The Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings share a storied rivalry, one that dates back to Minnesota’s first-ever NFL game—an upset win over George Halas’ Bears in 1961, led by four touchdown passes from rookie Fran Tarkenton. The Vikings currently lead the all-time series 68-58-2. Despite their history, recent matchups have been gritty and often underwhelming, particularly those played in Chicago. Over the past four seasons, Minnesota has dominated, winning seven of the last eight, with only a Josh Dobbs primetime performance breaking the streak.
In a span of six days, the Bears have added two former Vikings to their roster. First came quarterback Case Keenum, a fan favorite in Minnesota for leading the team to the iconic “Minneapolis Miracle” in 2017. That season, Keenum stepped in for the injured Sam Bradford, beat the Bears twice, and helped push the Vikings deep into the playoffs. He recently signed with Chicago, where he’ll serve as a backup—and a mentor to rookie Caleb Williams, last year’s first overall draft pick.
Then on Tuesday, the Bears signed cornerback Nahshon Wright, who had just been released by the Vikings. Wright came to Minnesota via trade before the 2024 season in a deal that sent Andrew Booth Jr. to Dallas. While Booth struggled in a poor Cowboys secondary, Wright spent most of his time on the Vikings’ practice squad, appearing in only one game on special teams. A former third-round pick who was considered a draft reach, Wright has yet to make a defensive impact in the NFL. Still, his special teams experience could help him fight for a roster spot in Chicago—his third NFL team.
As for Keenum, his journeyman career has taken him through the Texans (three stints), Rams (twice), Broncos, Washington, Browns, Bills, and now the Bears. The 37-year-old, who missed the 2024 season due to injury, has thrown for 15,175 yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions in his career. While he hasn’t come close to replicating his 2017 magic, his legacy in Minnesota remains intact. Ironically, if he ever suits up against the Vikings in a Bears uniform, it would add another surprising chapter to his already colorful career.
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