We Are Secondary City
 

After the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, Chicago had a second chance to build itself. Some say that explains the Second City moniker. When former Bears general manager Ryan Pace picked Mitch Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes, he knocked over Mrs. McCasky’s lantern and set fire to the Chicago Bears. When current General Manager Ryan Poles was hired, the fire had destroyed the Bears much like the Great Chicago Fire destroyed the city 150 years ago. When he was interviewing for the GM position, Poles said the Bears needed a total rebuild. The Bears had a second chance to build itself.  
 

Poles started his rebuild by rebuilding the Bears secondary. His first draft pick was nickel cornerback Kyler Gordon, the 39th pick in the 2022 draft. His second pick was safety Jaquan Brisker, taken 9 picks later at 48. In the 2023 draft, his third pick, 56th overall, was starting cornerback Tyreke Stevenson. In 2023, Poles also realized a player he did not draft, cornerback Jaylon Johnson, was a centerpiece of the organization. In 2024, Poles gave free agent safety Kevin Byard III money to finish off a big part of the rebuild.  
 

The Bears secondary is poised to be the best in the league. In 2023, the Bears defense tied for the league lead in interceptions, and 66% of them came from the secondary. Water Tower Johnson made the Pro Bowl for the first time and is one of the best corners in the league and will be an All Pro this year. Stevenson had an incredible second half and will continue to ascend. Brisker has been a great safety and is poised to be a Pro Bowler soon. Gordon is one of the top Nickles in the game. Byard is a former Pro Bowler. This group is the best secondary in the league. With this rebuild, Chicago is now Secondary City.