NFL Coach: Bears RB D'Andre Swift Has Overcome 'the Soft Label' from Lions Tenure

Ahead of his fifth NFL season, an NFL running backs coach believes Chicago Bears running back D'Andre Swift has defeated a label he was given while playing for the Detroit Lions early in his career.

"Had the soft label [in Detroit] but overcame that," the coach said, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "[He's] really elusive in space, burst, really good speed. [He] does a nice job catching out of the backfield."

After a somewhat slow start to his career, Swift reached the 1,000 rushing yard mark last season with the Philadelphia Eagles and also added five touchdowns. The former second-round pick also added 214 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air. The breakout season led to Swift earning his first Pro Bowl nod.

Swift was also just one of six running backs to record at least 1,000 rushing yards and 35 receptions.

Swift will suit up for a new team this year after signing a three-year, $24.5 million contract with the Bears this offseason. With a new quarterback under center in No. 1 pick Caleb Williams and a handful of offensive weapons around him, Chicago is looking to make a splash in the first year of a new era.

The Bears haven't reached the playoffs since 2020 and have been to the postseason just twice in the last decade. They have a revamped offense this season and are hoping its enough to extend their campaign past the regular season.