Ben Johnson Makes Candid Admission About Unforgettable Bears Moment
Ben Johnson addressed one of the most talked-about moments from the Bears’ 2025 season, offering insight into the culture building inside Chicago’s locker room.
The Chicago Bears and Ben Johnson may have to celebrate a little differently in 2026.
Johnson joined ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy show and addressed the viral shirtless postgame moment that had Bears fans going crazy.
Johnson made it clear that fans should not expect a repeat shirtless celebration.
"No chance," Johnson said. "You know, it was the right thing to do at the time. It just felt right ... I think my wife would tell you, yeah, yeah, we don't need to go down that road anytime soon again.
"It was exciting as hell. It was a fun locker room to be a part of. And like anything, man, it's all about those guys, man. I hope they know how much I care for them. You know, the guys that will be here again next year and even the guys that are moving on, you know, that's the part that stinks about this business is you wish you could bring everyone back and keep it going."
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Johnson did not regret the moment. In fact, he embraced it. He simply acknowledged it belonged to that specific time and place.
Bears must turn the page in 2026
The 2025 Chicago Bears built real momentum. They won the NFC North and nearly reached the NFC Championship Game. That type of season forges emotional bonds inside a locker room.
Johnson’s comments highlight that connection.
For a franchise building around Caleb Williams, that tone matters. Young quarterbacks thrive in stable, unified environments. Johnson is doing his part to reinforce that foundation.
The viral celebration was never about theatrics. It symbolized buy-in. It showed a head coach fully invested in his team and players' success.
But that was 2025. The page has turned to 2026, and another shirtless Ben Johnson would be a bit... much.
I think it's great that Johnson has that level of self-awareness. He knows that not every moment is meant to be relived. His bare chest is one of them.
Bears fans should love that. The shirt may stay on in 2026, but his energy won't disappear.
Chicago has a head coach who celebrates with his players and leads them with authenticity. That is how culture sticks. And if the Bears keep winning, the celebrations will take care of themselves.
