“We’re all different and that’s what makes us so special of a league, that iron sharpening iron,” Keenum said. “We’re the best of the best, and if everybody commits to being humble enough that you don’t know everything, but also trying to help each other out and sharpen each other up, that type of competition and camaraderie really is something strong you can build on.”
The opportunity to take those learnings and share them with a talent like Williams was intriguing to Keenum. But that wasn’t the sole factor that led to him signing with the Bears. When deciding his next NFL destination after spending the entire 2024 season on Injured Reserve in Houston, Keenum needed a place where he could be the best version of himself. One where he could sense a “win-now” mentality.
Having led the Vikings to the NFC Championship game in 2017, Keenum knows how it feels to be that close to the ultimate goal of every NFL player, coach and executive. He wants to win a Super Bowl. After speaking with general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Ben Johnson, he chose Chicago because he knows they are just as committed to that goal as he is.
“As I got to know the Bears coaching staff and Ryan and Ben, it’s like, ‘yeah, this is a place that fits me, and I can really get behind and be a part of this and enjoy playing football again,'” Keenum said. “It was tough last year being on IR, not being a part of the team as much, so to really get back in a building and have a team want me, come and find me and say, ‘hey, you have something that we want, so come here and play for us’ felt really good.”
While the combination of Williams, the coaching and front office staffs, and the club’s culture all led to Keenum’s decision to move to his ninth NFL city, his wife, Kimberly’s support was the most valuable piece to him.
Kimberly has been with Case for his entire NFL journey – the couple married in 2011. The Keenum family has nicknamed Kimberly the “logistical ninja” for her ability to navigate every move, which now includes five-year-old son Kyler and four-year-old daughter Cadence.
With the buy-in from his family and what he calls a “special” situation inside Halas Hall, Chicago became the next destination on Keenum’s tour.
“I want to be a part of building something special with Ben, his offensive mind and Caleb, his incredible talent and just such a bright future,” Keenum said. “To pair all that in a city like Chicago with an organization like the Chicago Bears, man, it’s such a great tradition and history. I mean, I’m trying to pick a number and there’s like 50 numbers retired. That says something about a place.
“My wife was on board to move and do it, so let’s do it. My family is a big part of me, and I would not be here without their support.”
