Another Chicago Bears player has made the NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2026 list, and his placement may seem a bit low considering his accomplishments on the field. Perennial All-Pro guard Joe Thuney was revealed as the No. 49 overall player on the list on Monday, officially cracking the top 50.
Thuney came over to the Bears via trade last offseason from the Kansas City Chiefs and didn’t miss a beat during his first year in Chicago. He helped solidify a leaky offensive line and played a major role in improving the pass protection for Williams. With Thuney anchoring the left side of the line, the Bears’ offense flourished as they compiled a record of 11-6 and captured the NFC North title.
For his efforts, Thuney was named First-Team All-Pro for the third year in a row and made his fifth Pro Bowl. And to top it all off, Thuney was named the inaugural NFL Protector of the Year, voted on by his peers.
Players around the league agree Thuney is one of the best in the game at what he does. “Mr. Consistent,” Green Bay Packers edge rusher Micah Parsons calls him. “He’s one of those guys you just can’t replace. He’s like a mastermind at the line.” Former teammate Creed Humphrey knows firsthand what Thuney brings to the table. “Great teammate, great leader, great player,” he said. “He’s always so fun to watch with how technically sound he is; he’s always in great position.”
With Thuney on the list, he joins quarterback Caleb Williams (No. 51) and defensive end Montez Sweat (No. 91) as the other members of the Bears represented. It’s the first time since 2019 that at least three Bears were named to the NFL’s Top 100 Players.
This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Bears OL Joe Thuney named to NFL’s Top 100 Players of 2026
Reporting by Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire / Bears Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Brendan Sugrue, Bears Wire | USA TODAY Network
