NFL’s Unsung Heroes: Week 4 Secret Superstars

When success in the NFL comes up, it’s typically the superstars who steal the spotlight. However, it’s often the lesser-known players who step up when it counts. These athletes can get overlooked for various reasons. They might be unseen in smaller markets where media coverage is scarce, or perhaps they’re stuck behind bigger names on the depth chart. Sometimes a coaching staff just doesn’t recognize the potential of a player who could really contribute.

Regardless of the reasons, we at SB Nation enjoy shedding light on these underrated talents through our offseason Hidden Gems and in-season Secret Superstars series. You can also check out the AFC and NFC Secret Superstars for the 2026 season on our site.

Now, let’s take a look at our NFC Secret Superstars for Week 4 of the 2026 regular season.

Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears

You have to admire the Chicago Bears’ head coach, Ben Johnson, who seems to adapt to win any way he can. His passing strategies are well-known and respected, but during his time with the Detroit Lions, he also showcased some impressive run concepts.

This adaptability was evident in the Bears’ 23-12 victory against the New York Jets. With Tyson Bagent as the quarterback, Johnson focused on controlling the game with the run. The team rushed the ball an impressive 54 times, gaining 232 yards and scoring two touchdowns. In fact, those 54 carries are among the highest for any team in a single game in the new millennium. The Bears achieved more first downs (34) than the Jets had offensive plays (32), and the time of possession was heavily in favor of the Bears — 42:45 compared to 17:15 — which certainly reflected Johnson’s strategy.

“As a play caller, you kind of go with what feels right for moving the ball,” Johnson said after the game. “I’m always looking for big plays, but sometimes those aren’t available. It was a pretty clean game without many negative plays, which allowed us to maintain possession. I didn’t have to call too many third-and-longs, which is interesting.”

One player who stood out in this game was Kyle Monangai, the second-year running back from Rutgers. Monangai, who was previously recognized as a Secret Superstar in Week 1, delivered another strong performance against the Jets. He carried the ball 30 times for 146 yards and two touchdowns. His efficiency was impressive, with a success rate near 47%, and he recorded only one negative run in his 30 attempts.

“He was running hard, really hard,” Johnson noted, praising Monangai. “He found gaps and accelerated through them. There was one stiff arm that stood out. When he runs like that, it motivates everyone on the field, including the guys blocking for him. We really needed that energy.”

Monangai’s versatility was evident; he had 11 carries that used man blocking, resulting in 53 yards and one touchdown, while 19 carries with zone blocking netted another 93 yards and a score. He has demonstrated the ability to be a star in rotation but truly shone as the primary back in this game, taking on the role effectively.

Alim McNeill, DL, Detroit Lions

If you’ve watched the Detroit Lions this season, it’s apparent they have struggled defensively. Injuries and a lack of depth in the secondary have made things tough, as only the Dallas Cowboys have a worse Defensive DVOA. Coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard have faced challenges without the right players for their schemes.

In a 32-26 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Lions were exposed by basic run-pass options, leaving the defense helpless at times.

Yet, amid these struggles, defensive tackle Alim McNeill has emerged as a bright spot. At 6’2″ and 315 pounds, he recorded a sack, seven pressures, and a key tackle for loss, proving formidable against opposing linemen wherever he positioned himself.

This performance followed a solid game where he posted two sacks and seven pressures against the New York Jets. In that matchup, McNeill was utilized creatively as a stand-up rusher, which paid off.

“We’re just trying to be inventive and create pressure,” Sheppard explained. “Moving guys around helps; it makes opponents think. You start moving around a guy like McNeill, and it gives them something to worry about. During the Buffalo game, for example, Josh Allen was checking to max protection when he didn’t even have to.”

When a defense isn’t performing, it’s certainly time to explore all possible strategies. Particularly with a player like McNeill, who sets a high standard amid the challenges faced by the team.

Banana, Corgi Race Champion, Seattle Seahawks

Sometimes, an unexpected moment in sports can capture attention like nothing else. This was precisely the case during halftime of the Seattle Seahawks’ 30-23 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. The Seahawks hosted a lively corgi race, which, honestly, should be a more common event at football games, as pointed out by my colleague.

A standout was Banana, a five-year-old corgi who decisively outpaced all competitors. From the look of things, after a minor early jump from the dog in the middle lane, Banana gave a cheeky glance back at the rest of the group, as if to say that this was simply not going to be their day.

There was something almost poetic in how Banana sprinted, perfectly executing a post route. If only some professional players could take notes on how to create separation as effectively as she did, maybe they could learn a thing or two. And the jubilant leap into the finish line? Pure joy.

Interestingly, this wasn’t Banana’s first victory. As reported, she has a bit of a competitive history, having previously represented her team at various significant events, including the Pro Bowl and the Super Bowl.

Her owner, Anne Pham, began racing Banana in 2023, and their journey has been nothing short of a delight. After a surprising early win, Banana has become a local celebrity, even throwing out the first pitch at a Seattle Mariners game. She even has a presence on social media, where she has gained quite the following.

“I always wanted a dog, and I specifically wanted a corgi named Banana,” Pham shared. “It was always part of my plan.”

In preparing for races, Pham doesn’t need to focus much on refinement; her strategy mainly involves placing Banana’s favorite stuffed banana at the finish line.

It’s working out beautifully. The duo, who recently relocated from Seattle to New York City but traveled back for this event, continues to motivate and inspire each other in their adventures.