The Chicago Bears are on fire! Three of their players have just been named to the prestigious AP NFL All-Pro Teams, solidifying their status as one of the league's most formidable forces this season. But here's where it gets even more impressive: left guard Joe Thuney and safety Kevin Byard III have earned First-Team All-Pro honors, while right tackle Darnell Wright has secured a spot on the Second-Team All-Pro roster. This isn't just a win for the players; it's a testament to the Bears' offensive prowess and their ability to dominate on the field.
Joe Thuney's achievement is particularly remarkable. This marks his third consecutive First-Team All-Pro selection, a feat he previously accomplished with the Kansas City Chiefs. His consistency is unparalleled, having also been named a Second-Team All-Pro with the New England Patriots in 2019 and 2022. Thuney's durability and skill were on full display this season as he played every offensive snap, helping the Bears clinch the NFC North title—his ninth division title in a decade-long career. Fun fact: Thuney is the first Bears guard to make First-Team All-Pro since Stan Jones in 1959. Is Thuney the most underrated offensive lineman in the NFL today?
Kevin Byard III is no stranger to All-Pro honors either, having previously earned First-Team accolades in 2017 and 2021 with the Tennessee Titans. This season, he led the NFL with seven interceptions, earning his third Pro Bowl nod and tying for second on the team with 93 tackles. Byard’s impact is undeniable, and he’s the first Bears safety to make First-Team All-Pro since Eddie Jackson in 2018. But here's a controversial take: Is Byard’s interception-heavy season a result of his brilliance, or is he benefiting from a strong defensive line?
Darnell Wright, meanwhile, is making waves in just his third NFL season. His inclusion on the Second-Team All-Pro roster is a first for him and a significant milestone for the Bears. Alongside Thuney, Wright played a pivotal role in Chicago’s offensive turnaround this season. He’s the first Bears tackle to make Second-Team All-Pro since James “Big Cat” Williams in 2001. And this is the part most people miss: Wright’s rapid development could be a game-changer for the Bears’ future offensive strategies.
For the Bears, this season is historic. It’s the first time since 1986 that they’ve had multiple offensive linemen named All-Pro. Back then, it was left tackle Jimbo Covert and center Jay Hilgenberg. Fast forward to 2025, and the Bears are once again proving their offensive line is a force to be reckoned with. But here's a thought-provoking question: Can the Bears sustain this level of excellence, or is this a one-off season of greatness?
If you’re curious about the full voting results, you can check them out here. Below are the positions where Chicago players received votes, with first-place votes in parentheses:
- Left Guards: Joe Thuney, Chicago, 109 (31); Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis, 75 (16); Tyler Smith, Dallas, 7 (2); Peter Skoronski, Tennessee, 4 (1); Grey Zabel, Seattle, 3; Landon Dickerson, Philadelphia, 1; Alex Palczewski, Denver, 1.
- Centers: Creed Humphrey, Kansas City, 93 (26); Aaron Brewer, Miami, 74 (19); Tyler Linderbaum, Baltimore, 16 (1); Drew Dalman, Chicago, 12 (3); Ryan Neuzil, Atlanta, 4 (1); Connor McGovern, Buffalo, 1.
- Right Guards: Quinn Meinerz, Denver, 94 (26); Chris Lindstrom, Atlanta, 37 (8); Kevin Dotson, Los Angeles Rams, 29 (5); Jonah Jackson, Chicago, 24 (7); Trey Smith, Kansas City, 8 (2); Tyler Booker, Dallas, 4 (1); Michael Onwenu, New England, 4 (1).
- Cornerbacks: Derek Stingley Jr., Houston, 130 (41); Quinyon Mitchell, Philadelphia, 84 (22); Patrick Surtain II, Denver, 79 (22); Devon Witherspoon, Seattle, 25 (4); Christian Gonzalez, New England, 20 (2); Jaycee Horn, Carolina, 13 (1); Mike Jackson, Carolina, 12 (3); Kamari Lassiter, Houston, 12 (1); Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay, 10 (3); Nahshon Wright, Chicago, 8 (1); Donte Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers, 2; Christian Benford, Buffalo, 1; Deommodore Lenoir, San Francisco, 1; Keisean Nixon, Green Bay, 1; Eric Stokes, Las Vegas, 1; DJ Turner, Cincinnati, 1.
- Safeties: Kyle Hamilton, Baltimore, 142 (46); Kevin Byard, Chicago, 83 (23); Jessie Bates III, Atlanta, 42 (8); Xavier McKinney, Green Bay, 31 (7); Talanoa Hufanga, Denver, 31 (5); Calen Bullock, Houston, 17 (3); Antonio Johnson, Jacksonville, 13 (2); Kamren Curl, Los Angeles Rams, 9 (3); Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay, 9 (1); Jaylinn Hawkins, New England, 4 (1); Camryn Bynum, Indianapolis, 3; Julian Love, Seattle, 3 (1); Budda Baker, Arizona, 2; Brian Branch, Detroit, 2; Jalen Ramsey, Pittsburgh, 2; Xavier Watts, Atlanta, 2; Reed Blankenship, Philadelphia, 1; Coby Bryant, Seattle, 1; Grant Delpit, Cleveland, 1; Harrison Smith, Minnesota, 1; Evan Williams, Green Bay, 1.
- Kick Returners: Ray Davis, Buffalo, 59 (16); KaVontae Turpin, Dallas, 53 (14); Chimere Dike, Tennessee, 28 (6); Rashid Shaheed, Seattle, 24 (7); Kene Nwangwu, New York Jets, 18 (5); Devin Duvernay, Chicago, 5 (1); Isaiah Williams, New York Jets, 4; Malik Washington, Miami, 3 (1); Deonte Banks, New York Giants, 2; Antonio Gibson, New England, 1; Charlie Jones, Cincinnati, 1; Skyy Moore, San Francisco, 1; Jaylin Noel, Houston, 1.
- Special Teamers: Devon Key, Denver, 80 (23); Del’Shawn Phillips, Los Angeles Chargers, 32 (6); Ben Skowronek, Pittsburgh, 28 (6); Luke Gifford, San Francisco, 25 (6); Carson Bruener, Pittsburgh, 12 (4); Josh Blackwell, Chicago, 3 (1); Calais Campbell, Arizona, 3 (1); Ashton Dulin, Indianapolis, 3 (1); Tommy Eichenberg, Las Vegas, 3 (1); Isaiah Williams, New York Jets, 3 (1); Jonathan Owens, Chicago, 3; Oren Burks, Cincinnati, 1; Jalen Carter, Philadelphia, 1; Leo Chenal, Kansas City, 1; Brenden Schooler, New England, 1; T.J. Tampa, Baltimore, 1.
So, what do you think? Are the Bears poised for a dynasty, or is this just a fleeting moment of glory? Let us know in the comments below!
