CHICAGO (104.3 The Score) – In the back of his mind, Bears veteran quarterback Case Keenum believed there would be a night like this still left for him.
The 38-year-old Keenum had contemplated retirement in the past but was always open to the right opportunity to continue his NFL career – one like he landed with the Bears, a team on the rise. Once he was afforded a chance in Chicago in 2025, he never let the dream die of performing under the bright lights and thriving like so many times before.
On Monday, Keenum delivered in the primetime spotlight, leading the Bears to a 27-7 victory over the Eagles at Soldier Field. It was a night that reminded Keenum why he loves the game of football.
“That's why I'm still here, still doing this, why I'm still getting up when I get knocked down,” Keenum said. “I've been getting knocked down my whole career. I just keep getting up, keep coming to work, keep bouncing back."
A third-string quarterback in his 15th NFL season, Keenum was called upon with starter Caleb Williams sidelined by a hamstring injury and backup Tyson Bagent having only cleared the concussion protocol Sunday. Keenum made the most of his opportunity, completing 24 of 34 passes for 247 yards and two touchdowns while also adding a rushing touchdown. It marked Keenum’s first regular-season action since 2023.
Once an undrafted free agent out of Houston in 2012, Keenum emerging as a starter for the Bears at this late stage of his career was improbable. To step in and perform at such a high level was an even bigger accomplishment.
Before the Bears took the field, Keenum vowed to deliver a performance for his wife and two children. With his Keenum “outlaws,” in-laws and countless more watching at Soldier Field, he delivered a night to remember as Chicago improved to 2-1.
"To do it on Monday Night Football after you thought you weren't going to play again ― multiple times ― golly, this is special, it's really special,” Keenum said. “And I don't know if I'll be able to put it into words tonight. But I'm going to enjoy it tonight, that's for sure.”
Keenum was called into duty for the Bears early last week after the injuries to Williams and Bagent. While Bagent was active Monday night, Keenum had the benefit of the first-team practice reps throughout the week, so the Bears stuck to their plan.
Bears head coach Ben Johnson, who’s just two years older than Keenum, created a game plan catered to his strengths. That much was clear on an opening drive in which Chicago marched 11 plays and 66 yards for a touchdown on Keenum's eight-yard shovel pass to receiver Luther Burden III.
Many of Keenum’s best throws of the night were delivered under duress. He threw with trust knowing his target would be in the right spot and on the receiving end.
"He knows where everybody is supposed to be on every single play,” Johnson said. “So, he's really quick to recognize coverage, he knows why we're calling the play, what we're looking for, and if we're not getting that he's accelerating through it really quickly. That's what you get when you're 15-plus years in this league playing this position."
Keenum’s efficient play allowed the Bears to control the game from start to finish. Chicago posted 375 yards of offense compared to Philadelphia’s 248, and the Bears dominated time of possession by holding the ball for 36:53.
Keenum outperformed Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, while Johnson and defensive coordinator Dennis Allen got the best of the Philadelphia coaching staff. It was a complete performance for the Bears.
Of course, as the Bears celebrated their win in the victorious locker room, they kept coming back to Keenum.
"Just an absolute pro,” Bears left guard Joe Thuney said. “Prepares every day. You saw it tonight. I'm so proud of him, so happy for him."
It’s unclear whom the Bears will turn to at quarterback against the Jets next Sunday. Williams is likely to miss the game while recovering from his hamstring injury. Bagent is cleared to play, and Johnson indicated "there was a reason why Tyson ended training camp as our No. 2 quarterback." That means Monday may have been Keenum’s lone opportunity to start this season.
But so long as Keenum has a place in the Bears’ quarterback room and a roster spot in this league, he's going to keep preparing himself for nights like Monday, believing the success and joy can all happen again.
“I’ve always played with a little chip on my shoulder,” Keenum said. “It’s nice to prove people wrong. I like proving people right though, the people that are here supporting me.
“To be able to put one like that together for everybody that’s been in my corner means a whole lot.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears and the Chicago sports scene for 104.3 The Score.
