The Chicago Bears are making headlines once again, but this time, it’s not because of trade rumors or bold predictions—it’s recognition earned on the field. In a moment that signals the franchise’s rise from the shadows of rebuilding to genuine contention, two of the Bears’ cornerstone starters have officially been named to the NFL’s prestigious Top 100 Players list. It’s a testament not just to individual greatness, but to the growing respect this team is commanding across the league. The announcement sent ripples through Halas Hall and ignited a surge of excitement among fans who’ve waited patiently for a return to glory. For years, the Bears have struggled to maintain consistency and credibility in the ultra-competitive NFL, but this news is a major step in affirming that Chicago’s football renaissance is real—and underway.
Recognition on the Top 100 list isn’t handed out lightly. Voted on by fellow players, the rankings reflect the judgment of the very men who line up across from these athletes every Sunday. It’s peer-to-peer respect. These players know what it’s like to face greatness, to be dominated at the line of scrimmage, or to be left grasping at air after a precise route and break. So when two Bears starters land on the list, it doesn’t just flatter the players—it signals to the entire league that Chicago boasts talent not only worthy of watching but worthy of fearing.
One of the Bears stars to crack the Top 100 is defensive lineman Montez Sweat. Since his arrival via trade from the Washington Commanders, Sweat has been nothing short of transformative for Chicago’s defense. In a city known for its monsters of the midway, Sweat is living up to the legacy of past greats. His blend of size, speed, and instinct has made him one of the most disruptive edge rushers in the league. He didn’t just show up in the stat sheet—he showed up in big moments. Whether collapsing the pocket on a third down or forcing a fumble in a critical red zone stand, Sweat became the beating heart of a defense that found new life in 2024.
And now, his peers have taken notice. His inclusion in the Top 100 feels like a nod to more than just sacks and tackles for loss. It’s a nod to presence. To fear. To game planning. Opposing offensive coordinators now circle his name each week and assign their best linemen to contain him—and even then, it’s not always enough. Sweat isn’t just another player anymore. He’s a force. And now, the NFL has made it official.
But the recognition doesn’t stop there. On the offensive side, wide receiver DJ Moore has also secured a spot among the NFL’s elite. When the Bears acquired Moore as part of the blockbuster trade involving the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, there were questions about whether he could truly be a WR1 in a league full of explosive talents. Moore answered those questions quickly and definitively. With his crisp route running, fearless attitude over the middle, and ability to turn short passes into long gains, Moore became the go-to target for a young quarterback room that leaned on his reliability. He brought professionalism, polish, and playmaking—exactly what the Bears’ offense needed.
Week after week, Moore proved indispensable. In a year where Chicago’s passing game began to turn the corner, he was at the center of it all. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams blossomed faster than anyone expected. On timing routes, back-shoulder throws, and even broken plays, Moore was where he needed to be. And now, with his Top 100 selection, the league is acknowledging not just his numbers but his impact. He’s no longer underrated. He’s unavoidable.
For a franchise long defined by defensive grit and offensive futility, having key stars recognized on both sides of the ball marks a shift. The Bears are no longer a team hoping for relevance. They’re building it, and their talent is gaining the recognition to prove it. The Top 100 inclusion is symbolic—of change, of arrival, of potential. It shows that the team is no longer a one-note story of rebuilding, but a multidimensional threat with stars that shine bright enough to command national attention.
And make no mistake—these players aren’t satisfied with personal accolades. If you ask Sweat or Moore, they’ll tell you the Top 100 is flattering, but they’re chasing something bigger: wins, playoff runs, and ultimately, a championship. That hunger is what separates true pros from flashes in the pan. Both players bring a work ethic that’s contagious. Younger players follow their lead. Veterans respect them. Coaches build around them. The Bears are building a culture where excellence is expected, and it starts with leaders like Sweat and Moore.
Inside the locker room, this recognition is fueling motivation. Players see their teammates getting credit, and it becomes infectious. Everyone wants a piece of that spotlight—not for the fame, but for the validation. The message being sent is clear: if you put in the work, if you produce when it matters, you’ll get noticed. That kind of energy shifts team dynamics. It lifts standards. It builds contenders.
Outside of Chicago, other teams are beginning to take notice. The Bears are no longer being circled on schedules as an easy win. Opponents are preparing for war when they travel to Soldier Field. They know that the Bears have the personnel to ruin a game plan and flip the scoreboard in a hurry. And with Sweat and Moore drawing attention on the national stage, it adds another layer to the growing perception: the Bears are for real.
There’s also a sense of timing that can’t be ignored. With a new coaching staff led by Ben Johnson, a potential franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, and foundational stars like Sweat and Moore, the Bears are on the cusp of something. Their window isn’t just opening—it’s expanding. And when your top guys are being recognized as some of the best in the league, it gives legitimacy to the entire operation. Free agents start looking differently at Chicago. Fans start believing again. Ownership sees proof that the rebuild is working.
From a broader perspective, the Bears’ Top 100 recognition also speaks to a shifting NFL narrative. The traditional powerhouses are being challenged. Young, hungry teams are rising. The league is no longer dominated by the same handful of stars year after year. New names are crashing the party, and Chicago has two of them. For a team that’s spent much of the past decade trying to find its identity, this is more than symbolic—it’s transformative.
But perhaps the most exciting part is what this means going forward. This isn’t the end of a story. It’s the beginning of a new chapter. Sweat and Moore have set the bar. Now, other Bears players will be expected to rise. Rookies will push harder in camp. Depth players will fight harder for snaps. Coaches will expect more. The team as a whole will elevate because it’s now clear: greatness is possible in Chicago.
In the months to come, as training camp intensifies and the regular season looms, the spotlight on the Bears will grow. Expectations will rise. And with them, the pressure. But if Sweat and Moore’s seasons are any indication, this team is ready to meet the moment. They’re not chasing hype—they’re earning respect. And as the NFL’s Top 100 list confirms, respect for the Chicago Bears is no longer a distant hope. It’s here. It’s real. And it’s only the beginning.
