Kevin Fishbain
@kfishbain.bsky.social
Senior writer at The Athletic covering the Chicago Bears.
Bears announce Press Taylor's promotion to offensive coordinator, and the hiring of Eric Studesville (running backs), Will Lawing (offensive analyst) and Isaiah Ford (offensive quality control).
Ford overlapped with Ben Johnson in Miami 2017-18 when Ford was a WR and Johnson coached the WRs.
Ford overlapped with Ben Johnson in Miami 2017-18 when Ford was a WR and Johnson coached the WRs.
February 18, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Bears announce Press Taylor's promotion to offensive coordinator, and the hiring of Eric Studesville (running backs), Will Lawing (offensive analyst) and Isaiah Ford (offensive quality control).
Ford overlapped with Ben Johnson in Miami 2017-18 when Ford was a WR and Johnson coached the WRs.
Ford overlapped with Ben Johnson in Miami 2017-18 when Ford was a WR and Johnson coached the WRs.
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
a few weeks ago in Aspen, a convo with Olympic freeski halfpipe hopeful Svea Irving turned to her family. "Tell me about your mom, your dad ... Tell me about your grandparents ..."
"Oh, my grandpa," Svea answered, "he's like, a kinda famous author."
"Really? Who?"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
"Oh, my grandpa," Svea answered, "he's like, a kinda famous author."
"Really? Who?"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
What’s it like to have two grandchildren in the Winter Olympics? Let John Irving tell you
Birk and Svea Irving, grandchildren of the great American author John Irving, are competing in Milan Cortina this week.
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 2:44 PM
a few weeks ago in Aspen, a convo with Olympic freeski halfpipe hopeful Svea Irving turned to her family. "Tell me about your mom, your dad ... Tell me about your grandparents ..."
"Oh, my grandpa," Svea answered, "he's like, a kinda famous author."
"Really? Who?"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
"Oh, my grandpa," Svea answered, "he's like, a kinda famous author."
"Really? Who?"
www.nytimes.com/athletic/705...
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Mikaela Shiffrin wins the slalom gold medal by 1.50 seconds
If you add up the winning margins of the winners at the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 women's slalom, you get 1.51 seconds
If you add up the winning margins of the winners at the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 women's slalom, you get 1.51 seconds
February 18, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Mikaela Shiffrin wins the slalom gold medal by 1.50 seconds
If you add up the winning margins of the winners at the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 women's slalom, you get 1.51 seconds
If you add up the winning margins of the winners at the 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022 women's slalom, you get 1.51 seconds
The combine is next week, and free agency is less than three weeks away. Send your Bears questions in for an offseason mailbag
Submit your draft and free-agency questions for Kevin Fishbain’s Bears mailbag
Before the NFL world descends on Indianapolis for the combine next week, share your Bears draft and free-agency questions here.
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 7:17 PM
The combine is next week, and free agency is less than three weeks away. Send your Bears questions in for an offseason mailbag
With free agency only 20 days away, @danwiederer.bsky.social goes through the Bears' 10 most notable free agents, starting with All-Pro safety Kevin Byard
Chicago Bears’ unrestricted free agent rankings: Will All-Pro safety Kevin Byard be back?
Secondary questions abound for the Bears as they reshape the roster under Ben Johnson's vision.
www.nytimes.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:56 PM
With free agency only 20 days away, @danwiederer.bsky.social goes through the Bears' 10 most notable free agents, starting with All-Pro safety Kevin Byard
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Cade Horton was touching 98 during a live BP and Craig Counsell said he was cruising. On the high expectations in year 2 for the ROY runner-up www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
After a rookie campaign in which he ‘dominated’, what can Cade Horton do in Year 2?
Horton proved in 2025 that he had the full package to be a dominant starter at the highest level.
www.nytimes.com
February 16, 2026 at 3:13 PM
Cade Horton was touching 98 during a live BP and Craig Counsell said he was cruising. On the high expectations in year 2 for the ROY runner-up www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Spidercam, Spidercam.
Does whatever a camera can't.
Flies around, all the guys.
Catches angles you can't describe.
Look up! It's a Spidercam.
My story from Milan:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Does whatever a camera can't.
Flies around, all the guys.
Catches angles you can't describe.
Look up! It's a Spidercam.
My story from Milan:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
The ‘Spidercam’ is reinventing the way fans watch hockey at the Winter Olympics
Suspended over the ice by four retractable wires, the mobile camera is giving fans a new vantage of the fastest game on Earth.
www.nytimes.com
February 15, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Spidercam, Spidercam.
Does whatever a camera can't.
Flies around, all the guys.
Catches angles you can't describe.
Look up! It's a Spidercam.
My story from Milan:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Does whatever a camera can't.
Flies around, all the guys.
Catches angles you can't describe.
Look up! It's a Spidercam.
My story from Milan:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/704...
