Case Keenum’s Impact Runs Deep in Chicago, Even Without Taking a Snap
Case Keenum hasn’t played a single down in the 2025 regular season, but don’t let that fool you-his presence has been felt all over the Chicago Bears' locker room. Now in his 14th NFL season and first with the Bears, the veteran quarterback has quietly become one of the most important figures in the building. Not because of what he’s done on the field this year, but because of the guidance he’s providing off it.
Keenum, now 37, has started 66 games in his career and has seen just about every kind of offense and every kind of game-big wins, tough losses, playoff pressure, and everything in between. That wealth of experience is exactly why head coach Ben Johnson and GM Ryan Poles brought him in. And according to Johnson, Keenum’s impact has been “tremendous,” especially when it comes to mentoring rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and second-year backup Tyson Bagent.
“He’s been an integral part of what we’ve done,” Johnson said this week. “He’s been tremendous in terms of Caleb’s growth.
That was really the thought process of bringing him in-a guy with skins on the wall. He’s played in big games at a high level.
He’s won them, he’s lost them, and that experience is something all these young players can lean into.”
That kind of leadership is especially valuable in a week like this one, as the Bears prepare for a high-stakes NFC Divisional Round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field. Coming off an emotional win, the challenge now is to reset, refocus, and prepare for another heavyweight fight. That’s where Keenum’s voice has been crucial.
“I think Case’s message this week has been very profound-not just for the offense, but for the entire team,” Johnson said. “The vision we had bringing him in, it’s been pretty incredible.
I give Ryan Poles a lot of credit. When we were talking in the spring about how to best help Caleb grow and develop, Case’s name came up quickly.
It’s just been a phenomenal fit.”
And while Keenum hasn’t been called into action on game day, Johnson made it clear: if his number were ever called, there’s no doubt he could still play at a high level. “We see that every day at practice,” he added.
But perhaps Keenum’s most important role comes during the games themselves-on the sideline, in the headset, and in the quarterback room. He’s the steady hand, the calming voice, the guy who’s been through the fire and knows how to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of an NFL season. Williams described him as “a pendulum,” someone who brings balance when things get too high-or too low.
“When things get a little too high, he swings it back and keeps everyone grounded,” Williams said. “Same thing when things aren’t going your way-you’re facing a little adversity-he knows the right things to say to pull us out of that hole.”
Whether or not Keenum eventually transitions into coaching remains to be seen. But based on the way he’s already mentoring and leading from the shadows, it wouldn’t be a surprise. As Williams put it, “I don’t know if coaching is in his future or not, but I think he’d be a hell of a coach one day if he chooses to go that path.”
For now, though, Keenum’s role is clear: he’s the veteran voice in the room, the steadying force behind the scenes, and a key reason why this young Bears team is still dancing in January.