Bears rookie exposes Ben Johnson’s offseason habits

Imagn Images

Bears rookie exposes Ben Johnson’s offseason habits

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Aug 10, 2026 2:02 PM ET

(and)Ben Johnson’s hard work paid off big time last season for the Chicago Bears. Many praised his work ethic, but the team’s rookie, Sam Roush, shared a hilarious story that also proved how much work the head coach puts in.

Johnson is coming off a successful first year with the franchise. Several analysts doubted if he is its long-term answer as he entered the 2025 season. However, he more than proved his worth by guiding the Bears to an NFC crown and reaching the Divisional Round. He brought out the best in his players, particularly Caleb Williams. Johnson is set for a crucial year with a chance to build on last year’s achievements.

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson (R) speaks during the Rookie Minicamp.

Bears rookie shares a Ben Johnson offseason story

Roush talked about an interaction he had with Johnson in June. It happened at Halas Hall as he lifted weights in the gym.

“I was here over the summer,” Roush said. “I was lifting at 8 a.m. and Ben walks in and he’s got bed head (and) I look at him and I was like, ‘You slept in the facility last night, didn’t you?’ And he was like, ‘Don’t ask those types of questions.’ It was the middle of June. Nobody even has to be here and he’s sleeping in his office grinding away.”

Sam Roush caught Ben Johnson sleeping in his office at Halas Hall and the story is hilarious:

“I was here over the summer. I was lifting at 8 a.m. and Ben walks in and he’s got bed head. I look at him and I was like, ‘You slept in the facility last night, didn’t you?’ And he… pic.twitter.com/ClnZ6mWewW

— Bearsszn (@bearszn) August 9, 2026

Chicago selected the former Stanford Cardinal star at No. 69 in the third round. He brings depth to the tight end room and could earn more playing time as the 2026 season progresses. Roush will likely play behind Colston Loveland and Cole Kmet in the depth chart.

His story showed how dedicated Johnson is to his job. While many players and his staff enjoyed vacations and time with family, he returned to the office and prepared for next season. It remains to be seen how much success the Bears will have in 2026, but their head coach is more than ready to get the campaign going.

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: