Home / Sports / Monangai's Trust: Bears Rookie Earns Big Play Role
Monangai's Trust: Bears Rookie Earns Big Play Role
19 Jan
Summary
- Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round pick, earned significant trust from the Bears coaching staff.
- He played in all 17 regular-season games, accumulating 783 rushing yards and five touchdowns.
- Monangai's remarkable college career included 3,221 rushing yards without a single fumble.
Kyle Monangai, a seventh-round selection by the Chicago Bears in the 2025 NFL Draft, has rapidly ascended to a position of trust. Despite his late draft status, Monangai played in all 17 regular-season games, demonstrating his value with 783 rushing yards and five touchdowns. His consistent performance earned him significant responsibility, culminating in a critical fourth-and-short carry during the NFC Divisional Round playoff game on January 18, 2026.
Monangai's journey to relevance began at Rutgers, where he amassed 3,221 career rushing yards, second only to Ray Rice in program history. His college career was marked by exceptional ball security, as he never fumbled in 707 touches. This dependability was a key factor in the Bears' decision to draft him, valuing his reliability over elite speed.
As a rookie, Monangai proved his worth between Weeks 9 and 13, a stretch where he gained 405 yards and scored four touchdowns, reflecting Chicago's increased reliance on their ground game. Head coach Matt Eberflus commended Monangai's disciplined running and ball protection. Although the critical playoff carry against the Rams resulted in a turnover on downs, the very decision to hand him the ball underscored the profound trust he garnered in his debut season.
