Chicago Bears invite son of franchise legend to try out at rookie mini camp

Imagn Images

Chicago Bears invite son of franchise legend to try out at rookie mini camp

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Robin Adams | Last updated Apr 27, 2026 9:51 AM ET

The Chicago Bears were shocked earlier this off-season when Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman suddenly decided to retire from the NFL. To replace him in the short-term, the Bears traded DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills for Garrett Bradbury, who has one year remaining on his current contract.

In the long-term, it appears Chicago will entrust the center position to Logan Jones, the best center in the 2026 NFL Draft, whom they selected in the second round.

But as an interesting aside, the Bears have also invited the son of one of their legendary centers, who also plays the position, to a tryout at rookie mini camp.

The Chicago Bears have invited Josh Kreutz, son of Olin Kreutz, to a tryout

Nov 2, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini offensive lineman Josh Kreutz (64) before the start of a game with the Minnesota Golden gophers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

Despite having their perceived answer at center for years to come, the Bears have invited Josh Keurtz, the son of franchise legend Olin Kreutz, to rookie mini camp for a tryout:

ICYMI: The Chicago Bears are expected to invite Illinois C Josh Kreutz, the son of Bears six-time Pro Bowler C Olin Kreutz, to their rookie minicamp, per @BradBiggs

This is so cool. Would be awesome if he makes it onto the roster or practice squad. pic.twitter.com/suF7cdC0lk

— Bearsszn (@bearszn) April 26, 2026

A scouting report from Sports Illustrated draws some interesting parallels between the younger Kreutz and his father:

“Not unlike his father – former Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz – Josh is tough, technically proficient and more athletic than he may appear to be. The anchor of Illinois’ offensive line, he is physical, with quick hands, and has an explosive first step off the snap. Kreutz thrives in run blocking, showing his lateral agility on pull blocks and zone runs.

“Arguably even more effective as a straight-ahead or seal blocker, he neutralizes defenders, keeping them out of running lanes or pushing them out of plays altogether.”

Josh was a multi-year starter at Illinois, but went undrafted this year. Presumably, he is also capable of playing either of the guard positions on the offensive line.

Olin was a six-time Pro Bowl selection with the Bears during his 14-year career, 13 of which were spent in Chicago. A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s All-2000s Decade Team, Kreutz is considered one of the best centers of this century.

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

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