The Chicago Bears open their season on Monday Night Football with Ben Johnson making his debut as head coach against the Minnesota Vikings. While the spotlight is on his move from Detroit’s offensive coordinator to running Chicago’s sideline, his wife Jessica has been a constant part of the journey.
Their story stretches back years. Country singer Chase Rice even revealed in 2024 that he once dated Jessica in middle school before Ben entered the picture and eventually married her. It was a playful moment that added a unique detail to a relationship that has already lasted more than a decade.
Family life away from football
Jessica, a North Carolina native and NC State graduate, married Ben in 2014. Together they are raising three kids, Emory, Kennedy, and Halle.
Ben’s NFL career began in 2012, and throughout that climb, Jessica has been a steady presence. During his rise with the Lions, the family made Detroit their home, staying rooted through long seasons, playoff pushes, and the grind of coaching life.
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Why her support mattered in Chicago move
When Johnson accepted the Bears job this offseason, it wasn’t a decision made lightly. Leaving Detroit meant moving kids away from friends and school, and uprooting a comfortable life. Ben has been open about how much Jessica’s trust and support helped him take the leap.
“It’s tough to walk away from something that feels perfect, but her trust in me and willingness to start fresh gave me the confidence to do this,” Johnson said.
Now, as the Bears kick off their season under the primetime lights, Jessica and the kids are part of the scene at Soldier Field. For Ben Johnson, tonight isn’t just the start of his Chicago chapter as a head coach, it’s a family debut on football’s biggest stage.
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