The Chicago Bears are winning games, but Troy Aikman isn’t impressed. And Ben Johnson just made it clear he heard every word.
Ben Johnson Throws Shade at Troy Aikman After Criticism of Caleb Williams
Ben Johnson Throws Shade at Troy Aikman After Criticism of Caleb Williams (Screenshot Via X/@mvalenzano2202)
Johnson’s team sits at 3-2 after Monday night’s road win over Washington. Caleb Williams threw for 252 yards and three total touchdowns. The rookie quarterback is on pace to shatter franchise passing records. But Aikman spent the broadcast questioning whether Williams was just getting lucky.
Now Johnson’s responding. And he’s not backing down.
Ben Johnson Throws Shade at Troy Aikman After Criticism of Caleb Williams
The Bears head coach didn’t waste time addressing Aikman’s commentary. Speaking on ESPN 1000 Tuesday morning, Johnson made his position crystal clear.
“It sounded like from that game the other night, a few people weren’t particularly pleased with how we’re winning right now,” Johnsonsaid on ESPN 1000. He revealed his kids were watching the second half replay before school. He heard Aikman’s takes. “But, listen, in this league, any way you can find a way to win.”
Johnson didn’t stop there. When reporters followed up later, he doubled down on his message about earning respect. “Listen, you want respect in this league, you’ve got to go earn it,” he added.
Johnson emphasized that earning respect in the league takes hard work. He said the team is focused on proving themselves and gaining recognition not just from other NFL teams but from everyone.
The tension stems from Aikman’s broadcast approach to Williams. Many fans noticed the ESPN analyst seemed quick to downplay Williams’ big plays. That 55-yard touchdown pass to D’Andre Swift in the second half? Aikman suggested luck played a role.
Williams himself addressed it on Instagram. “Nations Cap[ital] good being back! ‘It was lucky’ -TA. ‘Whooptie Doo,'” the quarterback posted.
The numbers tell a different story than Aikman’s broadcast. Williams currently has 1,179 passing yards through five games.
He’s tracking to become the first Bears quarterback ever to reach 4,000 passing yards in a season. His late-game drive set up Jake Moody’s game-winning field goal with three minutes left.
Chicago Bears Fans Go Off on Troy Aikman for Downplaying Caleb Williams
Social media had Johnson’s back. The fanbase made it clear they’re tired of Aikman’s commentary and just love their coach.
One fan wrote, “Every morning remembering Ben Johnson is our coach is like Christmas morning.”
Another added, “Coach, what you’re doing right now is so impressive. Keep it up! Chicago is with you ALL THE WAY.”
A third chimed in, “We love Ben Johnson! The refs and the constant vitriol from Aikman/Buck couldn’t keep us from our win!”
But the most telling comment might have been this one. “This beef is better than half the MNF games I’ve watched,” one fan noted.
The frustration runs deeper than one game. Bears fans feel Aikman consistently dismisses Williams’ achievements while hyping other young quarterbacks.
Williams just beat Jayden Daniels in a duel of second-year quarterbacks. Yet Aikman spent more time questioning Chicago’s methods than praising their results.
Johnson’s comments signal a shift in how he’s handling outside criticism. The first-year Bears head coach clearly isn’t interested in playing nice with broadcast legends who question his quarterback.
The Bears face challenges ahead. Star receiver DJ Moore was rushed to the hospital after Monday night’s game. Chicago needs Williams to maintain his current pace.
They need their weapons to be healthy. And apparently, they need national broadcasters to recognize what they’re building.
Johnson’s message landed loud and clear. Respect isn’t given in this league. It’s earned. Chicago’s earning it one win at a time. Whether Aikman acknowledges it or not.