A simple locker room chant by the Chicago Bears has exploded into a viral meme and a must-have piece of fan gear. The “Good, Better, Best” shirt, sparked by a fiery postgame speech, is more than just apparel; it’s a symbol of a new era. This article breaks down the origin of this powerful motto, its meaning for the team and its fans, and why this T-shirt has become the ultimate emblem of hope and relentless improvement for the Bears community. The journey to understanding the good better best bears shirt meaning starts not on the gridiron, but with a timeless piece of wisdom.

The Chant Heard ‘Round the NFL: Unpacking the “Good, Better, Best” Origin
Every powerful movement has a flashpoint, a moment where an idea catches fire. For the Chicago Bears and their fanbase, that moment came from the passionate words of their head coach, transforming a classic proverb into a modern-day rallying cry that now adorns one of the most popular pieces of fan gear.
From Timeless Proverb to Locker Room Rallying Cry
The core of the chant—”Good, Better, Best. Never let it rest. ‘Til your good is better and your better is best”—is a motivational quote that has echoed for centuries. Widely attributed to St. Jerome, a priest and historian from the 4th century, the phrase is a pure and simple call for continuous improvement. It’s a proverb that has been used by coaches, teachers, and leaders for generations to inspire individuals to avoid complacency and constantly strive for excellence.
This timeless saying found a new, powerful voice within the modern NFL, specifically inside the energized walls of the Bears’ locker room. It was the perfect message for a team focused on building a winning culture from the ground up.
The Ben Johnson Speech That Ignited a Movement
The catalyst for this phenomenon was a series of fiery postgame speeches by Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Following thrilling victories, Johnson began leading his team in the powerful “Good. Better. Best!” chant. These moments, captured and shared on social media, quickly went viral. One particularly passionate speech after a dramatic win showed Johnson’s raw emotion, screaming the mantra as his players roared back in unison.
This wasn’t just a coach reciting a quote; it was a declaration of the team’s new standard. The raw energy was palpable and resonated deeply with a fanbase hungry for a new identity. The locker room chant became a public anthem, and the Good better best Bears chant origin was cemented in these powerful, shared moments of victory and ambition.
More Than a Meme: The Deeper Meaning Behind the Bears’ New Mantra
While the chant’s explosion into a viral meme was entertaining, its significance runs much deeper. For the Chicago Bears, “Good, Better, Best” is not just a catchy phrase; it’s the philosophical bedrock of a new identity, influencing everything from player mentality to the fan experience at Soldier Field.
A Philosophy of Continuous Improvement and Team Unity
At its heart, the mantra is a powerful articulation of a growth mindset. It rejects complacency and champions the idea that there is always a higher level to achieve. This philosophy of continuous improvement is crucial in the hyper-competitive world of the NFL, where staying stagnant means falling behind. For a team in Chicago, building a championship contender means embracing this daily grind.
Furthermore, the chant fosters incredible team unity. When the entire locker room, from star quarterback Caleb Williams to the practice squad players, joins in a single, powerful chorus, it reinforces a shared purpose. It’s a collective agreement to hold each other accountable and to strive for a common goal: the pursuit of the Super Bowl.
How “Good, Better, Best” Defines the Modern Chicago Bears Identity
The phrase has come to define the Ben Johnson era in Chicago. It signals a cultural shift towards resilience, accountability, and an unwavering commitment to winning. After several seasons of mixed results, this new mantra provides a clear and inspiring vision for the future. It encapsulates the hope surrounding new talent and the belief that the team is on an upward trajectory toward sustained excellence.
This identity is about more than just football; it’s about a relentless work ethic. As we at Shibtee Clothing LLC have seen, powerful messages resonate with people, and the Bears have tapped into a universal desire for progress and achievement that extends far beyond the gridiron.
Wearing the Mentality: Why the Shirt is a Symbol for the Faithful
The transformation of the “Good, Better, Best” chant into a physical product, the now-iconic helmet shirt, was a natural and powerful evolution. This piece of apparel has become more than just fan gear; it’s a wearable symbol of the team’s new philosophy and a rallying point for the entire Bears community.
Connecting with the Team: A Tangible Piece of the Fan Experience
For fans, wearing the “Good, Better, Best” shirt is a way to feel a direct connection to the inner sanctum of the team. It bridges the gap between the stands and the locker room, allowing them to share in the same motivational energy that fuels the players. This shirt isn’t just merchandise; it’s a tangible piece of the fan experience, a way to show solidarity with the culture Ben Johnson is building.
When thousands of fans in Chicago don the same shirt, it creates a powerful visual representation of a unified belief in the team’s direction. It’s a way of saying, “We are part of this journey. We believe in this process of getting better every single day.”
The “Good Better Best” Shirt as a Statement of Belief and Personality
Beyond showing team spirit, the shirt has become a statement of personal belief. To wear it is to align oneself with the values of persistence, ambition, and the refusal to settle. It’s a motivational quote that people can apply to their own lives, making the shirt a symbol of their own personal drive for excellence. This is the core of the Chicago Bears motivational shirt meaning.
It allows fans to express their personality and their optimistic outlook for the team’s future. It’s a conversation starter, a meme brought to life, and a proud declaration of faith in the Bears’ relentless pursuit of being the best. Anyone wondering what does the good better best Bears shirt mean need only look to the unified sea of fans wearing it with pride.
From a simple motivational quote to a powerful team anthem, the “Good, Better, Best” phrase encapsulates the Chicago Bears’ new spirit of relentless ambition. Understanding the good better best bears shirt meaning is to understand the heart of this new era. The shirt is not just fan gear; it’s a wearable symbol of this philosophy. It represents the shared belief between the team and its fans in the journey toward excellence, making it a powerful statement of loyalty and a connection to the team’s promising future.
Ready to show your pride and join the movement? Find your own “Good, Better, Best” Bears shirt and wear the winning mentality.
