By Sunday 
Chicago Bears fans got a taste of the Ben Johnson magic during Family Fest, and let’s just say Soldier Field was buzzing. Known for his creative gadget plays during his time with the Lions, Johnson’s first trickery as Bears head coach didn’t disappoint—and it’s got everyone dreaming big for the season ahead.
The Sneakiest Six of the Summer
During Sunday’s Family Fest practice, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams took the snap and sold a fake so good it would’ve fooled anyone watching on TV. The offense shifted right, defenders bit, and then—bam!—tight end Cole Kmet and his lead blocker slipped out to the left. Caleb lofted an easy pass, and Kmet was so wide open he might as well have been catching passes in his backyard. Touchdown Bears.
As if the play itself wasn’t entertaining enough, both Williams and Kmet celebrated by mimicking baseball home runs, drawing laughs and cheers from the stands. The Bears’ Twitter account even posted the highlight with a caption that said it all:
“First home run of the year at Soldier Field 💥”
Ben Johnson’s Bag of Tricks
For fans familiar with Johnson’s time as Lions offensive coordinator, this shouldn’t come as a shock. The man loves misdirection, loves bold calls, and clearly loves keeping defenses guessing. From passes thrown by receivers to quarterbacks, to linemen catching touchdowns, Johnson’s offenses are the stuff of highlight reels—and nightmares for opposing coordinators.
Chase Daniel, former Bears and Lions quarterback turned NFL Network analyst, posted a slow-motion breakdown of the play that quickly went viral among Bears fans hungry for signs of life in the team’s offense.
“We’ve Got Some Toys to Work With”
Before camp kicked off, Johnson teased Bears fans when asked if trick plays would be a staple of his new offense:
“I think we’ve got some toys to work with.”
Well, if Sunday’s performance was any indication, Bears Nation is in for a fun ride. And considering Johnson hasn’t even started showing the wildest of his bag of tricks, fans might want to buckle up.
The Bears’ next preseason practices will undoubtedly feature more glimpses into Johnson’s creative schemes. If this opening act is anything to go by, the Monsters of the Midway could also become the Masters of Misdirection in 2025.