By [Annie], Chicago Sports Beat – May 23, 2025
The Windy City is heating up—and not just because of summer.
In a bold move to turbocharge their 2025 campaign, the Chicago Bears have announced joint preseason practices with two powerhouse AFC contenders: the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills. The sessions are slated for August and will mark a critical milestone in first-year head coach Ben Johnson’s efforts to forge a tougher, faster, and more disciplined team.
“This is about sharpening iron with iron,” Johnson said during Thursday’s media session. “You don’t get better by playing it safe. We want to test our edge against the best—and that’s what we’re doing.”
A New Era of Preparation
After a turbulent 2024 season, the Bears are wasting no time setting a new tone. The addition of joint practices is seen as a strategic move to give the team’s rising stars—including No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams—early exposure to elite competition.
“These joint sessions simulate the pressure and pace of real games without the lights and cameras,” said GM Ryan Poles. “It’s controlled chaos—ideal for growth.”
Why Miami and Buffalo?
Both the Dolphins and Bills bring high-powered offenses and battle-hardened defenses—ideal sparring partners for a Bears squad looking to elevate on both sides of the ball. Fans can expect intense drills, 11-on-11 scrimmages, and plenty of sideline fireworks.
“This isn’t a handshake meet-and-greet,” a source close to the team said. “This is real competition. And that’s exactly what we need.”
What It Means for the Fans
The practices will be open to the public on select days, offering fans a rare chance to witness high-level football up close—long before the season opener.
“Seeing our guys line up across from Josh Allen and Tua Tagovailoa? That’s gold for our fans,” said Bears media coordinator Janelle Brooks.
The Bottom Line
With a new quarterback, a new coaching staff, and a new vision, the Bears aren’t just preparing for a season—they’re preparing for a statement.
If these joint practices are any indicator, the Monsters of the Midway are ready to roar once again.
