By Sunday 
How one simple gesture became part of a bigger story for the Chicago Bears.
A Dinner Gesture That Made Waves
Before the Chicago Bears officially announced Ben Johnson as their new head coach, the fan base was vocal in their desire for the team to make the move. For an organization that has long struggled to meet expectations, this hire represented a glimmer of hope—and one fan made sure their voice was heard in an unconventional way.
During the hiring process, team president Kevin Warren shared an interesting anecdote. While out to dinner, Warren received a drink along with a note from a fan. The note contained just four words: “Please hire Ben Johnson.”
The story, originally posted by The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain, quickly gained traction. Warren, impressed by the fan’s passion, acknowledged the gesture by sending two drinks back to the fan and his girlfriend, creating a moment of shared excitement about the potential new hire.
Positive Energy Around Halas Hall
The Bears introduced Ben Johnson as their head coach on Wednesday, with owner George McCaskey, Kevin Warren, and general manager Ryan Poles in attendance. As they fielded questions from the media, the optimism around Johnson’s hiring was palpable.
Johnson, widely regarded as one of the most sought-after coaching candidates in recent years, spoke highly of the Bears’ family-oriented environment and praised the leadership of McCaskey, Warren, and Poles.
“Fans may scoff at the idea of a ‘family feel,’ but coming from a candidate of Johnson’s caliber, those words carry weight,” a fan noted. The sentiment, however, is clear: while culture and camaraderie are important, what fans truly want is results.
Hope for a New Chapter
The hiring of Johnson has sparked a renewed sense of hope among Bears fans. After years of disappointing seasons, this move feels like a step in the right direction. The chemistry between Johnson, Poles, and Warren will be critical as they work to rebuild the team into a contender.
For Warren, the story of the dinner note symbolizes the passion and loyalty of the Bears’ fan base. It’s a reminder that football is about more than just the games—it’s about the community it creates.
Looking Ahead
The Bears’ new leadership team, led by Johnson, has a lot of work ahead to turn the franchise around. But for now, the good vibes surrounding Halas Hall are giving fans something they’ve lacked in recent years: optimism.
Whether the dinner note played a small or symbolic role in the hiring process, it’s clear that both the fans and the organization are ready for a fresh start. And with a leader like Kevin Warren recognizing the importance of the fan base, the Bears just might have the foundation they need to succeed.