NFC North training camps kicked off in July 2025, spotlighting injuries like Detroit Lions’ Levi Onwuzurike’s season-ending ACL tear and Chicago Bears’ Jaylon Johnson’s leg setback, while rookies and veterans fuel division rivalry hype. In this episode of “Who Will Be King,” podcast hosts dive into the NFC North’s early camp chaos and contenders.

Why tune into “Who Will Be King,” the Fans First Sports Network‘s NFC North roundup? Because in a division stacked with talent—from the Bears’ revamped offense under Ben Johnson to the Lions’ explosive backfield—this lively podcast delivers unfiltered banter, insider insights, and bold takes that cut through the summer heat. Hosted by Pay from “Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans” (Chicago Bears podcast), Foster from Detroit Lions’ “Bleachers to Speakers,” and Dave from Minnesota Vikings’ “Vikings 1st & SKOL,” the show hooks fans with raw discussions on injuries, player goals, and trade rumors, making it essential listening for anyone betting on who rules the North in 2025.

Camp Kicks Off: Heat, Health, and High Stakes

As temperatures soar across the Midwest, NFC North teams hit the field for 2025 training camps, blending optimism with early injury woes. The Detroit Lions, starting camp early on July 20 ahead of their Hall of Fame Game on July 31, face the division’s heaviest injury burden. Foster, co-host of “Bleachers to Speakers,” painted a grim picture: “The big news right now is that Levi Onwuzurike, our defensive lineman who was relatively healthy last year, is out for the season already. That’s a major blow to a defensive line that’s already a little shorthanded.” Onwuzurike’s ACL tear, confirmed by PFF’s injury tracker, joins a list including Mekhi Wingo (knee, expected back in September) and rookie Miles Frazier (knee, September/October return).

The Lions’ depth is tested further with linebacker Alex Anzalone nursing a hamstring—rumored by some to be contract-related frustration. “Is Anzalone nursing a hamstring or is it, oh, it feels tight? I don’t have enough money in my wallet,” quipped Dave from “Vikings 1st & SKOL,” drawing laughs and nods to similar “injuries” like T.J. Hockenson’s past ear infection that cleared up post-extension. Foster added, “The hamstring is rather close to the wallet area,” highlighting the NFL Players Association’s reported advice to exaggerate ailments during contract disputes.

Despite the setbacks, Foster emphasized Detroit’s offensive creativity under new coordinator John Morton, a “clone” of departed Ben Johnson. “You’re gonna see a lot more sets where Montgomery and Gibbs are both on the field together,” he said, predicting chaos for defenses with Jahmyr Gibbs splitting out wide and versatile plays involving rookie Sione Vaki. Jameson Williams, quiet this offseason after past headlines, is poised for a breakout: “He’s been the camp darling the last few years… now it’s just business as usual.” ESPN’s camp buzz notes Williams’ polished route-running, projecting him as a key weapon in a top-10 offense.

Bears’ Bold Ambitions Amid Early Hiccups

For the Chicago Bears, camp opened on July 23 at Halas Hall with high expectations—and immediate hurdles. Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson landed on the non-football injury (NFI) list with a leg issue from offseason workouts, expected to sideline him for weeks. “The biggest piece of news… our All-Pro cornerback, probably the best player on the Bears roster, Jaylon Johnson, NFI list,” shared Pay, host of “Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans.” GM Ryan Poles downplayed it as precautionary, but NFL.com’s injury updates confirm it’s a multi-week absence, straining the secondary.

Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick, set lofty goals: “I wanna be the first quarterback to throw for 4,000 yards in a Chicago Bears jersey… I wanna throw 70% completion.” Pay endorsed the ambition: “Go off. Do your thing. I’d be happy if Caleb was able to do 65% and 4,000 yards.” Under new head coach Ben Johnson, the offense adapts to players’ strengths, but Day 1 glitches emerged. “First rep of 11-on-11, Caleb Williams picked off by Tremaine Edmunds. Ben Johnson yells, ‘You are out!’ when Caleb Williams and the first team offense couldn’t even get lined up properly,” Dave read from reports, teasing Pay about the Bears’ perennial offseason hype.

