Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola dive deep into the powerful relationship between Robert Kraft, Mike Vrabel, and the NFL itself. How much political capital are Kraft and commissioner Roger Goodell really willing to spend to protect Vrabel’s standing around the league? Is Vrabel essentially the NFL’s ultimate made man—a coach whose reputation is safeguarded at the highest levels? 0:00 Chicago Bear...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola break down the latest comments from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and what they mean for the Chicago Bears’ proposed new stadium deal—and whether the team is truly committed to staying in Illinois. 0:00 Bears Stadium News 3:00 UDFA List 8:30 Diego Pavia 14:00 Brendan Sorsby 19:00 Jets 23:00 Bo Nix The guys also dive into the undrafted free agents the Bears have br...

After a reported one‑day counseling session and swirling online rumors, Mike Vrabel was spotted browsing at the airport—and the internet immediately started asking the same question: what do you buy at the airport when you’re trying to say, “I’m sorry”? 0:00 NFL Draft 4:30 Players to Watch 11:00 Ty Simpson 14:00 Mike Vrabel Matt Abbatacola has five players to keep an eye on when the 2026 NFL seaso...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola recap the selections made by the Chicago Bears in the 2026 NFL Draft. #chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more available...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola continue their discussion surrounding the Mike Vrabel–Dianna Russini storyline and the broader questions it raises around media access and league ethics. The guys revisit Vrabel’s introductory press conference with the New England Patriots while examining years of reporting, proximity, and professional overlap between high-profile NFL insiders and coaches. Bernste...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola discuss comments made by Ryan Poles after the selection of Dillon Thieneman in the first-round of the NFL Draft. #chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 All links to...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola react to the Chicago Bears 25th pick in the 2026 NFL draft - Dillon Thieneman #chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears Podcast 🏈 ✅ Organization Win Championships: A Chicago Bulls Podcast 🏀 All links to YouTube, Apple, Spotify and more av...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola discuss the latest on the Mike Vrabel - Dianna Russini story as new photos surface from March 2020. The Illinois House passed a "megaprojects" bill paving the way for the Arlington Heights property #chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sportstalk Make sure to subscribe to... ✅ Dan Bernstein Unfiltered ✅ Forward Progress - A Chicago Bears P...

If the Chicago Bears are going to take the next step defensively, this NFL Draft is all about finding the right fit — not just the biggest name. With Dennis Allen now shaping the defense, the focus shifts to players who can thrive in his aggressive, versatile scheme. That means prioritizing pass rushers who can win one-on-one, defensive backs with instincts and versatility, and linebackers who can...

Caleb Williams is back at Halas Hall and already sounding like a quarterback ready to take the next step. The Bears officially kicked off their offseason program this week, and Williams spoke to the media about his mindset heading into Year 3, the lessons learned from last season, and why he believes this team is ready to level up in 2026. From leadership to expectations, everything still runs thr...

Former NFL tight end and Chicagoland native Clay Harbor joins the podcast to break down everything you need to know about the Chicago Bears heading into the NFL Draft. He and Dan dive into the Bears’ biggest roster needs, potential targets at the top of the draft, and how the front office could approach building around their young core. Clay shares insight from a player’s perspective on what teams...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola continue breaking down the collateral damage from the Dianna Russini–Mike Vrabel story, including the firing of USA Today reporter Crissy Froyd following her online comments about Russini. 0:00 Crissy Froyd - Dianna Russini 6:30 Scott Zolak 14:20 Zay Flowers - John Harbaugh 24:30 Washington Commanders #chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sp...

The Chicago Bears have several areas on the roster to address with this year's draft but there are two positions that Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola believe must be answered - EDGE and Left Tackle. 0:00 Chicago Bears mock draft 17:30 Adam Rank NFL.com - Bears pick 24:00 Field Yates prospect rankings 32:00 Pittsburgh - NFL Draft #chicagobears #bears #chicago #chicagosports #calebwilliams #sports...

Dan Bernstein and Matt Abbatacola open the show by reacting to Dianna Russini’s public resignation letter from The Athletic, which struck many as unusually combative amid online speculation and unsubstantiated allegations circulating on social media. The guys agree that if you believe you’ve been wronged, it’s worth standing up and addressing the situation head‑on—but they differ on what this lett...