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
From @theathletic.com: Ilia Malinin spoke calmly, having found his composure. He didn’t run from his embarrassment. He didn’t hide behind his agony. He showed up, explained the worst moment of his skating life — repeatedly across multiple interviews. nyti.ms/3Oioq9R
February 14, 2026 at 3:22 PM
From @theathletic.com: Ilia Malinin spoke calmly, having found his composure. He didn’t run from his embarrassment. He didn’t hide behind his agony. He showed up, explained the worst moment of his skating life — repeatedly across multiple interviews. nyti.ms/3Oioq9R
“Slow down, less is more, and you'll have more time to be able to get everything else that you know.”
“Don't compare your journey to somebody else's.”
Great advice from Chicago broadcasting legends Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
“Don't compare your journey to somebody else's.”
Great advice from Chicago broadcasting legends Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
February 12, 2026 at 8:04 PM
“Slow down, less is more, and you'll have more time to be able to get everything else that you know.”
“Don't compare your journey to somebody else's.”
Great advice from Chicago broadcasting legends Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
“Don't compare your journey to somebody else's.”
Great advice from Chicago broadcasting legends Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
Happy Mock Draft Season to those who celebrate. I like these to be more about laying out different scenarios and getting to know prospects who could fit as opposed to anything close to being predictive.
Now that that's out of the way, Bears Mock 1.0 (with @danwiederer.bsky.social)
Now that that's out of the way, Bears Mock 1.0 (with @danwiederer.bsky.social)
Chicago Bears NFL mock draft: Defense is clear priority, starting with front 7
In our first look at some options for the Bears in the 2026 draft, the focus is on the defensive line with the first two rounds.
www.nytimes.com
February 12, 2026 at 4:49 PM
Happy Mock Draft Season to those who celebrate. I like these to be more about laying out different scenarios and getting to know prospects who could fit as opposed to anything close to being predictive.
Now that that's out of the way, Bears Mock 1.0 (with @danwiederer.bsky.social)
Now that that's out of the way, Bears Mock 1.0 (with @danwiederer.bsky.social)
"Breaking In with Kevin Fishbain" episode 45
Guests: Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
The two esteemed Chicago sports broadcasters have a radio show together, so it's a triple-origin-story episode — and a fun one
Guests: Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
The two esteemed Chicago sports broadcasters have a radio show together, so it's a triple-origin-story episode — and a fun one
Episode 45: Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller, Chicago broadcasters and ESPN 1000 hosts
YouTube video by Breaking In With Kevin Fishbain
www.youtube.com
February 11, 2026 at 4:17 PM
"Breaking In with Kevin Fishbain" episode 45
Guests: Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
The two esteemed Chicago sports broadcasters have a radio show together, so it's a triple-origin-story episode — and a fun one
Guests: Peggy Kusinski and Dionne Miller
The two esteemed Chicago sports broadcasters have a radio show together, so it's a triple-origin-story episode — and a fun one
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Like 75% of the US Olympic curlers are from Minnesota. A lot of them curl out of two clubs in Saint Paul, one club is in Frogtown, a neighborhood that has been very heavily targeted by ICE. These curlers are good neighbors.
US Olympic Curling Team member speaks out against ICE:
"I'm proud to represent Team USA. But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention what's going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it's been. What's happening is wrong. There's no shades of gray."
"I'm proud to represent Team USA. But we'd be remiss if we didn't mention what's going on in Minnesota and what a tough time it's been. What's happening is wrong. There's no shades of gray."
February 10, 2026 at 10:03 PM
Like 75% of the US Olympic curlers are from Minnesota. A lot of them curl out of two clubs in Saint Paul, one club is in Frogtown, a neighborhood that has been very heavily targeted by ICE. These curlers are good neighbors.
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Will the Cubs get any extensions done this spring? How healthy will their pitching be to enter the season? Any spring surprises coming? Three burning questions as we head to Mesa. www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
Three burning Cubs questions as spring training opens
Nico Hoerner is a perfect fit for a Cubs team that seems poised to contend.
www.nytimes.com
February 10, 2026 at 2:39 PM
Will the Cubs get any extensions done this spring? How healthy will their pitching be to enter the season? Any spring surprises coming? Three burning questions as we head to Mesa. www.nytimes.com/athletic/703...
The day after the Super Bowl means one thing: Bears salary-cap analysis.
Let the offseason begin
Let the offseason begin
Chicago Bears salary-cap analysis: Tough decisions for Ryan Poles ahead of free agency
Now that the Bears have a competitive roster, it's also an expensive one, which means tough decisions ahead for the general manager.
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 4:08 PM
The day after the Super Bowl means one thing: Bears salary-cap analysis.
Let the offseason begin
Let the offseason begin
In his Super Bowl “Pick Six”, @sandonfl.bsky.social on John Schneider setting himself apart, HOF voting, Patriots comps, awards season, Sonny Jurgensen and so much more
Seahawks’ title underscores how to win in the modern NFL. There’s no going back: Pick Six
Great QBs have ruled the NFL for decades, but increasingly, even they are living in a league driven by the active, opportunistic GM.
www.nytimes.com
February 9, 2026 at 2:52 PM
In his Super Bowl “Pick Six”, @sandonfl.bsky.social on John Schneider setting himself apart, HOF voting, Patriots comps, awards season, Sonny Jurgensen and so much more
The league has a bunch of good options for the 2026 season opener in Seattle … including the Bears.
