Chicago Bears: Fields Lauded For His Leadership

In his second year in the NFL, Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields seems to be more comfortable with his leadership skills.

When the Chicago Bears pulled the trigger on a blockbuster deal that had them move up and select Justin Fields in the 2021 draft, they felt they finally found their franchise quarterback.

Part of being the quarterback consists of being a leader on and off the team. The quarterback needs to show he is comfortable being in charge. The teammates have to see him as the unquestioned leader.

Learning the offensive system is one thing. However, being a leader is another thing altogether. Fields displayed that leadership when he played at the University of Georgia. He was an incredible leader. In fact, he was almost single-handedly responsible for the team playing in the Big 10 season in 2020. The Buckeyes ended up going to the CFB National Title game.

That was then. Now, he has to show it in the NFL.

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Teammates and coaches alike notice Fields’ leadership

In his rookie season, Fields showed some aspects of his leadership skills. He wasn’t the QB1 yet so he had to step back a bit. This year, however, he is the man. He is the starter and the face of the franchise. The difference between last season and this offseason is striking.

Offensive lineman Cody Whitehair had this to say about Fields:

His leadership has taken a step. And that just comes with him being more comfortable from Year 1 to Year 2, [having] a little bit more experience, seeing things a second time or third time or fourth time, and he’s only going to continue to grow. We like where Justin is at and we’re really excited for the year.

Being a leader doesn’t just mean telling others what to do. If Fields wants his teammates to follow him, he needs to show that he’s willing to do the work he expects from them.

Rookie wide receiver Velus Jones Jr. sees how hard Fields works and it motivates him to do the same. He noted a few weeks ago that when the players were off Fields was still hard at work.

Justin Fields’ work ethic is insane. He’s in the facility every day. I know with this week off a lot people aren’t there right now, but he’s still in the building every day. That motivates me to see my QB putting in the work.

Fields is showing all the skills that attracted the Bears. While he didn’t get proper development last season, this season is a new chapter with new coaches who believe in him and want to put him in the best possible position to succeed.

This new offense is built around Fields’ abilities. Despite the criticism leveled at the team that Fields doesn’t have either the weapons or the protection he needs, Fields is determined to take a step up. We understand what this season is — one more struggling season before Ryan Poles and company get the chance to completely overhaul the roster and add top-notch players.

If Fields can take a step up this season, then it bodes well for him and the Chicago Bears’ rebuild.