Chicago Bears react to Ben Johnson’s North Carolina comments

Ben Johnson is entering his second-year as the Chicago Bears’ head coach. The franchise hired him in January 2025 after emerging as one of the best candidates in the cycle and delivered results last year. He guided Chicago to an NFC North title with an 11-6 record and reached the Divisional Round. Johnson recently answered a question about his playing days with the North Carolina Tar Heels, which the Bears reacted to.

The 40-year-old suited up for the program from 2004 to 2007 as a quarterback. While he didn’t play in the NFL, he started his coaching career as a graduate assistant and tight ends coach with Boston College. He spent three seasons with the school before earning his first NFL coaching gig. Johnson served in multiple roles with the Miami Dolphins from 2011 to 2018.

Johnson’s last six years before joining the Bears was with the Detroit Lions. He took on the roles of offensive quality control coach, tight ends coach, passing game coordinator and offensive coordinator.

Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears — Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson speaks during training camp at Halas Hall.

Bears share reaction to Ben Johnson’s jersey number with North Carolina

A reporter asked Johnson on Friday about wearing the No. 23 jersey with the Tar Heels. He confirmed that he wore it during his first year with the program.

“Twenty three at North Carolina, everybody wore that number to the game though,” Johnson said. “That was Michael Jordan’s number. That’s what I got when I first got there. Good memory. I think I wasn’t listed as a quarterback my first year. I was listed as an athlete in the program, whatever that means, I don’t know what that means.”

The Bears added their reaction in the caption of the social media post. They also included a picture of Johnson wearing his college uniform.

“Will the real 23 please stand up?” the team wrote.

Will the real 23 please stand up? pic.twitter.com/kuBR3qGvHX

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) September 11, 2026

Johnson and Chicago will open their 2026 regular season against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. They will have three straight home games after, taking on the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets.