Ian Wheeler’s NFL journey was already the stuff of underdog legend. The previous HBCU star from Howard College burst onto the scene within the 2024 preseason. Wheeler rushed for 52 yards and two touchdowns in three video games for the Chicago Bears — together with a spotlight efficiency towards Buffalo that had followers chanting his title.
However within the preseason finale towards the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, his momentum got here to a gut-wrenching halt. A torn ACL ended his rookie season earlier than it started.
Almost a 12 months later, Wheeler is again, taking advantage of his second likelihood. In his first recreation for the reason that harm, the HBCU product posted 20 speeding yards, 14 receiving yards, and even crossed the purpose line earlier than a penalty worn out his landing. Extra importantly, he proved he may take hits, make cuts, and compete at full velocity once more.
“It felt good to get on the market and compete,” Wheeler stated. “Observe isn’t the identical as a recreation. It took me a second to get within the groove. However it felt good to essentially go on the market, get hit, make contact, and play ball once more.”
From Laborious Knocks Heartbreak to NFL Hope
Wheeler’s harm was captured on HBO’s Laborious Knocks: Coaching Camp With the Chicago Bears, in a scene that struck a chord with followers nationwide. Cameras rolled as normal supervisor Ryan Poles informed the undrafted HBCU rookie from Howard College that his season was over. Poles additionally assured him the staff’s door and his cellphone line had been all the time open.
The second was uncooked and actual, capped by an emotional embrace between Wheeler and his mom, Beaura, that went viral after the NFL posted it on social media.
“Being an undrafted man from a smaller college like Howard, having the GM consider in me meant rather a lot,” Wheeler stated.
The Lengthy Street Again
Rehab was grueling. Ian Wheeler spent months within the coaching room, utilizing blood-flow restriction remedy, grinding by means of single-leg power work, and preventing by means of the psychological toll of a protracted restoration. There have been no main setbacks, however there have been loads of quiet battles.
“It’s virtually a 12 months now — actually a psychological grind greater than something,” Wheeler stated.
Regardless of lacking your entire season, Wheeler stayed concerned with the staff and continued his off-field influence as a longtime volunteer with Grassroots Well being. Wheeler mentored youth in Washington, D.C., inspiring the Bears to donate to this system in his title.
HBCU Satisfaction and NFL Desires
Earlier than the harm, Wheeler had already confirmed he belonged. At Howard College, he racked up almost 2,500 all-purpose yards, returned a school-record three kickoffs for touchdowns, and earned MEAC All-Educational honors with a 3.57 GPA. He even deferred medical college to pursue the NFL dream.
With a brand new Bears teaching workers below Ben Johnson, and a roster spot as soon as once more inside attain. Ian Wheeler is decided to take advantage of this chapter.
“Nothing is assured,” Wheeler stated. “Coming from a smaller college and making an influence reminds folks that good soccer is sweet soccer. Simply getting into an NFL constructing is a blessing — and I’m not taking that without any consideration.”
Wheeler’s Chicago Bears comeback isn’t nearly yards and touchdowns. It’s about resilience, religion, and the quiet choice to maintain transferring ahead when the better possibility is to stop. If he retains taking part in like he did in his return, the following Laborious Knocks second could be him celebrating a roster spot — not a setback.
