Lions Fans Will Be Shocked by Who Messaged Ben Johnson About the Bears’ New Rookie
The NFL offseason always brings a flurry of rumors, trades, and stories that keep fans on the edge of their seats. For Detroit Lions fans, the latest development involving offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is a topic that’s bound to spark intense conversations — and some genuine shock. It has to do with a message that Johnson received about a player on a different team, one that Detroit’s fierce NFC North rival, the Chicago Bears, recently added to their roster.
Ben Johnson is no stranger to high expectations. After a successful stint as Detroit’s offensive coordinator, where he helped quarterback Jared Goff and the Lions’ offense take significant strides forward, Johnson’s name has become one of the most coveted in the league. His offensive schemes turned heads across the NFL, and many expected him to be courted for a head coaching job during the 2024 offseason. However, in a surprising twist, it wasn’t a head coach trying to make waves by reaching out to Johnson—it was an NFL player with a keen eye on the future. And the player in question? None other than Chicago’s newest rookie star.
The Rookie in Question: The Chicago Bears’ Future Playmaker
Before diving into who messaged Ben Johnson, let’s first set the stage by discussing the rookie at the center of the story: the Chicago Bears’ new addition, who has already been generating buzz. This rookie is a dynamic player with potential that could change the course of the Bears’ offense in the upcoming seasons. A highly touted pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bears selected this young player to be their centerpiece for future success.
In this case, the rookie is a wide receiver with exceptional speed, route running, and ball skills—traits that make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. In fact, some scouts have even compared his talent to some of the league’s most dangerous wideouts, suggesting that the Bears could be on the verge of finally finding a star at the position. The excitement in Chicago is palpable, as fans and analysts alike eagerly wait to see if this rookie can live up to the hype.
A Surprising Message to Ben Johnson
What comes next in this tale is something that will surely take Lions fans by surprise. Just days after the Bears made their big draft selection, Ben Johnson received a message. But here’s the twist: it wasn’t a message from one of his fellow offensive coordinators, a coach from another team, or even a general manager. The message came from the rookie himself.
While it’s not uncommon for rookies to reach out to established coaches, especially those known for their offensive prowess, the circumstances surrounding this message are certainly unique. The rookie was reportedly keen on seeking Johnson’s advice and expertise on how he could succeed at the NFL level. He even expressed admiration for Johnson’s ability to scheme offenses and get the most out of his players. According to inside sources, the rookie was particularly interested in learning more about how Johnson’s offense got the best out of his wide receivers.
Why, you might ask, would a rookie from the Bears’ camp reach out to the Lions’ offensive coordinator?
It’s simple: respect. This rookie, despite playing for the Bears, acknowledged that Ben Johnson’s system has been one of the most successful in the NFL, and he wanted insight from a coach with a proven track record of developing offensive talent.
This kind of gesture isn’t just about learning; it’s also about understanding what it takes to be successful in the league. For a player transitioning from college to the NFL, there’s a steep learning curve. A wide receiver has to deal with more complex coverages, faster and stronger cornerbacks, and an overall higher level of competition. Johnson’s reputation for maximizing his offensive players’ potential made him an obvious choice for this rookie to reach out to.
Why Ben Johnson?
For Lions fans, the fact that a rookie wide receiver from a rival team would reach out to their offensive coordinator speaks volumes about Johnson’s influence in the league. It reinforces just how far his reputation as an offensive mastermind has spread and how highly he’s regarded by players and coaches across the NFL. What makes this even more interesting is the fact that this was an early sign of the rivalry between the Bears and Lions in the NFC North — the rivalry that has always existed but is now shaped by mutual respect.
Lions fans will likely be both flattered and perhaps a bit concerned that their offensive coordinator has become so highly regarded by the opposition. As Detroit looks to compete for a top spot in the NFC North, the idea that their offensive guru is influencing a player on the Bears could be unsettling. However, it also highlights just how much Ben Johnson’s contributions have extended beyond the Lions’ locker room and onto the broader NFL landscape.
A Lesson in NFL Development
For the rookie wide receiver, reaching out to Ben Johnson wasn’t just a way to gain a competitive edge over his future opponents in the NFC North. It also served as a lesson in how to build an NFL career, especially in the modern age of football, where success is driven not only by physical talent but also by mental acumen and coaching.
Johnson’s message back to the rookie was reportedly filled with thoughtful insights on route running, recognizing defensive schemes, and creating separation from defenders. But perhaps more importantly, Johnson also imparted some wisdom about the mental side of the game: the importance of film study, adapting to the pace of the NFL, and cultivating the right mindset to succeed long term.
The NFC North Rivalry Intensifies
Detroit Lions fans should not expect this gesture to mean the start of some form of cooperation between the Bears and the Lions. On the contrary, it is likely to add even more fuel to the fire of the NFC North rivalry. The fact that a rookie from Chicago reached out to a coach in Detroit makes it clear: both teams are gearing up for what could be a heated battle for supremacy in the division.
In a division that already includes storied franchises like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, the emergence of both teams—Detroit with their high-powered offense under Ben Johnson and Chicago with their promising rookie—raises the stakes. The Bears’ rookie is not just thinking about his team’s success; he’s strategizing how to elevate his own game while preparing for the challenges that lie ahead in the division. And as a result, the rivalry between the Lions and Bears may take on a new dynamic—one that focuses on not just players but also the offensive minds shaping these teams’ future.
What Does This Mean for the Lions?
For the Lions, this development serves as a reminder that while they are in a period of growth and optimism, they are also facing increasing pressure. The division is becoming more competitive, and the talent on the field—both offensively and defensively—is improving. As much as Ben Johnson’s coaching has helped elevate Detroit’s offense, the Bears’ moves to strengthen their roster, particularly with a rookie who’s making waves, shouldn’t be underestimated.
Lions fans have been hoping that their team will be able to capitalize on the improvements made in recent years, especially under Johnson’s leadership. But now, with the Bears’ aggressive moves and their rookie star reaching out for advice from one of the NFL’s top offensive minds, Detroit fans will need to brace themselves for an even tougher challenge. The NFC North is no longer a two-team race; it’s a three-horse battle, with the Bears now firmly in the mix.