The Chicago Bears wrapped up their 2025 campaign with a commendable 11-6 standing, clinching the NFC North championship and securing their inaugural playoff win in a decade and a half under the guidance of first-year head coach Ben Johnson. This period marks a promising era for the franchise. Over the coming weeks, a detailed countdown will spotlight the 15 most influential Bears from the 2025 season, celebrating the significant contributions of burgeoning talents pivotal to Chicago's remarkable journey. This retrospective will analyze their 2025 performance and project their roles for the 2026 season, reflecting the challenging choices in selecting only 15 individuals from a wealth of exceptional players and coaches.
Among the noteworthy individuals, running back Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round draftee, distinguished himself as the 12th most impactful Bear. He played a crucial role in establishing one of the league's most potent rushing attacks, forming an effective partnership with D'Andre Swift that propelled the Bears to the third-best rushing offense in the league.
Entering the NFL as a rookie, Monangai, at 23 years old, quickly adapted to the professional level. His 2025 season cap hit stood at a modest $872,000, underscoring his value as a late-round steal. Throughout the 2025 offseason, there was widespread anticipation that the Bears would invest an early draft pick in a running back to bolster Ben Johnson's offensive scheme. Prospective talents like Ashton Jeanty, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kaleb Johnson were frequently mentioned as potential additions. However, the Bears defied these expectations by waiting until the seventh round to select Kyle Monangai.
Despite his status as a late-round selection, Monangai swiftly left a strong impression, establishing himself as the primary backup to D'Andre Swift. His first significant opportunity arose in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints, where he accumulated 81 rushing yards on 13 carries and scored his maiden touchdown. Nevertheless, it was in Week 9 that Monangai truly made a name for himself. Stepping in for an injured Swift against the Cincinnati Bengals, he delivered a stellar performance, rushing for 176 yards on 26 carries, marking the second-highest single-game rushing total by a Bears rookie in team history. This breakout game led to increased playing time, allowing Monangai to forge a formidable one-two punch with Swift. His assertive running style perfectly complemented Swift's agility, proving instrumental to the offense's overall success, despite showing signs of rookie fatigue in the final games of the season.
While the longevity of running backs in the NFL can be unpredictable, Monangai is poised to remain a consistent contributor in his second year. The likelihood of him transitioning to a full-time starter position remains uncertain, yet within this particular offensive system, such a transition isn't a prerequisite for impact. Coach Johnson's strategy favors a multi-back approach, ensuring Monangai will continue to be a vital asset, especially as a power runner between the tackles. The main question mark for the upcoming season revolves around Swift's future, as he enters the final year of his contract. Regardless of how the running back situation unfolds, Monangai is projected to consistently achieve over 800 rushing yards each season, solidifying his role as a key player for the team.