HBCU Legends

HBCU Football Star Running Back Shines In NFL Preseason Debut

The former Howard Bison football star gave an impressive performance for the Chicago Bears.

Kyle T. Mosley

Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler (33) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter of a pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 10, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler (33) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in the fourth quarter of a pre-season game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

In his first NFL preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, rookie running back Ian Wheeler of the Chicago Bears delivered a standout performance. The former Howard University rusher and HBCU football star scored two rushing touchdowns, leading the Bears to a 33-6 victory.

"It's something I've been working towards for a while," Wheeler said. "Unfortunately, I didn't get to play in the last game, so my teammates helped me get into the end zone twice, and that's something I could be happy about."

Ian Wheeler
May 31, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears running back Ian Wheeler (33) runs during organized team activities at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports / Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Ian Wheeler's Performance

Ian Wheeler, an undrafted free agent from an HBCU, made a strong case for his spot on the Chicago Bears roster with a game-high 43 rushing yards on just five attempts. Wheeler showcased his power and agility, scoring two touchdowns in the game's final six minutes.

His first touchdown came from a determined 7-yard run, where he muscled his way into the end zone with 6:03 remaining in the 4th quarter. On the Howard alum's second score, he dashed 8 yards to the pylon, demonstrating his speed and vision with 2:29 left in the contest.

Key Highlights

Wheeler's two fourth-quarter touchdowns significantly increased the Bears' advantage on the scoreboard and gave head coach Matt Eberflus an idea of what the rookie could do for Chicago.

He completed the game with 43 rushing yards on five carries, averaging an impressive 8.6 yards per attempt. Wheeler could become a valuable asset in the Bears' backfield alongside quarterback Caleb Williams, the NFL's first overall draft pick.

Williams completed four of seven passes for 95 yards and demonstrated his mobility with a 13-yard scramble on a crucial third-and-9. The Bears' defense also played a pivotal role, with linebacker Micah Baskerville returning an interception for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Wheeler is competing for a role on Chicago's 53-man roster with stiff competition from RB Velus Jones, who contributed to the scoring with a 4-yard run in the third period.

The HBCU star's debut performance for the Chicago Bears was impressive for this promising rookie running back.

Looking Ahead

The Chicago Bears will host the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday, August 17, giving Ian Wheeler another opportunity to build on his impressive start to his NFL career. With his strong debut, Wheeler has made a name for himself and will be a player to watch as the preseason progresses.

HBCU Legends Podcast

Published |Modified
Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me:

Home/Football