Just like he does a couple of hours before every game, whether he's playing or not, Tyson Bagent took two laps around the field Sunday morning to soak in his surroundings.

Yet it was anything but an ordinary day for Bagent, who — like Case Keenum six days earlier — made the most of his first NFL start since 2023 by quarterbacking the Bears to an impressive win at Soldier Field.

"I try to keep it the same every week," Bagent said after a 23-12 victory over the Jets. "I do my two little laps a couple hours before the game just to get a feel for what the weather's feeling like, what's going on outside. I call a couple of family members. But yeah, [I'm] super grateful, super appreciative. It was a beautiful day in Chicago, sunny and 70. In my opinion, it doesn't get much better than that."

That was certainly evident when the West Virginia native, who starred at Division II Shepherd University, left the field while the stadium speakers blared the John Denver song, "Take Me Home, Country Roads," which is an ode to West Virginia.

"It was unbelievable," Bagent said. "I'm just from a small town in West Virginia. Shout out to Martinsburg, West Virginia … It's extremely humbling, it's an amazing experience. I really can't thank enough people. I'm only here because of those that were around me growing up and those who are around me today.

"It meant the world to be able to hear a song like that, and it's really a full-circle moment. I grew up a huge West Virginia fan, really supported [Jets quarterback] Geno Smith throughout his years and thought he did an outstanding job during his time at West Virginia. So, just really a cool full-circle moment, and a nice birthday present for my dad. Happy 50th birthday to the beast. So, it's just a great weekend."

Bagent's father, Travis, is a world arm-wrestling champion. Travis was among a large group of family and friends who were at Soldier Field Sunday to watch Bagent complete 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards.

Bears coach Ben Johnson revealed on ESPN Chicago Monday morning that Bagent is expected to make his second straight start Sunday in Green Bay.

When Caleb Williams exited a Week 2 game against the Vikings with a hamstring injury, Bagent replaced him. But the fourth-year pro sustained a concussion and was not cleared from concussion protocol until the following Sunday — which led the Bears to start Keenum versus the Eagles last Monday night.

With a full week to prepare to face the Jets, Bagent was given the starting nod. Keenum asked Johnson if he could deliver the news, and the coach obliged.

"He's a top two friend, teammate that I've ever had, and he's definitely not two," Bagent said. "I can't say enough about Case Keenum and what he means to me and what he means to my family. I love his family. He was very vital and helpful throughout the week.

"But his delivery, he was just telling me that he really hopes and prays that I'm able to have a night kind like he did on Monday, and that I will, and that week is going to be this week because you're starting. So, he kind of hit me with that at the end, and I just gave him a big hug. I told him how much he meant to me."

Bagent felt support not only from Keenum, but from all his teammates throughout the week and during the game. The run game produced 232 yards and two TDs on 54 carries, while the defense helped the Bears win the time-of-possession battle 42:45-17:15 against a Jets team that entered the game ranked second in the NFL in time of possession behind the Bears.

"The guys rallied behind me," Bagent said. "I felt extreme faith from the coaches towards me, and that's just a hat's off to all the hard work that's been put in. I was really appreciative of that, and I think it allowed me to go spin it at a higher level. So, all hands on deck; it's a group effort to get these wins.

"So, quickly, I'll shout out the defense: they did a great job, shutting them out completely on third down. They couldn't hold onto the ball, which has been the opposite [of what they've done in previous games]. Going into the game, we were very aware that they like to hold onto the ball, that we needed to take advantage of every drive that we had, and I thought the defense was able to flip the script, offense was able to continue to get first downs. But I think it's a group effort. I'm really super appreciative for all the belief that I felt from the building all week."