Oct 22, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears place kicker Cairo Santos (8) celebrates with teammates after making a field goal against the New England Patriots during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images
(Matt Marton-Imagn Images)
CHICAGO – Bears kicker Cairo Santos wanted another shot against the New England Patriots – his shot at redemption.
And coach Ben Johnson gave it to him from 58 yards out in the final two minutes.
“It’s awesome,” Santos said. “I’m not afraid of trying those kind of kicks, even though I haven’t had many in my career, haven’t had a lot of opportunities to show that.”
What Santos did have was a miss earlier in the fourth quarter that would’ve provided the Bears with the same cushion on the scoreboard. But he hit the right upright from 53 yards out.
“The misses annoy me, but like I can clear it so quick,” Santos said. “Like when (it’s) the next opportunity, I just lock into my routine and I trust that I can execute.”
Johnson and the Bears trust him, too – and rightfully so. He delivered for them again. Santos nailed a 58-yard field goal – a new career-best mark – with 1 minute, 39 seconds remaining to help secure the Bears’ 30-24 win over the Patriots on Thursday Night Football.