On today’s episode of Forward Progress, Dan and Matt kick things off with a Chicago Bears stadium update and what it could mean for the team moving forward. 0:00 Chicago Bears Stadium 6:30 Bears Draft Position 12:30 Blake Miller 20:45 Bears Safety 23:30 Caleb at Coachella From there, the focus shifts to the NFL Draft: should the Bears consider moving up, possibly as high as No. 16? The guys break...

On this episode of Forward Progress, Dan and Matt follow up on the ongoing NFL story involving reporter Dianna Russini and Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, as Russini has been sidelined by The Athletic pending an investigation. 0:00 Chicago Bears merch 6:10 Dianna Russini - Mike Vrabel 10:30 Rueben Bain Jr. 16:40 Dontayvion Wicks trade 18:30 Browning Nagle 21:00 "Best At" List Are you seeing more...

On today’s episode of Forward Progress, the show somehow ends before it even begins. It’s Friday, and Matt and Dan appear to have gone completely off the rails before the intro music ever plays. Eventually, the fellas stumble into some serious football-related discussions, including Sam Darnold marrying his fiancée, a mock draft of circus freaks, and the very real possibility that Dan could be lin...

On today’s episode of Forward Progress, Matt and Dan break down the reported trade request from New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Should Ryan Poles pick up the phone to see what it would take to bring the Pro Bowl lineman to Chicago—and would the move make sense for the Bears’ timeline? 0:00 Dexter Lawrence 5:00 Jawaan Taylor 7:00 Taylor Decker 11:00 Las Vegas Raiders 21:30 Todd Mo...

On this episode of Forward Progress, Matt and Dan react to a Page Six story from the New York Post that the NFL neither wants nor needs. 0:00 Mike Vrabel 17:00 George McCaskey 20:30 Colin Kaepernick 25:00 Pete Prisco mock draft 27:40 UFL 32:00 CBSsports.com mock draft Photos surfaced showing New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and NFL reporter Diana Russini together at a posh resort in Ari...

On this episode of Forward Progress, Matt and Dan continue their deep dive into the Chicago Bears’ stadium saga following comments from George McCaskey about the need for additional due diligence at the proposed Hammond site, particularly regarding potential environmental concerns. Despite the latest twists, Matt and Dan explain why they still believe the Bears will ultimately land in Arlington He...

On today’s episode of Forward Progress, Matt and Dan dig into the ongoing saga surrounding Caleb Williams and his attempt to trademark the image and nickname “Iceman.” Williams has even admitted he didn’t like the nickname at first, and Matt and Dan question whether he truly understands why he’s involved in the trademark process at all—and what it actually represents in terms of brand value and co...

0:00 Bears comp picks 8:40 AH property 22:10 Bears draft picks 25:00 Todd Monken The NFL has officially ruled on the Bears’ compensatory pick situation following the Falcons’ hiring of Ian Cunningham as general manager—and Chicago is getting nothing. No picks. No relief. With the league declaring the case closed, we break down why the Bears were once again left empty‑handed and what it says about...

0:00 George McCaskey audio 12:10 Bears comp picks 18:10 Kirk Cousins 29:00 Kyle Brandt After the NFL informed the Chicago Bears that they would not receive any compensatory draft picks following the Atlanta Falcons’ hiring of Ian Cunningham as general manager, the Bears have once again appealed to the league office for the picks they believe they deserve. A decision from Commissioner Roger Goodell...

0:00 Goodell - Soldier Field 6:45 The Rooney Rule 10:15 NFL rules changes 18:25 Cam Skattebo 21:20 NFL Head Coaches photo Roger Goodell weighed in this week on the Bears’ ongoing stadium saga, saying the team needs to “find a solution” and get something done “relatively soon”—a sentiment Bears fans everywhere would likely agree with. We break down what Goodell’s comments could mean and where thing...

0:00 Ben Johnson 6:30 Ryan Poles 15:30 NFL Notebook 29:35 Iceman As Ben Johnson’s rookie season as head coach delivers early success, the big question heading into Year 2 is whether this feels like past Bears seasons that flashed promise—or if the Ben Johnson era is genuinely different. We dive into how Ryan Poles’ long-term plan is shaping a defense built to match exactly what Dennis Allen wants...