“‘WE WON’T STOP’ – Ben Johnson Expands Vision After Failed Trade Deal
The Chicago Bears are far from being discouraged by their missed opportunity to acquire a top cornerback before the NFL trade deadline. Head Coach Ben Johnson has reaffirmed that the Bears' mission to strengthen their roster remains steadfast, despite not completing a deal for
“We were almost there with that deal, but some final decisions didn’t align. However, we continue to work, and strengthening this team is our number one priority. Don’t doubt us, we will do whatever it takes to improve.”
— Ben Johnson, on the failed trade deal and his commitment to team improvement.
💥 No Setbacks Will Hold Us Back
Johnson's words come after the Bears were reportedly deep in talks with the Saints to acquire cornerback Alontae Taylor, who has impressed in his first few seasons with New Orleans. The potential acquisition was seen as a great fit for the Bears, especially with their defensive backfield being a priority for improvement. Taylor, a second-round pick in 2022, showed promise that could have bolstered Chicago's defense.
However, despite the deal not materializing, Johnson made it clear that the Bears are not slowing down. The team is still working diligently on other avenues to strengthen their roster and improve both their defense and overall team performance as they push toward the 2025 season.
“This process is always fluid. Sometimes things don’t line up the way you want them to, but we are always going to be pushing forward,” Johnson explained. “We’re committed to building a championship-caliber team, and nothing will stop us from getting there.”
🏈 Focused on the Bigger Picture
Even though the trade did not come to fruition, the Bears’ front office and coaching staff remain focused on building a competitive team for the future.
Johnson's leadership and vision for the Bears' defense have not wavered. He understands that the team needs improvements in certain areas, particularly the secondary, but he also recognizes that the bigger picture of team-building is just as crucial.
💡 Looking Ahead: More Moves in the Future
While the failed trade might have been a disappointment, it’s clear that Johnson and the Bears are not backing down. The search for roster upgrades continues
“Our focus isn’t just on one player or one trade. We’ve got big plans ahead, and we’re going to do what it takes to make this team a consistent playoff contender,”
Johnson concluded.
The Bears' pursuit of greatness doesn’t end with one trade. With Johnson’s leadership and the front office’s strategic planning, Chicago is committed to continuously improving and building a team that can compete at the highest level.
🚀 The Bears’ Mission: Progress, Not Perfection
This season, the Bears are laying the foundation for future success, and despite the setbacks, the team's vision is crystal clear. Johnson's insistence that they will not stop working toward improvement reinforces the notion that the Bears are in it for the long haul, and their best is yet to come.
Spencer Rattler Breaks Silence: “NFL Doesn’t Care About Your Pain — You Have to Play Anyway”
In an emotional revelation that’s shaking the NFL to its core, Spencer Rattler of the
Rattler, who briefly played alongside Kneeland during his time with the New Orleans Saints, called the loss of his former teammate “devastating” and a stark reminder of the unspoken pressure NFL players face. But it wasn’t just about the grief — it was about the expectation to perform no matter what:
"Everyone thinks the NFL is just about football. But the truth is, they don’t care what you're feeling. They just expect you to show up and play. We’re told to shut off our emotions, but that’s not realistic. I feel like we’re not allowed to grieve the loss of a brother because we have to get ready for a game. That’s the cold reality of this league."
A Wake-Up Call to Fans: "We're Not Machines"
Rattler’s shocking admission sheds light on the emotional toll that NFL players endure, often sacrificing their own mental well-being for the sake of the game. As the
"We’ve got to put our feelings aside for the fans, for our coaches, and for our teammates. But losing someone like Marshawn—it’s like losing a brother. It’s not just a game. People don’t understand how much time we spend with each other, and now I have to focus on beating the Packers while mourning my friend. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do."
A Brotherhood in Crisis?
As the NFL grapples with the tragic loss of Kneeland, Rattler’s powerful words are raising serious questions about the emotional cost of playing professional football.
Is the NFL a family, or is it a brutal machine that demands players sacrifice everything — including their emotions — for the game? The death of Kneeland is only the latest in a long line of heart-wrenching moments that show just how much players endure off the field.
