Joe Thuney reacts to Chicago Bears’ big move

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Mar 11, 2026 8:03 PM ET

Chicago Bears left guard Joe Thuney could barely contain his excitement over an upcoming reunion next season.

Before winning the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year Award at NFL Honors in February, Thuney built his foundation at NC State. He played in 41 games with the Wolfpack and earned First-Team All-America honors in 2015.

The 33-year-old arrived in Chicago last season as a four-time Super Bowl champion and quickly proved his worth. He allowed zero sacks, posted an 87.7 PFF pass-blocking grade and helped the Bears slash their sack total from 68 to just 24.

Thuney was beyond thrilled when the Bears made the move to bring his former NC State teammate to the Windy City.

Chicago Bears guard Joe Thuney (62) and center Drew Dalman (52) run onto the field before the game against the Detroit Lions.

Chicago Bears: Joe Thuney welcomes former NC State teammate Garrett Bradbury

The Chicago Bears addressed their center vacancy in a hurry. Days after Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman’s stunning retirement, general manager Ryan Poles wasted no time.

Chicago sent a 2027 fifth-round pick to the New England Patriots in exchange for veteran center Garrett Bradbury.

The move gives the Bears an experienced starter at one of the most critical positions on the offensive line.

The trade also sparked a very personal reaction from Thuney. The three-time First-Team All-Pro shared a Pack Football Instagram graphic celebrating the reunion.

The post read: “Teammates reunited. The Garrett Bradbury trade to Chicago reunites him with his college teammate at NC State in 2015, Joe Thuney.”

A hyped Thuney reacted with a strong two-word message via Instagram Stories.

“Let’s go!” wrote the Bears star.

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A post shared by NC State Wolfpack Football (@packfootball)

Thuney and Bradbury were road-trip roommates during their time with the Wolfpack. Their shared roots on the same offensive line give this pairing an instant chemistry edge.

That familiarity should translate well in Ben Johnson’s offense. Bradbury started all 17 regular-season games and all four playoff contests for New England last season. He did not allow a single sack or commit a single penalty across 1,070 snaps.

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

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