CHICAGO, IL — The bags were packed, cleats stowed, and lockers cleared out at Halas Hall on Monday as the Chicago Bears began the offseason — not with celebration, but with resolve. Two days removed from a heartbreaking 38-36 loss to the Houston Texans in Super Bowl XXXII, players and coaches returned to the facility one final time this season to reflect on a remarkable campaign that fell just short.
“This one’s going to hurt for a while,” said wide receiver Rome Odunze, who turned in a record-setting performance in the title game with 11 catches, 187 yards, and 4 touchdowns. “We believed we were the team to finally do it. We were that close.”
The Bears finished Season 32 with a franchise-best 11-6 record, won the NFC North, and stormed through the playoffs, defeating the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings to reach their first Super Bowl. But in the end, they were undone by missed opportunities and a late defensive breakdown against a Houston team that cemented its dynasty with a third straight title.
“I don’t regret the call,” said head coach Mark Miller. “We were playing to win. We’ve played aggressive all season, and we stuck to who we are. I’m proud of our guys.”
That call — a failed two-point conversion attempt with 2:57 left — loomed large in the postgame conversation. Had Chicago opted for the extra point, their final touchdown to Kirk Rice might have tied the game. Instead, a last-ditch two-point try ended in heartbreak as Caleb Williams was crushed by Texans linebacker Derrick Barnes before he could release the ball.
Still, Williams walked away with no regrets.
“I let it rip,” said the rookie quarterback, who finished with 472 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions in the Super Bowl. “He [Barnes] made the play. That’s football. But we’re not going away. Not even close.”
The locker room mood on Monday reflected that sentiment — pain mixed with pride. Veteran leaders like Tremaine Edmunds and Jaquan Brisker spoke to younger players about the journey ahead. “Use this,” Brisker said. “Let it drive you.”
In a year filled with firsts — first NFC title, first Super Bowl appearance, first time being on the doorstep of greatness — the Bears proved they’re not a Cinderella story. They’re a powerhouse in the making.
