Kyle Monangai has come out of nowhere to make a huge impact as an undrafted rookie running back for the Chicago Bears. His talent and determination truly make him a star on the field! Through the 2023-24 season Monangai finished atop the Big Ten in rushing yards with a career total of an astounding 2,541 yards. During his last year at Rutgers he carried the ball an astounding 256 times. This accomplishment combined with him earning the most rushing attempts in the entire conference.
Monangai’s collegiate career was impressive, not only for his as a rusher, but for his durability. He graduated with a career fumble without a single career fumble, an incredible feat for any player. His explosiveness, consistency, and prowess on the field resulted in him being crowned the Big Ten’s top rusher out of Rutgers. He made the list in each of his last two years at the collegiate level. Subsequently, he was selected by the Chicago Bears with the 233rd pick in the seventh round of the NFL Draft.
At the NFL Combine, Monangai clocked a 40-yard dash in 4.6 seconds flat. This was a time that raised questions about his straight-line speed, but it upended nothing in the wake of his stellar production on the field. His talent for the dramatic stood out during his last year in high school. He finished his senior season with over 1,300 all-purpose yards and 16 touchdowns despite playing through various injuries.
Since Monangai joined the Bears, he’s been phenomenal, averaging a ridiculous 146.6 rushing yards per game since Week 6. He has a real opportunity to reshape how we all watch the Bears’ run game. Since 2021, he’s tallied a ridiculous 669 carries without a fumble, making him not just the best in FBS at this discipline, but the best ever.
Greg Schiano, Monangai’s coach at Rutgers, wanted to make Monangai the focal point of the offense. He emphasized only how important Monangai is to the team’s success. Schiano has never shied away from gushing about Monangai’s drive, competitive nature, and overall quest for perfection.
“That type of resolve gets built over time. He had it innate in him, but you’ve got to rise to the occasion and perform.” – Kevin Monangai
Monangai’s brother, Kevin, set a path as the only member in their family to make it when he achieved college football at Villanova. He eventually made his way to the NFL as a practice squad running back, but has nothing but praise for Monangai. Kevin would refer to Kyle as “that quiet assassin,” a greater tribute to his understated but impactful demeanor on the field.
Eric Bieniemy, then the Bears’ offensive coordinator, liked Monangai’s explosiveness and competitiveness. He said what makes Monangai unique is his mindset and will to be different than anyone else.
“He was getting beat up out there and playing through some crazy stuff. He’s a legitimate tough guy.” – Antwan Raymond
Mike Teel, another coach who has worked closely with Monangai, shared insights into his understanding of game strategy and protection schemes. Teel remembered the way in practice Monangai would show more than a rudimentary understanding of defensive schemes as well as protection calls.
“He is definitely fast enough to get the job done. A part of that, too, is because of the attitude and the determined mindset that he has within him to put that on display.” – Eric Bieniemy
For Monangai, the learning process hasn’t stopped now that he’s pursuing his NFL dreams. He really wants to do better and become great in his own right.
“When he knew that stuff, I knew he was going to be different. It was just going to be a matter of is he going to get an opportunity to be able to showcase his talent at some point?” – Mike Teel
As Monangai continues to develop his skills in the NFL, he remains focused on improving and making a name for himself.
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