Chase Rice, Bears halftime performer, is Ben Johnson’s old friend – NBC Chicago

Sunday’s NFC Divisional Round game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field won’t be the first time halftime performer Chase Rice has shared a football field with Coach Ben Johnson.

In fact, country music star Chase Rice and Bears Coach Ben Johnson used to share a jersey as football teammates in middle school, according to a post from the Chicago Bears.

The team recently shared a picture of Johnson and Rice together and a few details about their friendship in a post on social media.

“From middle school football to the big leagues,” the team’s post said. “The decades-long friendship between Chase Rice and Coach Johnson will reach a peak Sunday at Soldier Field with the country singer performing during halftime of the Divisional Round game.”

From middle school football to the big leagues 🤝

The decades-long friendship between Chase Rice and Coach Johnson will reach a peak Sunday at Soldier Field with the country singer performing during halftime of the Divisional Round game

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 16, 2026

Rice has shared his support for the Bears on social media several times throughout the season.

In many of his posts, he’s sporting a “Good. Better. Best” shirt that pays homage to Coach Johnson’s motto.