Like most fans, Chicago Bears star cornerback Jaylon Johnson is tired of talking about the upcoming season. He's ready to get to it.
Johnson has heard all the offseason hype surrounding his club. He's heard how No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, surrounded by upgraded weaponry, should finally usher in a new era in Chicago. He's heard that Matt Eberflus' defense surged down the stretch and should hit the ground running in 2024. He's heard about the heightened expectations around the Bears after three consecutive seasons outside of the playoffs.
Johnson is over the chatter.
"I'm done buying into the hype, honestly," Johnson said Monday, via the team's official website. "I feel like I've said it before plenty of times. I've had some pretty good rosters and plenty of talented people in the locker rooms where [it's said], 'Oh yeah, this is our year, this is our year.'
"Everything that we've got in this locker room sounds good, it seems good, but none of that matters. What matters is what we're going to do this weekend and from every Sunday or Monday, whatever game it is. That's when it matters. The preseason hype doesn't move me. We've all got to come in here and we've got to work, just top to bottom."
The Bears kick off their campaign against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday at Soldier Field in a matchup of two teams that have undergone massive changes this offseason.
