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From “Not Part of the Plan” to Future MVP of the Bears — The Young RB With Over 3,813 Career Yards Are Forcing Chicago to Rewrite the Script

Chicago, Illinois – 12/05/2025

The Chicago Bears are entering a major turning point under Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson, but few expected the team’s biggest internal shift to come from a player once considered expendable: running back Kyle Monangai. The rookie, who began the year buried on the depth chart, has surged forward behind more than 3,813 career rushing and all-purpose yards, forcing the entire organization to rethink its long-term offensive identity.

It all began with small windows of opportunity — brief, seemingly insignificant touches. But every time Monangai carried the ball, the energy changed. His burst, his power through contact, his balance, and his ability to create something out of nothing quickly separated him from the pack. Within weeks, Monangai wasn’t just another back — he became the driving force behind a Chicago rushing attack that transformed from stagnant to dangerous almost overnight.

Kyle Monangai: Is Chicago Bears rookie right fit in backfield?

Seeing this shift unfold, head coach Ben Johnson delivered a statement that sent shockwaves through Bears Nation:

“Kyle doesn’t just run the ball — he makes us question everything we thought we knew about this team; every touch feels like a glimpse into a different future for the Bears, something we never dared to expect; and when a rookie does that, you’re forced to admit the old plan is already outdated.”

The data only strengthens that perspective. Monangai consistently breaks tackles, extends plays after contact, stabilizes pass protection, and serves as a reliable outlet for Caleb Williams in the checkdown game. More importantly, his rise has pushed Chicago to confront difficult decisions — particularly regarding D’Andre Swift, who no longer holds a guaranteed RB1 role.

Monangai is forcing the Bears to think like a team ready to contend: forget status, forget draft position, forget assumptions — build around the players who actually change games. And for Chicago fans, the most exciting part is knowing this is only the beginning.

If Kyle Monangai continues this trajectory, the Bears may have uncovered not just their next great running back, but a future MVP-caliber cornerstone — a star they nearly overlooked.

49ers Drop Bombshell Announcement After NFL’s Shocking Final Ruling on Wild Card Weekend
Santa Clara, California – January 5, 2026 The San Francisco 49ers received the NFL’s official word — and wasted no time making their stance clear. On Sunday night, the league finalized its Wild Card Weekend schedule for the 2025 postseason, confirming that the 49ers, entering as the NFC’s No. 6 seed, will travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the No. 3-seeded Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, January 11, in the late-afternoon window (approximately 3:30–4:30 p.m. ET). The game will air nationally on FOX, placing a high-stakes postseason matchup under the league’s brightest spotlight. The 49ers’ announcement came shortly after the NFL’s release, emphasizing readiness and resolve despite falling short of the NFC West title. In a brief statement from Santa Clara, the team wrote:“Philadelphia. On the road. Playoff football. This is the moment. We’re ready.” San Francisco enters the postseason after a strong but bittersweet regular season finish. The 49ers closed the year at 12–5, securing a Wild Card berth but missing out on the division crown after a Week 18 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, who surged to a 14–3 record to claim the NFC West. A tiebreaker loss to the Los Angeles Rams (also 12–5) ultimately pushed the 49ers into the No. 6 seed. Speculation has followed the team in the wake of that late-season setback, particularly regarding consistency and execution against elite competition. Despite a roster loaded with postseason experience, the 49ers now face a demanding road path — beginning in one of the league’s most hostile playoff environments. The stakes extend beyond a single game. Lincoln Financial Field presents a punishing atmosphere, especially in January, where Philadelphia has built its identity around physicality and crowd intensity. With the Eagles hosting, the 49ers face not only a top-seeded opponent but an unforgiving environment where mistakes are rarely forgiven. Still, San Francisco is no stranger to adversity. The franchise has navigated deep postseason runs in recent years, and road playoff victories have become part of its recent identity. With both teams entering with legitimate championship aspirations, the margin for error will be razor thin. The NFL has made its schedule.The 49ers have made their statement. Sunday, January 11.Late afternoon.Philadelphia. The stage is set — for survival, redemption, and a postseason chapter that could define the trajectory of San Francisco’s season.