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Bedford Park's Ben Johnson Look-Alike Contest Gains National Attention

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 7:22 GMT by ABC 7 Chicago
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Bedford Park's "Look-Like" Contest for Bears Coach Ben Johnson Draws Huge Crowds & National Attention

Bedford Park, a southwest suburb of Chicago, has become an unlikely epicenter of Chicago Bears fandom thanks to a wildly popular “Look-Like” contest centered around offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. What started as a local initiative has quickly ballooned into a media sensation, drawing hundreds of participants and garnering national attention, all fueled by the hope that the contest will somehow influence the Bears’ decision on their next head coach.

The contest, spearheaded by Bedford Park Mayor Bobbie Dowd, encourages residents and fans alike to submit photos of themselves attempting to resemble the highly sought-after Johnson. The aim? To demonstrate to Bears ownership – specifically Chairman George McCaskey – the widespread desire for Johnson to be named the team's permanent head coach following the departure of Matt Eberflus.

“We all want Ben Johnson to be our coach,” Dowd explained in interviews with ABC7 Chicago and other outlets. “So, we figured we’d flood social media with people who look like him, and hopefully Mr. McCaskey will take notice.”

The contest officially launched on April 12th, and the response has been overwhelming. The Bedford Park Village Hall has been inundated with submissions, both physical photos and digital entries through a dedicated social media hashtag, #LooksLikeBenJohnson. As of April 19th, the village reports receiving over 500 submissions, far exceeding initial expectations.

The creative entries range from simple photo recreations of Johnson’s typical attire (a polo shirt and khakis appear to be a staple) to elaborate attempts at mimicking his hairstyle, facial expressions, and even his coaching demeanor. Some participants have gone the extra mile, staging photos on football fields or sporting Bears gear.

The idea originated from frustration within the fanbase regarding the Bears' history of coaching changes and a perceived tendency to overlook qualified candidates. Johnson, who has spearheaded a dramatically improved Detroit Lions offense in recent seasons, is widely considered one of the most coveted coaching prospects in the NFL. He interviewed for multiple head coaching roles this offseason, including with the Chicago Bears themselves, but ultimately remained in Detroit, signing a contract extension that keeps him with the Lions.

However, the timing of the Bedford Park contest is significant. While Johnson re-signed with Detroit, the extension is structured in a way that allows him to become a free agent next year. Bears fans, fearing another missed opportunity, are hoping to lay the groundwork now, demonstrating a strong, grassroots movement in support of Johnson. The hope is that this sustained public pressure will make him a more attractive and viable candidate when the Bears inevitably begin their coaching search again after the 2024 season.

The contest isn’t just about images. Bedford Park is turning the event into a full-fledged community celebration. A public viewing of all the submissions will be held on Saturday, April 20th, at the village’s community center, complete with food trucks, music, and activities for families. Judges, including local celebrities and even a self-proclaimed Ben Johnson look-alike (identified as a Bedford Park resident), will award prizes in categories like “Most Realistic,” “Most Creative,” and “Funniest.”

The event has attracted significant media coverage, extending beyond the Chicago area. News outlets like CBS News, Fox News, and the NFL Network have all reported on the unique campaign, highlighting the passion and dedication of Bears fans.

While some may dismiss the contest as a lighthearted and perhaps naive attempt to influence team management, it speaks to a deeper frustration amongst the fanbase and a desire for stability and success. Bedford Park’s “Look-Like” contest, fueled by social media and community spirit, has undoubtedly put Ben Johnson's name top of mind for Bears fans and has created a memorable moment in the team’s history – even if it doesn’t directly result in Johnson taking the helm. The Village hopes to present a formal tally of the submissions to the Bears organization, showcasing the overwhelming support for Johnson.

You can find additional information about the contest and event details on the Bedford Park Village website: [ https://www.bedfordpark.il.gov/news/bedford-park-hosting-chicago-bears-coach-ben-johnson-look-like-contest/ ]