The Chicago Bears’ entered the offseason with far less questions than previous seasons.
Under first-year head coach Ben Johnson, the Bears returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2020 and defeated their hated rival, the Green Bay Packers, in the Wild Card Round. Even though the Bears fell short of playing in the Super Bowl, there was something positive to come out of the 2025 season.
However, one of the final plays that will remain in many Bears fans’ minds is Caleb Williams’ interception in overtime against the Los Angeles Rams. The Bears’ quarterback tried to target DJ Moore, but because of “miscommunication,” Moore wasn't in the spot Williams thought he would be, and Rams cornerback Kam Curl made a key takeaway.
The Rams capitalized on the turnover and went on to kick the game-winning field goal. Since that play, Moore has been under intense criticism from fans and media for the effort the veteran receiver displayed on the route.
Moore did not speak after the game, and he wasn't available for the end-of-season locker room cleanout. So, the noise about the final play has only continued, and discussions about moving on from Moore and trading him have been circulating on social media.
Someone who knows Moore better than anyone is wide receivers coach and assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El. WGN's Jarrett Payton sat down with Randle El to discuss a variety of topics, including Moore.
Bears coach shares more insights on DJ Moore
Randle El first shares what kind of person Moore is, and states that he is a “great person” and “growing to be a great husband.” Then, when it came to the football player, Randle El shared that he noticed something missing in his game while watching film from the 2024 season and his time in Carolina.
“Like this dude, not that he ain't still special, but the special doesn't show up all the time,” Randle El said. “Well, for me, this year, the special was on display. In terms of his route running, in terms of his run after catch, blocking for his teammates, in terms of him catching the ball. He had some unbelievable catches this year.”
The Bears’ wide receiver coach also highlighted Moore's efforts to improve in the offseason and throughout the regular season. One of the conversations Randle El had with Moore before the season focused on expectations.
“We're going to be football players and not just pass catchers,” Randle El said. “For DJ Moore, that showed up like never before this year. … And again you go back and talk about, ‘Hey, we need a big play. We turned to DJ Moore.’ We need a play at the end of the game, we turned to DJ Moore.”
Moore's leadership in the wide receiver room was also brought up as one of the qualities that stood out to Randle El.
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Since Moore didn't speak about the interception in overtime, it's inevitable that there will be chatter surrounding the Bears’ wide receiver and his future with the team. Everyone on the outside of Halas Hall can continue talking, but Moore’s teammates and coaches know the type of person and player that he is and what he is capable of doing on the football field.