CHICAGO – Ben Johnson stopped by Craig Counsell’s office before Saturday’s game between the Cubs and Diamondbacks.

The relatively new Bears head coach introduced the Cubs manager to his wife, son and two daughters. They exchanged pleasantries and then talked a little about what’s next for both of them prior to Johnson throwing out the first pitch at Wrigley Field.

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While their sports contain unique cadences and different ways to effectively instruct and motivate, they’re both leaders of men. There’s an understanding that stems from that.

Counsell’s been around the block a time or three as a manager, while Johnson’s just starting that chapter of his career.

“It’s all in front of him. That’s what’s kind of cool,” Counsell said after a 6-2 victory at Wrigley Field. “And so that’s what you kind of think when meeting him. You’re thinking, you got a great future in front of you and you’ve got a lot in front of you and you got challenges in front of you, but you got a lot of fun in front of you.

“I know he’s already fallen in love with the city of Chicago and looking forward to the draft and getting started. It was fun, meeting his family and I wish him all the best.”

Johnson received a huge ovation from the home crowd before he threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Cubs relief pitcher Brad Keller. The excitement around the Bears has been sky high since Johnson’s hiring, with was followed by major acquisitions via trades and free agency.

The NFL draft starts on Thursday, possessing another opportunity for the Bears to get better. On Saturday, however, Johnson and his family were just fans. Johnson’s son Kennedy played catch with the Cubs mascot. Several Bears players were also in attendance, including quarterback Caleb Williams, but didn’t venture to the field.

They were there to see the former North Carolina quarterback throw a strike, with velocity and movement no less.

“I thought it was pretty good,” Counsell said. “I hope he told Brad [Keller] that was coming, because that was some gas.”