Two Bears defenders named to Pro Bowl

Tony Crumpton - Senior Editor - Friday, January 05 2024

Bears defensive end Montez Sweat and cornerback Jaylon Johnson were named to the Pro Bowl Games for the first time in their careers, announced by the NFL.

"It means a lot, my fifth year in the league," Sweat told reporters Thursday. "Something that every player aspires to get. I've been working a long time to get to this point where I am, and I'm still not satisfied."

Sweat has a career-high 12 1/2 sacks this year with 25 quarterback hits, four passes defended, three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, and 13 tackles for a loss this season.

Johnson was at a loss of words about his first Pro Bowl nod.

"What's it mean to me? Still trying to put that into words," Johnson said Thursday. "Honestly, just blessed, fortunate to be in the position to have the voting, to have the favor go my way. Just blessed."

Johnson has four interceptions, including a pick-six, 10 passes defended, a forced fumble and 36 tackles in 14 games.