GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 28: Mitchell Trubisky #10 of the Chicago Bears participates in warm-ups as head coch John Fox (R) watches before a game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 28, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bears 35-14. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
The 2017 regular season had its ups and downs for the 5-11 Chicago Bears, but one of the bright spots was the increasingly positive play of rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky. Once getting the reigns, Trubisky learned on the go and did not look back. The second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft came into the pros with only one season as a college starter under his belt, but he felt as though he had an advantage — a veteran coach with plenty of experience.
John Fox was brought to Chicago to turn the franchise back around after a failed Marc Trestman experiment. Since the hire was made, there has been lots of speculation about whether or not general manager Ryan Pace made the ultimate decision. Did Ted Phillips force Pace’s hand? One may never know. To Bears fans’ dismay, Fox only lasted three seasons — all of which were below .500 efforts.
Although Fox was eventually let go on Black Monday, Trubisky had some heart-warming words for his soon-to-be fired head coach after the regular season finale against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Trubisky was asked about what Fox said to the team after their loss against the Vikings.
“Just that he’s proud of us and that he appreciates all the hard work that we did, and if we ever need anything, that we know where to find him. So, he’s been great to all of us.”
The rookie went on to talk about how devoted Fox was to his guys.
“And, that’s exactly what you want for a head coach; someone who’s always got your back no matter what, through thick and thin, and who loves you for who you are. (And) puts in a lot of work; puts in a lot of man hours that people don’t see behind the scenes that helps get us prepared on a weekly basis. So, we really appreciate all the time he put into it, and can’t be thankful enough for it.”
A reporter then asked Trubisky, “Did it feel like a farewell message, or more like an end of season message?”
The sharp young quarterback fired back immediately.
“End of season message, but you guys can twist it however you want.”
Look, if we are speaking honestly, Fox wasn’t quite the right fit — okay, that could be an understatement. However, I believe this says much more about Trubisky than it does Fox. With all the questions surrounding Trubisky coming out of college, the one thing he has put to bed is the fact that he has natural leadership skills and cares about his teammates and coaches. He is a man of integrity who respects his coaching staff.
In an NFL where we see players speaking out against their own teammates and coaches, using social media to start fights and demanding this and that, Trubisky’s adamant support for the organization and its staff is a breath of fresh air. Bears fans should already be looking forward to see how their franchise quarterback continues to develop in 2018 not only as a player, but a man.
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