Case Keenum brings a wealth of experience to the Chicago Bears’ quarterback room as they navigate the 2025 season. The 37-year-old veteran quarterback has established himself as one of the NFL’s most respected journeyman players, having played for eight different teams throughout his remarkable 13-year career. As the Bears continue to develop first overall draft pick Caleb Williams , Keenum’s presence provides crucial veteran leadership and stability to an organization hungry for quarterback success.
A Record-Setting College Career That Defied the Odds
Keenum’s football journey began at the University of Houston, where he rewrote the NCAA record books from 2006 to 2011. Despite being offered only one scholarship out of high school , he became one of college football’s most prolific passers. Keenum holds NCAA career records for passing yards (19,217), touchdown passes (155), and completions (1,546). His college dominance included becoming the only quarterback in Division I FBS history to pass for over 5,000 yards in three separate seasons.
The Houston quarterback’s college achievements earned him numerous accolades, including two Sammy Baugh Trophies in 2009 and 2011, along with multiple All-American honors. However, despite his record-breaking collegiate career, Keenum went undrafted in the 2012 NFL Draft – a testament to the unpredictable nature of professional football evaluation.
The Journeyman’s Path Through the NFL
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Houston Texans in 2012, Keenum has carved out a unique career path. His professional journey has taken him through eight different organizations: Houston Texans (2012-2013, 2023), St. Louis/Los Angeles Rams (2014-2016), Minnesota Vikings (2017), Denver Broncos (2018), Washington Commanders (2019), Cleveland Browns (2020-2021), Buffalo Bills (2022), and now the Chicago Bears.
Over his 12-year career, Keenum has appeared in 80 NFL games, starting 66 of them while compiling impressive statistics: 15,175 passing yards, 79 touchdowns, and 51 interceptions with a career passer rating of 84.6. His resilience and adaptability have made him a valuable asset for teams seeking veteran quarterback depth and leadership.
The Minneapolis Miracle: Keenum’s Career-Defining Moment
The pinnacle of Keenum’s career came during the 2017 season with the Minnesota Vikings. After starting quarterback Sam Bradford suffered a knee injury, Keenum stepped in and led one of the most improbable seasons in recent NFL history. He guided the Vikings to a 13-3 regular season record while throwing for 3,547 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just seven interceptions with a career-best 98.3 passer rating.
The season’s climax came in the NFC Divisional Round against the New Orleans Saints, where Keenum orchestrated what would become known as the “Minneapolis Miracle”. With 10 seconds remaining and no timeouts, Keenum threw a 27-yard pass to wide receiver Stefon Diggs near the sideline. Saints rookie safety Marcus Williams missed the tackle, allowing Diggs to sprint 61 yards for the game-winning touchdown. This play, voted as the 9th-greatest play in NFL history , exemplified Keenum’s ability to perform in clutch moments.
The Vikings’ radio call by Paul Allen, who described the play as a “Minneapolis Miracle,” became an instant classic and cemented Keenum’s place in NFL lore. Although the Vikings lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship game, Keenum’s 2017 season remains a testament to his leadership and clutch gene.
Keenum’s Role in Chicago’s Quarterback Development
The Bears signed Keenum to a one-year contract in April 2025 , recognizing his value as a mentor for young quarterback Caleb Williams. This marks Keenum’s third opportunity to work with a former first overall draft pick, having previously mentored Sam Bradford (2010 #1 pick) and Baker Mayfield (2018 #1 pick). His experience with developing young quarterbacks makes him an invaluable asset in Williams’ continued growth.
According to the Bears’ current depth chart, Keenum sits as the third-string quarterback behind Williams and second-year player Tyson Bagent. While he may not see significant regular-season action, his presence in the quarterback room provides stability and wisdom that only comes with 13 years of NFL experience.
Recent Performance and Preseason Impact
In the Bears’ recent preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins on August 10, 2025, Keenum showcased why he remains a valuable contributor despite his veteran status. The game ended in a 24-24 tie , but Keenum’s performance stood out with a stellar 139.6 passer rating. He demonstrated his accuracy and leadership by connecting with wide receiver Jahdae Walker for a 15-yard touchdown pass , showing he still possesses the arm strength and precision that have defined his career.
Keenum’s touchdown pass to Walker was described as dropping “it in the bucket” , highlighting the veteran’s continued ability to make precise throws. His performance, combined with contributions from Bagent (77.3 passer rating) and rookie Austin Reed (60.8 passer rating), helped the Bears’ quarterbacks complete 26 of 39 passes for 224 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
The Veteran Presence Chicago Needs
Head coach Ben Johnson’s offensive system has presented new challenges for the Bears’ quarterback room, including the requirement to handle play calls without wristbands. Keenum has embraced this challenge, noting that Johnson’s offense represents a “greatest hits” compilation of systems he’s experienced throughout his career. This familiarity positions him well to help younger quarterbacks navigate the complexities of Johnson’s scheme.
Keenum’s experience spanning multiple offensive systems – from Houston’s Air Raid concepts to Minnesota’s West Coast principles – provides invaluable perspective for a Bears team implementing a new offensive philosophy. His ability to quickly grasp new concepts and translate them to younger players makes him an extension of the coaching staff on the field.
Looking Ahead: Keenum’s 2025 Season Outlook
As the Bears prepare for the 2025 season, Keenum’s role extends beyond traditional backup duties. While Caleb Williams faces the typical challenges of a second-year quarterback learning a new system , Keenum serves as a stabilizing influence who can step in if needed. His track record of success in relief situations – including his career-defining 2017 season – provides confidence that the Bears have capable leadership at the position.
The veteran quarterback’s presence also benefits the entire offensive unit. His pre-snap recognition, earned through years of experience reading NFL defenses, helps identify potential issues during practice and provides teaching moments for younger players. This type of veteran leadership has been missing from the Bears’ quarterback room in recent seasons.
Case Keenum’s arrival in Chicago represents more than just adding depth to the quarterback position. His 13-year journey through the NFL, highlighted by record-setting performances and clutch moments like the Minneapolis Miracle, brings credibility and wisdom to a Bears team seeking to maximize Caleb Williams’ potential. As Chicago pursues its first significant quarterback success in decades, Keenum’s veteran leadership could prove instrumental in both Williams’ development and the team’s overall success in 2025.
For more Chicago Bears coverage, visit the official Bears website. Stay updated on NFL news at NFL.com. For comprehensive sports analysis, check out ESPN. Follow Minnesota Vikings history and the Minneapolis Miracle at the Vikings official site.
