Phil Thompson

Phil Thompson is the Bears beat reporter for the Tribune and has covered many of Chicago's teams throughout his career, including the Blackhawks for 6 years.

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams warms up for a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 20, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

5 things we learned from Chicago Bears, including how naysayers fueled Caleb Williams when told ‘I can’t win here’

December 23, 2025 at 7:20 p.m.

The Chicago Bears’ agenda this week couldn’t be more clear: Beat the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday and clinch the NFC North Division.

Bears center Drew Dalman (52) and left guard Joe Thuney (62) work to protect quarterback Caleb Williams against the Bengals on Nov. 2, 2025, in Cincinnati. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

3 Chicago Bears — Kevin Byard III, Drew Dalman and Joe Thuney — are selected to NFC Pro Bowl roster

December 23, 2025 at 4:02 p.m.

Joe Thuney earned his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection — and first in the NFC — while Kevin Byard III got his third and Drew Dalman his first.

Bears coach Ben Johnson greets tight end Cole Kmet before the game against the Packers on Dec. 20, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Does Chicago Bears’ Ben Johnson deserve NFL Coach of the Year? 5 pressing questions ahead of Week 17.

December 23, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

Does Ben Johnson deserve NFL Coach of the Year? Will Caleb Williams set a franchise passing record? Tribune reporters tackle this week's pressing questions.

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds celebrate after Edmunds recovered a fumble in the third quarter of a game against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field in Chicago on Dec. 20, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

5 things we learned from the Chicago Bears on Monday: ‘All these games are playoff games’

December 22, 2025 at 7:15 p.m.

"It should motivate you." With playoff berth in hand, the Chicago Bears pivot to gaining home-field advantage.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams goes around the entire field as he high-fives fans after an overtime victory over the Packers at Soldier Field on Dec. 20, 2025. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams and safety Kevin Byard III place among Pro Bowl’s top 5 in fan votes

December 22, 2025 at 2:18 p.m.

Chicago fans working overtime? 26 Bears make the top 10 in fan voting for the Pro Bowl, with the final roster to be announced Tuesday morning.

Bears receiver Jahdae Walker catches a touchdown against the Packers late in the fourth quarter Dec. 20, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella/Chicago Tribune)

Undrafted Jahdae Walker grabs game-tying TD for the Chicago Bears: ‘We put that in our rookie’s hands’

December 21, 2025 at 4:19 p.m.

Undrafted rookie receiver Jahdae Walker tried to "stay locked in" despite seeing few snaps — until his moment came to help the Chicago Bears rally against Green Bay.

Bears tight end Cole Kmet (85) makes a reception behind Packers linebacker Isaiah McDuffie in the third quarter at Lambeau Field on Dec. 7, 2025, in Green Bay. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

‘Bully’ ball for Chicago Bears? How a play using 2 tight ends in the backfield can stymie a defense.

December 20, 2025 at 6:00 a.m.

The Chicago Bears used an unconventional formation featuring two tight ends in the backfield against the Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns. The results speak for themselves.

Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze walks onto the field before the game against the Giants on Nov. 9, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears rule out WRs Rome Odunze and Luther Burden III for Saturday’s game vs. Green Bay Packers

December 18, 2025 at 2:58 p.m.

The likelihood the Chicago Bears would be missing two of their top receivers Saturday against the Green Bay Packers is now a reality.

Bears running back Kyle Monangai rushes in the fourth quarter against the Packers on Dec. 7, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

5 things to watch in Saturday night’s Chicago Bears-Green Bay Packers game — plus our Week 16 predictions

December 18, 2025 at 4:20 p.m.

Saturday night’s rematch between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers feels like a heavyweight bout. It also feels like a heavy weight on the Bears.

Bears linebacker D'Marco Jackson (48) tackles Browns wide receiver Gage Larvadain during the fourth quarter Dec. 14, 2025, at Soldier Field. (Dominic Di Palermo/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Bears LB D’Marco Jackson continues his Cinderella story with NFC Defensive Player of the Week honor

December 18, 2025 at 8:37 a.m.

Chicago Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson’s journey from castoff to winning NFC defensive honor has been a “roller coaster.”

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