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Chicago Bears don’t have a time machine, as former Illinois player has surreal moment

Every Illinois football player has a different path in the NFL, and this former player is starting his uphill battle to a full-time job.
ByRees Woodcock|
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Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Ethan Hampton (10), quarterback Luke Altmyer (9), and offensive lineman Josh Kreutz (64) hoist the trophy during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images
Dec 30, 2025; Nashville, TN, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Ethan Hampton (10), quarterback Luke Altmyer (9), and offensive lineman Josh Kreutz (64) hoist the trophy during the second half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images | Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Plenty of Illinois football players are in the NFL right now, but there is one player who a lot of fans have a rooting interest in specifically.

Three Illini were selected in the 2026 NFL Draft, and they all have a decent chance to make their respective team. But when you don’t get drafted, the uphill slog becomes even tougher.

Former Illinois center Josh Kreutz wasn’t one of those players who were drafted. Shoot, he didn’t even get to sign a free agent deal, like Luke Altmyer was able to snag with the Detroit Lions.

Kreutz has to build his NFL career from the ground up. After not getting drafted, he did get an invite to the Chicago Bears rookie minicamp. This is a tryout where numerous rookies are trying to show that they belong at the highest level.

The Bears’ minicamp started on Friday, and there was a Kreutz on the field, wearing No. 57 and playing center once again. It is a flashback for many, as his father, Olin, played center and wore No. 57 for Chicago a couple of decades ago.

In some of the media sessions, Kreutz talked about his situation.

"It is surreal," said Josh Kreutz, a three-year starting center at Illinois. "I grew up as a Bears fan, so I'm very excited to be here. But I'm also focused on doing my job and learning the playbook and becoming a better player … I mean, I knew I wanted to play in the NFL and I'm happy I got a tryout, especially with the Bears being a hometown kid and being a Bears fan my whole life. But I really want to get on the 90-man roster; that's my goal being here."

Josh Kreutz will get a chance to show his chops against someone who was drafted by the Chicago Bears

Now, when people say rookie minicamp, the term is used loosely. There are plenty of non-rookies who are invited. Thankfully, all of the offensive linemen who were invited to the Chicago rookie minicamp are indeed rookies.

Among the rookies on the offensive line is center Logan Jones. He was picked by the Bears in the second round with pick No. 57 overall. This will kind of be a measuring stick of where Kreutz is talent-wise, and if he can impress the coaches when being compared to one of their best draft picks, that is going to do wonders for him in making the team.

Chicago signed Ryan Bates in the offseason to anchor the offensive line. They also have a couple of other centers on the roster, plus the team drafted Jones.

As I said, this is an uphill battle for Kreutz. He is at least getting a chance to show what he can do. Impress the coaches in the rookie minicamp, and let’s see where the chips fall.

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