Chicago Bears coach Ben Johnson sent firey message to starter

New Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson has not been able to see players go at it on the practice field yet this spring, but he had a strong message for a starter this week.

The Bears started Phase 1 of their OTAs last week. Voluntary minicamp will start for Chicago on April 21 and go through April 23. Johnson will have an opportunity to see how some of his roster stacks up before the draft.

The Bears committed cornerback Kyler Gordon this offseason. Chicago made him the highest-paid nickel corner in the league when they have him a three-year contract extension worth $40 million.

The Bears wouldn’t have given Gordon that contract unless Johnson and new defensive coordinator Dennis Allen had faith that he would fit their system.

Per Chicago’s website, Johnson said he was “fired up” to keep Gordon around for the foreseeable future.

“We are fired up to secure Kyler as a mainstay on our defense and a dependable component of our team,” said Johnson. “Our staff cannot wait to get to walk with Kyler.

Gordon was the first draft pick Ryan Poles made as general manager of the Bears. He took him in the second round (No. 39 pick) of the 2022 draft.

Poles believes Gordon will play a huge role in Allen’s scheme.

“We are excited to have Kyler remain a member of the Chicago Bears for years to come,” said Poles. “Kyler will be a big part of our defense, and we look forward to his continued ascension on our team.”

Gordon has appeared in 40 games and started 34 in his three-year career. He’s recorded 207 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two forced fumbles.