It’s an exciting time to be a Chicago Bears fan.
With the additions of top overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback Caleb Williams, No. 9 overall pick, wide receiver Rome Odunze, veteran wideout Keenan Allen, talented running back D’Andre Swift and an improving defense, the Bears are one of the more intriguing teams in the NFL.
Fans will get an ongoing glimpse of the team’s preparations for its 106th campaign with Tuesday night’s season premiere of the legendary HBO series “Hard Knocks.”
To be eligible, a team has to have missed the playoffs the previous season, have a coach not in their first season with their team, and have some compelling storylines/players to watch.
The Bears certainly fit the bill.
“‘Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears’ will provide our passionate fans across the world the ability to experience this unique and critical time in the history of our franchise,” said Bears President/CEO Kevin Warren.
Coming off a 7-10 season, the Bears are expected to challenge for a wild card spot in the NFC.
The spotlight will first and foremost fall on Williams, the latest quarterback to attempt to become Chicago’s first real star at the position since Jim McMahon led the 1985 Bears to the Super Bowl XX championship.
Williams has dealt with the spotlight before, having won the Heisman Trophy while leading arguably the most popular football team, pro or college, in the nation’s second-largest media market at USC.
The Bears also have one of the deepest wide receiver rooms in the league with D.J. Moore, Allen, and Odunze, any of whom could top 1,000 yards.
Swift is coming off his best season as a rusher, posting career-highs in rushing attempts (229), and rushing yards (1,049), to go along with six total touchdowns with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
The other side of the ball is head coach Matt Eberflus’ area of expertise, and the defense will likely be ahead of the offense as camp gets into full swing.
One player to watch will be cornerback Jaylon Johnson, who enters the season with a brand new, four-year $76 million contract and a larger role as a leader in the secondary and the locker room.
“Hard Knocks” debuts Tuesday, August 6 at 9 p.m. ET and will air new episodes over the next five weeks.
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