The Chicago Bears, long suffering through a 14-season playoff drought stretching from 2011 to 2024, finally experienced a revival in 2025 under the guidance of new head coach Ben Johnson. Running back D’Andre Swift credited Johnson for the dramatic turnaround, referring to him as “the god” and praising his leadership and impact both on and off the field. Swift emphasized,
“He makes everything go. We follow his lead. I can’t say anything but great things about him as a coach and as a person.”
Expectations were cautiously optimistic when Johnson arrived, given his strong track record as offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where his offenses ranked in the NFL’s top five in scoring and yardage for three straight seasons. Swift, having played alongside Johnson in Detroit’s first year together, witnessed firsthand how Johnson helped the Lions reach consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since the mid-1990s.
Transformation in Chicago’s Performance and Culture
Despite a 5-12 record in 2024, Johnson quickly made his mark by leading the Bears to an 11-6 NFC North title in 2025, culminating in their first playoff win since 2010. The team’s offense leapt from 28th to ninth in scoring and improved from last to sixth in yardage, an impressive statistical surge. Moreover, Johnson’s passionate postgame speeches and spirited celebrations fostered a renewed energy and culture among the players. Swift noted,
“I was just happy to be reunited with him, especially knowing the way his impact trickles down to us as players. And the city of Chicago, they’ve got the right guy leading the way.”
Caleb Williams’ Breakout as Franchise Quarterback
One of Johnson’s most significant influences has been on quarterback Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall draft pick. After a rookie year disrupted by coaching changes and offensive line struggles, Williams experienced a remarkable leap in his sophomore season under Johnson’s tutelage. He threw for 3,942 yards with 27 touchdowns against seven interceptions, while also rushing for 388 yards and adding three scores on the ground.
Swift expressed confidence in Williams’ future and the duo’s potential, saying,
“It’s all positive things to come. As people could see during the season, the Bears have their franchise quarterback. I know he’s only going to get better and continue to grow, especially under Ben. That’s going to be quite a dynamic duo for years to come.”
Williams’ poise earned him the nickname “Iceman,” having orchestrated seven game-winning drives in tight moments throughout the year.
Highlighting Williams’ calmness under pressure, Swift added,
“His poise and his calmness in critical situations stand out. He’s very clutch and gets us out of a lot of trouble by making things happen. And that’s only going to get better with Ben.”
Memorable Comebacks and Rivalry Triumphs
The Bears’ 2025 season was defined by thrilling comebacks and clutch performances. Chicago’s resilience was exemplified by back-to-back one-point victories against the Las Vegas Raiders and Washington Commanders, which featured game-winning defensive plays and last-second field goals blocked or made. Additionally, a dramatic late touchdown pass from Williams to rookie tight end Colston Loveland sealed a crucial win over the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bears’ rivalry with the Green Bay Packers provided some of the most electrifying moments. In Week 16, Chicago overcame a 10-point deficit in the final two minutes with a remarkable sequence involving a field goal, successful onside kick, a fourth-down touchdown conversion, and a deep pass to DJ Moore, eventually winning in overtime.
The excitement peaked during the Wild Card Round when Chicago scored 25 points in the fourth quarter to overturn a 21-6 deficit and eliminate Green Bay in front of a raucous crowd at Soldier Field. Reflecting on the season’s special magic, Swift said,
“especially in those critical situations we were in at the end of games. In those situations when you keep finding ways to win multiple times throughout the year, you start realizing and thinking about how special the group is that we had in the locker room.”
Swift’s Career Year Propels Bears’ Offense
While Williams led the aerial attack, Swift himself posted career-best numbers with 1,087 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns, along with one receiving touchdown. This marked his second season surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing mark and scoring double-digit touchdowns. Swift delivered standout performances with over 100 rushing yards in victories against Washington, New Orleans, and Philadelphia, and scored multiple touchdowns in wins over Cleveland and San Francisco.
Swift achieved all this while sharing carries in the backfield with rookie running back Kyle Monangai, who had 169 attempts compared to Swift’s 223. On his individual success, Swift humbly remarked,
“I was just grateful to be in the position I was in with the opportunities I was given to be able to contribute to the team’s success. I feel like I definitely had a positive year.”
Off-Field Ventures and Future Outlook
Though the Bears fell in the Divisional Round to the Los Angeles Rams, the contest included one of the most remarkable plays in recent NFL history: Williams sprinted backward and launched a precise deep touchdown pass to Cole Kmet in the end zone to force overtime. This highlight underscored the team’s steadfast competitive spirit.
Off the field, Swift teamed up with quarterback Tyrod Taylor for Dairy Queen’s “Taylor and Swift Halftime Feast,” promoting new chicken strip platters with unique dipping sauce options. Swift praised the collaboration, saying,
“The partnership has been amazing. They’ve got some great things going on. … The FlameThrower strips, the spicy ones with the signature soft serve on the side as the dipping sauce, is unique and something people should be looking out for. Don’t knock it until you try it.”
Looking Ahead: Uncertainty and Optimism Surround Swift’s Bears Future
Looking forward, the Bears maintain high hopes with a solid foundation that includes quarterback Caleb Williams, head coach Ben Johnson, and a crop of promising young talents such as rookies Colston Loveland, Kyle Monangai, and Luther Burden III. However, with the 2026 season marking the final year of Swift’s contract, questions about his long-term place with the team have surfaced.
Dan Wiederer of The Athletic indicated Swift might be considered a cap casualty, noting releasing him could clear $7.5 million in salary cap space. Despite that, Swift expressed his commitment without hesitation:
“It’s a great assumption that I want to stay. I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
For Bears fans, Swift’s declaration is a hopeful sign that the team’s breakout season and newfound momentum might continue with key contributors like him still in the fold. As the franchise builds around its young core, Chicago appears poised to be a contender in the years ahead. The impact of D’Andre Swift Bears impact will therefore be a crucial storyline going forward.
