How Bears DT Grady Jarrett is stepping into leadership role
How Bears DT Grady Jarrett is stepping into leadership role
The Chicago Bears made an impact addition this offseason with veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett, who brings talent and experience to the table.
Having spent the first 10 years of his career with the Atlanta Falcons, Jarrett appeared in one Super Bowl, was named to the Pro Bowl twice, and was a Second-team All-Pro in 2019, so his resume comes as one that should be respected in his new locker room.
With several new veterans and coaches in place to help turn the Bears franchise around, the team is going to have to come together under first-year head coach Ben Johnson. In order to get the team on the same page, veterans like Jarrett will be looked at as leaders, even in his first year, to help get the team to where they want to be. Last week during OTAs, Jarrett discussed the reception he's been receiving in the locker room from his new teammates.
"More importantly than a voice, I think just the way you come to work, coming to put in work daily," Jarrett said. "But the thing about it is, the guys have showed up to put in work. We've been grinding. It's been a heck of an offseason program, and it's been fun and challenging because it's pulling us together, man. It's challenging every man involved to put their best foot forward, not one out of the four days or two out of four, but every day. That's what's been the really refreshing part for me.
"I think more than just with me coming in and saying, you know, 'We got to do this, we got to do that,' I've been enjoying seeing what these guys are made of and being a part of this group. I came to join this group and some great guys here. I think the ceiling is very, very high for us. I feel like every player in here, they want to do good, and working for it, too. I think that's just what's the thing. I'm only familiar with what I know so far, being here in the building, but it's been great to see the response from the challenges that the coaches have given us. Just get better every day."
Jarrett isn't letting his resume do all the talking. He's putting in the work and seeing that same effort from his new teammates. Getting everyone on the same page on all sides of the ball, while lining them up with the mindset of this new coaching staff, will give the Bears the pieces they need in place in order to become a winning team.
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