The kicker is one of the most important positions in football, yet they are often unsung heroes.
It's often not mentioned how difficult the place kicker's job is, not to mention the pressure. They're called upon in the most dire of situations just as much as the routine situations, and they're expected to be flawless every time.
It makes sense that the Bears have named Santos as their Special Teams Player of the Year. This isn't an award the fans have voted for; this is a vote of confidence from the organization. It's a demonstration of the trust this team has bestowed upon Santos.
When Stability Matters Most
That being said, having a good kicker on the roster is paramount to a successful team, and for the last six seasons, the Bears have looked to Cairo Santos to be that guy. He's handled the burden of the responsibility better than almost any kicker, boasting an 88.8% since 2020.
The amount of close games that have been decided by this man's leg is astounding, and after eleven seasons in the NFL, he's not flinching. Not to forget that Santos is the first-ever Brazilian-born player in the NFL. Santos has become a leader on the team, and he's earned the right to be counted on, even winning NFC Special Teams Player of the Week in Week 16.
Awards like this aren't about a single moment. Rather, they're about consistency, preparation, and the confidence a coaching staff has in an outstanding kicker. For Santos, being named Special Teams Player of the Year reflects the role he's carved out with the Bears. He's steady and dependable, and in a season filled to the brim with close games, a dependable leg was essential.
The timing of the honor is telling. This was a season where the Bears transitioned from rebuilding to expecting results, where close games carried real weight.
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In those moments, Santos wasn't just converting kicks; he was stepping up for his team and the millions of Bears fans on the edge of their seats. 2025 was a year of change for the Bears, and it's nice to see that Cairo Santos, even at the ripe age of 34, can find his spot in an evolving high-level offense.