shoulders, driving through defenders and keeping the offense moving forward.
After his retirement in 2006, Bettis remained connected to Pittsburgh, engaging in various community programs and charitable work before eventually returning to Heinz Field, the place that felt most like home.
Today, he can be seen walking the field with a rake in hand, fixing divots and checking the turf before each home game. When asked why, he just smiles and says it keeps him close to the game that shaped his life.
For Jerome Bettis, the roar of the Steelers crowd still carries the same warmth it did when he was on the field — a reminder that once you’ve been a Steeler, you always are.
