Tom Brady Praises Bears Rookie RB Kyle Monangai's Standout Season

The NFL legend highlighted the seventh-round pick's relentless running style and physical play.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:47pm

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In his 2025 LFG Awards post, Tom Brady singled out Chicago Bears rookie running back Kyle Monangai for his impressive debut season, praising his hard-nosed running style and determination. Monangai, a seventh-round pick, emerged as a key part of the Bears' offense, rushing for 783 yards and 5 touchdowns while averaging 4.6 yards per carry.

Why it matters

For a Bears team transitioning from rebuilding to contending, Monangai's breakout season was a significant development. As a late-round pick, his roster spot was not guaranteed, but he earned a key role in the offense with his physical, relentless running. Brady's recognition of Monangai's performance underscores the rookie's impact and potential to be a long-term contributor in Chicago.

The details

Monangai didn't win Brady's Rookie of the Year award, but the acknowledgement from the NFL legend carried real weight. Brady highlighted Monangai's ability to run "through people's facemasks" and described him as a "dynamo back there" who was "running so hard, so forceful and determined." This style of play allowed Monangai to become a trusted and essential part of the Bears' offense by midseason, at times looking like the team's best running back.

  • Monangai was a seventh-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
  • He had a breakout rookie season for the Bears in 2025.
  • Brady recognized Monangai's performance in his 2025 LFG Awards post.

The players

Tom Brady

A legendary NFL quarterback who has won 7 Super Bowls and is widely considered one of the greatest players of all time.

Kyle Monangai

A rookie running back for the Chicago Bears, drafted in the seventh round in 2025, who had a standout debut season with 783 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.

Caleb Williams

The starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, who handed the ball off to Monangai during the 2025 season.

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What they’re saying

“I covered a lot of Bears games and watched this offense perform, and Kyle Monangai as a seventh-round pick, I kept saying sixth-round pick on the air … he ran so hard, so forceful and determined. He was like a dynamo back there. Every time Caleb [Williams] handed the ball off to him, he was running through people's facemasks. I love that style of play. You had a tremendous year, Kyle.”

— Tom Brady (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

With his impressive rookie season, Monangai has established himself as a key part of the Bears' offense going forward. He will look to build on his success and potentially emerge as the team's RB1 in 2026.

The takeaway

Monangai's breakout rookie campaign, highlighted by Brady's praise, demonstrates the value of late-round draft picks who can make an immediate impact. His physical, relentless running style could make him a long-term contributor for the Bears as they transition from rebuilding to contending.