CHICAGO — With all eyes on newly acquired veteran D’Andre Swift, few are realizing just how much opportunity is brewing for an explosive rookie waiting in the wings. Kyle Monangai, the former Rutgers standout and undrafted free agent signed by the Bears, is quietly earning buzz within Halas Hall—and that buzz could soon erupt into a full-blown breakout once the season kicks into gear.
What makes Monangai so special? It begins with his relentless, downhill running style that made him one of the toughest backs to bring down in the Big Ten. Monangai rushed for over 1,200 yards in his final collegiate season, showcasing a mix of balance, vision, and surprising burst that caught defenders off guard. At 5’9” and 210 pounds, he doesn’t shy away from contact—in fact, he invites it—and has the kind of low-center-of-gravity that keeps his legs churning long after initial contact.
But there’s more than just toughness to his game. Monangai’s versatility is a major asset in Chicago’s offensive scheme. He’s shown he can catch passes out of the backfield and hold his own in pass protection, making him a three-down threat if called upon. Offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has already hinted in minicamp interviews that Monangai has “earned more than just a look,” praising his football IQ and ability to quickly adjust to pro speed.
And the opportunity? It’s very real. While Swift is expected to shoulder the lead back duties, his injury history is well documented. Behind him, the Bears’ depth chart at running back remains fluid. Khalil Herbert is returning from injury, Roschon Johnson is still developing, and Travis Homer is seen primarily as a special teams weapon. That leaves Monangai, who’s been turning heads in OTA reps and flashing elite acceleration in drills, with a legitimate path to becoming RB2—or more.
Veteran linebacker Tremaine Edmunds even singled out Monangai as one of the rookies giving defenders the most problems in practice. “He doesn’t look like much when he lines up, but once that ball is in his hands—man, he just disappears through gaps,” Edmunds said. “He’s a lot harder to hit clean than you’d think.”
It’s too early to crown him, but the potential is undeniable. Monangai fits the mold of Chicago’s underdog, hard-nosed football identity. And in a city that appreciates grit and surprise breakouts, don’t be shocked if the Monangai chant starts raining down from Soldier Field before the leaves even change.
He’s the dark horse in a loaded backfield, but make no mistake: Kyle Monangai is coming for his moment.