The Chicago Bears are in the middle of an incredible turnaround. After a rough 2024 season in Caleb Williams' rookie season, the Bears are 7-3, atop the NFC North, and have a chance to win the division and make it back to the playoffs.
It's only year one, but the Bears' rebuild has been a success so far with Johnson at the helm. But, even before his days with the Detroit Lions, this isn't the first time Johnson has had experience rebuilding a franchise.
During a press conference ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers game, shared by Ari Meirov of The 33rd Team, Johnson was asked by a reporter if he had ever played Madden. His answer reveals that Johnson, the head coach of an NFL team, is just like the fans who cheer him on every week.
Ben Johnson reveals Madden history that's just like NFL fans
"Occasionally," Johnson said of his Madden-playing days as a kid, "I always liked taking the bad teams and make the franchise mode and try to build them up from there. But, more of a thrower."
#Bears HC Ben Johnson was asked in he played Madden growing up:
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 21, 2025
"I always liked taking the bad teams and doing Franchise mode and try to build them up from there."
One of us. Pic.twitter.com/oEezCSyvo6
Madden has a "Franchise" mode, which allows fans to pick their favorite team, manage the roster, and play games to try and win a Super Bowl.
Many fans choose this mode as their favorite in Madden, and it's a mode that allows NFL fans to experience what it's like to rebuild a team from the ground up.
Johnson revealed that he's not only played Madden, but specifically picked out the bad teams to try and rebuild them. There's a non-zero chance that one of those teams was the Bears.
Especially in recent years, many NFL fans will criticize NFL teams, coaches, and general managers for running their teams poorly, with the belief that they could do a better job due to their experience on Madden.
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While Johnson's skill set goes well beyond rebuilding a team in Madden, his experience with the game gives some credence to the fans who believe they can do a better job than those in the NFL, thanks to their Madden experience.
It's a vastly different level of responsibility, and Madden's Franchise mode isn't entirely realistic, but it does a great job of teaching the basics.
Many NFL fans have aspired to be NFL GMs thanks to Madden, and while a head coach, Johnson could be one of those fans who grew to love the NFL through Madden.
The Bears' rebuild has worked out well so far in year one with Johnson in charge. And while his Madden experience isn't the reason for his success, his history with the game shows how Johnson is just like the fans who cheer him on every week.
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