Bears rookies begin NFL journey at minicamp with legends watching
The Chicago Bears kicked off their rookie minicamp on Friday at Halas Hall. First-round draft pick Dillon Thieneman and 53 other players took part in their first NFL practice session. Among them was a familiar name—Josh Kreutz, the son of a Bears legend—trying out for a spot on the roster. Thieneman admitted to feeling nervous before stepping onto the field. Despite the initial jitters, he described the experience as exciting and a key moment in his transition to professional football.
Rookie tight end Sam Roush spent time reviewing the Bears’ playbook with teammates. He found the session helpful in getting up to speed with the team’s offensive schemes. The camp also marked a symbolic moment for linebacker Logan Jones. He became the first Bears player since Brian Urlacher’s retirement in 2012 to wear the number 54 jersey. Meanwhile, Josh Kreutz, attending on a tryout, chose his father’s old number, 57. Head coach Ben Johnson stressed the importance of adaptability for the newcomers. He urged them to focus on learning the team’s systems and embracing their roles. Former Bears star Devin Hester was also present, watching from the sidelines as the rookies went through drills. A total of 54 players participated in the three-day camp. This included the Bears’ seven draft picks and 13 undrafted free agents, all competing for a chance to make the final roster.
The minicamp gave rookies their first taste of NFL football under the Bears’ coaching staff. With veterans like Hester observing, the newcomers now face the challenge of proving themselves in the coming weeks. Their performance in these early sessions could shape their future with the team.