February 9, 2026 at 3:29 AM
The league has a bunch of good options for the 2026 season opener in Seattle … including the Bears.
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
How do you find a unique story at an event covered like the Super Bowl? Great advice from @sandonfl.bsky.social
February 5, 2026 at 6:06 PM
How do you find a unique story at an event covered like the Super Bowl? Great advice from @sandonfl.bsky.social
The Bears are promoting Press Taylor to offensive coordinator. Story by @danwiederer.bsky.social
Ben Johnson promoting Press Taylor to Bears offensive coordinator: Sources
The Bears' offense made huge leaps this season under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. Taylor steps into the important OC role.
www.nytimes.com
February 8, 2026 at 2:44 PM
The Bears are promoting Press Taylor to offensive coordinator. Story by @danwiederer.bsky.social
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
It's hard to know what's inside the narrowest of near-misses.
That's why I'm pretty glad to have gotten the chance to get to talk to Ollie Martin not too long ago ...
Tonight's story from Lovigno: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
That's why I'm pretty glad to have gotten the chance to get to talk to Ollie Martin not too long ago ...
Tonight's story from Lovigno: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
February 8, 2026 at 12:05 AM
It's hard to know what's inside the narrowest of near-misses.
That's why I'm pretty glad to have gotten the chance to get to talk to Ollie Martin not too long ago ...
Tonight's story from Lovigno: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
That's why I'm pretty glad to have gotten the chance to get to talk to Ollie Martin not too long ago ...
Tonight's story from Lovigno: www.nytimes.com/athletic/702...
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
"Bit of over-rotation on the landing there," I mutter critically as I sit on my couch with a toaster strudel, having never landed a quad-anything in my life
February 7, 2026 at 7:14 PM
"Bit of over-rotation on the landing there," I mutter critically as I sit on my couch with a toaster strudel, having never landed a quad-anything in my life
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
seattle safety Nick Emmanwori was a full participant in practice today and has NO game status designation. "Turns out he's alive," head coach Mike Macdonald told me.
February 6, 2026 at 11:33 PM
seattle safety Nick Emmanwori was a full participant in practice today and has NO game status designation. "Turns out he's alive," head coach Mike Macdonald told me.
Podcast for your weekend ... @sandonfl.bsky.social talks about how he got his start in sports journalism: covering high school sports in Spokane, Wazzu in the Rose Bowl, and he reflects on his first Super Bowl
Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Spotify open.spotify.com/show/2YQrdNf...
Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Spotify open.spotify.com/show/2YQrdNf...
February 6, 2026 at 6:35 PM
Podcast for your weekend ... @sandonfl.bsky.social talks about how he got his start in sports journalism: covering high school sports in Spokane, Wazzu in the Rose Bowl, and he reflects on his first Super Bowl
Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Spotify open.spotify.com/show/2YQrdNf...
Apple podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/b...
Spotify open.spotify.com/show/2YQrdNf...
Bears guard Joe Thuney wins the NFL’s inaugural “Protector of the Year” award. He started every game, including a playoff game at left tackle. He finished second in the league in ESPN’s “pass block win rate” for interior linemen.
February 6, 2026 at 2:34 AM
Bears guard Joe Thuney wins the NFL’s inaugural “Protector of the Year” award. He started every game, including a playoff game at left tackle. He finished second in the league in ESPN’s “pass block win rate” for interior linemen.
Quick Bears roster note: Theo Benedet, who was an ERFA, is signed for 2026 (one year, $1M).
Benedet, a college RT, had never played a snap of football at LT before training camp. Started 8 games. Finished 4th in ESPN's run block win rate among OTs. Now gets a full offseason to train at LT.
Benedet, a college RT, had never played a snap of football at LT before training camp. Started 8 games. Finished 4th in ESPN's run block win rate among OTs. Now gets a full offseason to train at LT.
February 5, 2026 at 9:32 PM
Quick Bears roster note: Theo Benedet, who was an ERFA, is signed for 2026 (one year, $1M).
Benedet, a college RT, had never played a snap of football at LT before training camp. Started 8 games. Finished 4th in ESPN's run block win rate among OTs. Now gets a full offseason to train at LT.
Benedet, a college RT, had never played a snap of football at LT before training camp. Started 8 games. Finished 4th in ESPN's run block win rate among OTs. Now gets a full offseason to train at LT.
Reposted by Kevin Fishbain
Jessie Diggins, Olympic cross-country skiing gold medalist, from the Twin Cities: “I want to make sure you know who I’m racing for…”
February 5, 2026 at 5:27 PM
Jessie Diggins, Olympic cross-country skiing gold medalist, from the Twin Cities: “I want to make sure you know who I’m racing for…”