Three Chicago Bears Headed to Pro Bowl After Playoff Berth

Safety Kevin Byard, guard Joe Thuney, and center Drew Dalman earn selections, but cornerback Nahshon Wright snubbed

Apr. 13, 2026 at 3:00am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting fragmented football players and action, rendered in the official colors of the Chicago Bears - navy blue, orange, and white. The abstract composition captures the energy and intensity of the sport.The Bears' Pro Bowl selections showcase the team's resurgence, but the snub of standout cornerback Nahshon Wright raises questions about the selection process.Chicago Today

The Chicago Bears will be sending three players to the 2023 Pro Bowl - safety Kevin Byard, guard Joe Thuney, and center Drew Dalman. This marks the team's strongest Pro Bowl representation since 2019 and comes just two days after the Bears clinched their first playoff spot since 2020. While the selections of Byard, Thuney, and Dalman are well-deserved, cornerback Nahshon Wright was notably left off the initial roster despite leading the league in fumble recoveries and tying for second in interceptions.

Why it matters

The Bears' three Pro Bowl selections highlight the team's return to relevance after a few down seasons. The inclusion of veteran leaders like Byard and Thuney, along with rising star Dalman, signals that the franchise is building a strong foundation. However, the snub of Nahshon Wright raises questions about the Pro Bowl selection process and whether traditional stats like interceptions are the sole measure of a player's worth.

The details

Safety Kevin Byard earns his third Pro Bowl nod, leading the NFL with six interceptions and returning one 23 yards to set up a crucial field goal. Guard Joe Thuney makes his fourth straight Pro Bowl, known for his consistency and leadership on the offensive line. Center Drew Dalman, in his Pro Bowl debut, has been instrumental in the Bears' second-ranked rushing attack and sixth-best sack prevention.

  • The Pro Bowl selections were announced on April 11, 2026.
  • The Bears clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 just two days prior, on April 9, 2026.

The players

Kevin Byard

A safety for the Chicago Bears, Byard is a team captain and the voice behind the weekly pep talks that rally the players before kickoff. He leads the NFL with six interceptions and had a 23-yard return that set up a crucial field goal.

Joe Thuney

A veteran guard for the Chicago Bears, Thuney is making his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. He is known for his consistency and leadership on the offensive line, which has been a cornerstone of the team's second-ranked rushing attack and success in pass protection.

Drew Dalman

The Bears' center, Dalman is making his Pro Bowl debut. His intelligence and ability to identify defenses have been instrumental in the team ranking sixth in sacks allowed per pass, and he has played every snap this season.

Nahshon Wright

The Bears' cornerback was notably snubbed from the initial Pro Bowl roster, despite leading the league in fumble recoveries (three) and tying for second in interceptions (five) with 14 total takeaways.

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What they’re saying

“He knows what winning looks like, and his voice carries a lot of weight for everybody in the building.”

— Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach

“He's excellent in what we're trying to implement.”

— Ben Johnson, Bears Head Coach

“He's excellent in what we're trying to implement.”

— Declan Doyle, Bears Offensive Coordinator

What’s next

The Pro Bowl will be held on February 3, 2026 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, featuring a new format with a flag football game and skills competition.

The takeaway

The Bears' strong Pro Bowl representation highlights the team's return to relevance, but the snub of Nahshon Wright raises questions about the selection process and whether traditional stats like interceptions are the sole measure of a player's worth. The new Pro Bowl format may also reignite interest in the event.