Kalif Raymond Embraces Culture Chicago Bears Are Building Under Ben Johnson
New Bears returner Kalif Raymond says the culture Ben Johnson built is a big reason he’s excited to join Chicago.
When the Chicago Bears signed veteran return specialist Kalif Raymond in 2026 free agency, the move looked like a straightforward special teams upgrade.
But Raymond’s introductory press conference revealed something else: he believes he’s walking into a locker room culture that’s already built for winning.
And much of that culture, according to Raymond, starts with head coach Ben Johnson.
Kalif Raymond Recognizes a Familiar Winning Culture
Raymond spent the past several seasons with the Detroit Lions, where Johnson served as offensive coordinator before becoming Chicago’s head coach.
During his press conference, Raymond reflected on the unique energy Johnson brings to a locker room, an approach that quickly resonates with players.
“I’ll never forget the first day he had everybody saying, ‘good, better, best,’” Raymond said Thursday after officially signing his one-year deal with the Bears. “You’re not used to doing chants and everything like that. And then we started winning. And then he started doing it here, and everybody’s winning. So, I’m like, ‘Well, we better be good, better, best, then.’ It’s a testament to who he is.”
Raymond’s comments highlight a key element of the Bears’ recent rise: the belief that the team’s culture is no longer just talk. It’s something players feel the moment they enter the building.
Why Culture Matters for the 2026 Chicago Bears
Chicago’s turnaround last season wasn’t just about talent. It was about identity.
The Bears developed a reputation for physical play, attention to detail, and relentless preparation, traits that Raymond says come directly from Johnson’s leadership.
“He’s not taking his shirt off because he wants to look good,” Raymond said of Johnson. “He’s taking his shirt off because he probably slept three hours that week and put all the work in to go win the game. It’s a testament to who he is, and I’m proud of him.”
That kind of work ethic can set the tone for an entire roster.
When players see their head coach fully invested in the process, it becomes easier for the locker room to buy in.
Why Kalif Raymond Fits the Bears
Raymond’s own career mirrors the kind of mindset the Bears want throughout the roster.
Undrafted in 2016, Raymond carved out a role in the NFL through his explosive return ability. He eventually earned second-team All-Pro honors as a return specialist in 2024.
Now in Chicago, Raymond is expected to immediately upgrade the Bears’ return game while providing depth at wide receiver.
More importantly, he brings firsthand experience of the culture Johnson helped build in Detroit.
The Bears' Bigger Picture at Halas Hall
The Bears have made several roster additions this offseason aimed at reinforcing their identity. Players like Devin Bush, Coby Bryant, and Neville Gallimore were brought in to strengthen the defense.
Raymond’s signing, however, speaks just as much to the locker room dynamic as it does to the depth chart.
His perspective from Detroit offers a unique glimpse into why so many players believe in Johnson’s leadership.
And if Raymond is right about the culture building inside Halas Hall, the Bears may be assembling more than just a competitive roster; they may be building a team that knows exactly how it wants to win.
