{
  "id": 10973618,
  "title": "Case Keenum was ready to quit playing football until Ben Johnson called",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/case-keenum-was-ready-to-quit-playing-football-until-ben-johnson",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-30T15:32:25.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/case-keenum-ready-quit-playing-153225917.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Case Keenum was on the verge of giving up on his football career in 2024 due to a foot injury and an expired contract. However, a call from Ben Johnson changed everything. Johnson, who had become the head coach of the Bears, knew he wanted to add a veteran quarterback to his room featuring promising young talent Caleb Williams and backup Tyson Bagent. Keenum, who was ready to retire, said one conversation with Johnson was all he needed to realize he still loves the game. They met for what seemed like an hour but ended up lasting two and a half hours, before Keenum realized he was ready to sign and join the team. Keenum expressed his excitement and gratitude for joining the Bears, stating it reignited his love for football. The veteran played a crucial role in the Bears' victory over the Eagles on Monday night, giving his all and leading them to a win. Keenum is happy to be part of the team and grateful that Johnson kept his career going.",
  "summary": "Case Keenum spent the entire 2024 season on the Texans' injured reserve list with a foot injury, and when his contract expired at the end of that year, he figured his football career had come to an end.",
  "key_points": [
    "Case Keenum considered quitting football due to injury and expired contract.",
    "Ben Johnson, Bears' head coach, convinced Keenum to stay in the game.",
    "Keenum joined Bears, reignited passion for football, contributed to victory."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yahoo Sports",
        "title": "Ben Johnson called Jared Goff after latest mobility dig",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/ben-johnson-called-jared-goff-after-latest-mobility-dig",
        "published": "2026-09-30T16:48:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}