Bears rookie Dillon Thieneman reveals Ben Johnson’s instructions for Week 1

Dillon Thieneman and the Chicago Bears are just less than a week away from opening their 2026 regular season. They put in a lot of work during training camp, with Ben Johnson and his staff overseeing all sessions. The rookie safety shared what the head coach wants the team to focus on entering Week 1.

Thieneman is Chicago’s No. 25 overall pick this year. He joins the team that has a clear need at his position following the departures of Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Jonathan Owens. The Bears signed former Seattle Seahawks defensive back Coby Bryant to also help plug the hole. However, he suffered a knee injury and will be out for four to six months. The unfortunate development forces the team to rely heavily on Thieneman early in his first NFL campaign.

Chicago Bears defensive back Dillon Thieneman (31) speaks during Rookie Minicamp at Halas Hall.

Dillon Thieneman opens up on Ben Johnson’s focus for the Bears

Thieneman revealed that Johnson wants the Bears to prepare mentally for the start of the season. He added that the second-year head coach preached to the players to all lock in.

“Habits on the field, habits off the field,” Thieneman said. “So really everything and anything you can do to get yourself or your mind ready or get the team ready to go out there and play this weekend.”

Bears S Dillon Thieneman on Ben Johnson’s focus for the team heading into Week 1:

“Habits on the field, habits off the field. So really everything and anything you can do to get yourself or your mind ready or get the team ready to go out there and play this weekend.”

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) September 7, 2026

Chicago will face the Carolina Panthers on Sunday at Bank of America Stadium. The matchup is set to kick off at 1 p.m. ET. A three-game homestand follows as the team will take on the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets at Soldier Field in Weeks 2, 3 and 4. The Bears have the league’s toughest schedule and face a big challenge in surpassing their achievements last year. They are coming off an 11-6 record to win the NFC North and reached the Divisional Round.