Bears CB Jaylon Johnson's second Pro Bowl even better than the first

Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson has done what he always wanted to do in the NFL: make a name for himself.

At the end of his fourth season last year, Johnson was seeking validation on several levels — not just a long-term contract but the recognition of his peers.

By the eye test, Johnson had been an outstanding player since becoming a Week 1 starter his rookie season in 2020 after being drafted in the second round by former general manager Ryan Pace.

But his strength became a liability when it came to recognition. Because quarterbacks avoided throwing to receivers he was covering, Johnson didn’t have notable numbers. He had one interception in his first three seasons. And he played on teams that finished 8-8, 6-11, 3-14 and 7-10 in his first four seasons. He literally had to campaign for himself to get recognition and, to his credit, was not bashful about doing it.

That paid off last season. Johnson, aided by four interceptions, including a pick-six, not only received a four-year, $76 million contract from the Bears but was named to the Pro Bowl and — more important — to the All-Pro second team.

A year later, Johnson continued to reap the rewards of his career development. In a year in which he previously might have been overlooked — only two interceptions on a 4-12 team that hasn’t won since Oct. 13 — Johnson was named a Pro Bowl starter. He was the only Bear named to the NFC team.

“This one definitely feels better than last year, just from everything’s that going on this season,” Johnson said. “It was unexpected. It’s hard to get a guy on the Pro Bowl roster when the team’s four and whatever we are. Losing teams don’t get too many guys to the Pro Bowl.”

Though All-Pro recognition means more to him, a second Pro Bowl berth is a nice tribute to Johnson. He was not as noticeable this season as the Bears’ defense crumbled after the bye week and in particular after the Hail Mary debacle against the Commanders in the game after the bye.

But, with the aid of modern-day analytics that make recognition-by-reputation less common these days, Johnson’s performance is legit.

According to Pro Football Focus, Johnson was targeted 49 times — the fewest of the eight cornerbacks selected to the Pro Bowl, including the Broncos’ Patrick Surtain II (51), the Panthers’ Jaycee Horn (68) and the Browns’ Denzel Ward (71). Johnson allowed 30 completions for 387 yards (12.9 average) and two touchdowns, with four pass breakups and those two interceptions.

He earned this honor not just by his play but because he’s a name player in the NFL now.

“That’s why you play the game — to be the best in the world,” Johnson said. “Having that recognition means a lot. I’m going to continue to do what I do, and that’s play at a high level, with or without recognition. But getting [recognition] definitely makes you feel good.”

NOTES: Two of Johnson’s former Bears defensive teammates made the Pro Bowl — Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith and Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack made the AFC team.

Another ex-Bear, Vikings long snapper Andrew DePaola, made the NFC team for the third consecutive season.

DePaola was the Bears’ long snapper in 2017 when Patrick Scales tore his anterior cruciate ligament in the preseason.

† Cornerback Kyler Gordon did not practice Thursday because of an illness. Guard Teven Jenkins (calf), wide receiver Rome Odunze (illness), running back Travis Homer (hamstring), safety Elijah Hicks (ankle, foot), long snapper Scott Daly (personal) and tight end Marcedes Lewis (rest) also did not practice.

Offensive tackle Larry Borom (knee) and safety Tarvarius Moore (knee) had full participation.