Mitch Trubisky gained some attention recently during his first press conference of 2020. He took a virtual call with Chicago Bears media. During the session people noticed a quote hanging on the wall behind him. It was from former President Teddy Roosevelt talking about how success doesn’t come without experiencing failure. The character of a man is defined by how he pushes beyond that. Now it seems that has started a trend among his Bears teammates Take Roquan Smith for example.

The young inside linebacker isn’t known for his presence on social media much. Yet from time to time he does post something. His most recent on Twitter was interesting. A quote from former President Calvin Coolidge. While not quite as famous as Roosevelt, the man had a reputation for being decisive and intelligent. He was quite popular and a president who was known as an advocate for racial equality.

No doubt a reason why Smith likes him.

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan Press On! has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

Roquan Smith is sending a clear message with that

It’s not too hard reading between the lines there. Smith understands the expectations being placed on him this year. He’s shown lots of flashes of how good he can be. He just hasn’t quite put it all together. Talent alone isn’t going to get him there. Only hard work and persistence will do that. This speaks to what coaches have said about him being locked in and working hard throughout the offseason.

Given the array of talent in front of him, it feels like 2020 is going to be his year. Presuming he’s able to stay healthy of course. The pectoral injury was brutal timing last season given how well he was playing. It is clear he feels he has something to prove.