The left tackle battle intensifies with Braxton Jones recovering from ankle surgery and rookie Ozzy Trapilo taking first-team reps. “The most important thing… that’s the left tackle battle between Trapilo, Braxton… and Kiran Amegadjie,” Pay noted. Rookie wideout Luther Burden’s absence due to a soft-tissue injury from minicamp raises concerns: “If Luther Burden wasn’t going to be available… I would’ve appreciated somebody saying this yesterday.” Tight end Colston Loveland, however, is cleared and “encouraging” for the offense, per ESPN.

Pay dismissed early miscues as “par for the course,” stressing: “It’s Day 1 of camp… If there’s things messing up, let’s hear about it now. Work on it now ’cause I don’t wanna see it Week 1.” The Bears’ revamped roster, including Grady Jarrett’s addition, aims to elevate the pass rush, but Johnson’s injury opens doors for backups like Terell Smith.

Packers’ Depth Tested, Vikings’ Steady Start

The Green Bay Packers, starting camp on July 23, grapple with eight players on injury lists, second-worst in the division. Linebacker Quay Walker hit the physically unable to perform (PUP) list with “residual effects from 2024 injuries,” while wideout Christian Watson’s ACL recovery delays his return until November. “Christian Watson suffered a torn ACL… he’s not gonna be ready until at least November,” Dave detailed, citing Packers.com updates. Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins’ unspecified minicamp injury (NFI) sparks contract speculation: “It’s probably a wallet-caused injury,” Dave joked, echoing reports of his dissatisfaction.

Rookies like defensive lineman Collin Oliver (foot, PUP) and cornerback Micah Robinson (unspecified, PUP) add to the concerns, but cleared rookies Savion Williams and Warren Brinson provide hope. Kicker Alex Hale’s freak eye injury led to his release, prompting Dave’s quip: “What is he using to work out that could cause an eye injury?” Despite the hits, QB Jordan Love’s early arrival signals leadership, with NFL.com projecting consistency as key for a Super Bowl push.

The Minnesota Vikings, with veterans reporting July 22 and first practice July 23, enjoy a smoother start. Rookies tight end Gavin Bartholomew (back, PUP) and edge rusher Chaz Chambliss (foot, PUP) are minor setbacks, but left tackle Christian Darrisaw, guard Will Fries (fractured leg), and wideout Rondale Moore are cleared. “Everybody is available including Christian Darrisaw and Will Fries,” Dave reported, per Vikings.com.

QB J.J. McCarthy, recovering from a “lost” rookie year due to meniscus injury, impresses: “His swagger, his aura… is given off Josh Allen,” Pay relayed from Harrison Phillips’ comments. Head coach Kevin O’Connell praised McCarthy’s energy, with camp highlights including a touchdown to Jordan Addison. A two-back system with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason adds intrigue: “Two running back backfield to mix things up,” Dave said, differentiating it from a “committee” as a strategic “two-headed monster.”

Trade Rumors and Division Dominance

Hypotheticals heated up with Washington Commanders’ Terry McLaurin and Cincinnati Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson holding out. “If they can’t settle that situation in D.C., would you be open to giving Scary Terry a new home?” Pay asked. Dave balked at the price: “For vet minimum, but not for what he’s wanting.” Foster agreed: “We got a lot of receivers… unless you can play edge rusher.” Pay eyed McLaurin for Bears’ depth amid Burden’s injury but passed, prioritizing cohesion.

Hendrickson, third in sacks league-wide, drew interest: “He’s exactly what the Bears need… opposite Montez Sweat,” Pay enthused. Foster hesitated on a four-year deal for the 31-year-old: “No… Gotta work with what you got.” Dave dismissed for Vikings: “We don’t need him.” A fan comment suggested Packers would “take him in a heartbeat,” but their receiver depth (all “wide receiver twos,” per Dave) tempers enthusiasm.

Listen:

Watch:

Let the Battles Begin

As camps ramp up—pads on July 28 for most—the podcast resolves the hook: The NFC North’s king? Injuries could crown or dethrone, but optimism reigns. Lions’ weapons, Bears’ Williams-led offense, Packers’ Love, and Vikings’ McCarthy poise for a fierce battle. “Who Will Be King” keeps fans ahead, blending humor with hard-hitting analysis.

FAN WITH US!!!

Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of the Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.

Question:

Who do you think will emerge as the NFC North’s top contender in 2025, and why?