Former Fan Favorite Running Back Gets Another NFL Opportunity

Aug 17, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler (33) raises his arms after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

The Chicago Bears are expected to have one of the NFL's better running back duos in 2026 with D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai leading the backfield. However, over the past few years, Bears fans rallied behind another running back further down the depth chart, hoping he could carve out a role in Chicago.

That dream came to an end when the Bears released him last year. Now, the former fan favorite has earned another opportunity to continue his NFL career with a new franchise.

Former Bears RB Ian Wheeler Signs in Buffalo

According to NFL Insider Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills have signed former Bears running back Ian Wheller.

Chicago originally signed Wheller as an undrafted free agent out of Howard in 2024. The former Howard became a favorite of Bears fans quickly during the team's time on Hard Knocks. Wheeler's personality and dedication to his craft, which he showed in Hard Knocks, made fans fall for him.

Add in what he was able to do on the field with his speed, no wonder fans were hopeful he could crack the roster. Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in the final preseason game of 2024. Even so, Ryan Poles decided to sign him to a deal and let him rehab in the building.

Despite Poles' appreciation for Wheeler, Ben Johnson and the new coaching staff didn't see enough to warrant keeping him on the practice squad in 2025. Though he did end up signing with the New Orelenas Saints practice squad, he wasn't there for long. The 24-year-old was able to land in the UFL with the Louisville Kings this spring.

During his time in Louisville, Wheller proved why he deserved to be back in the NFL. He finished the UFL regular season with 68 rushing attempts for 370 yards and six touchdowns. Then in the postseason, he recorded 17 rushes fr 170 yards and two touchdowns.

Wheeler recorded 10 rushes for 81 yards and a touchdown in the UFL Championship and was named the UFL Bowl MVP. The week prior, he rushed for 89 yards and scored a 50 yard rushng touchsown.

While the Bills have a crowded running back room led by James Cook, Wheeler now has a chance to at least make a practice squad. Bears fans will be cheering for Wheeler to have success in Buffalo or wherever he lands.