It’s one thing when a teammate praises another when asked about them. That’s just standard procedure. What else can they say? They certainly can’t talk trash about them to the media. That earns a fast pass to the dog house in professional sports and has even gotten some players released for it. On the other hand, it’s quite another thing when a teammate praises another without being asked, like this Prince Amukamara Kyle Fuller example.
Here’s a quick backstory recap for those who haven’t kept up. Fuller was the 14th overall pick in the 2014 draft. He had a decent rookie year with four interceptions. Then in 2015 he regressed badly to the point he was benched for a short time. Towards the end of the season he rebounded in a big way and seem poised for a big 2016. A few months later he was forced to have knee surgery and would miss the entire season.
Now the Chicago Bears have set the stage for him. They did not pick up the fifth year option on his rookie contract. That means he has to make the team and then perform well or he’ll be a free agent in 2018. Odds are his chances at a big pay day will be dashed by that point. That’s a lot of pressure on the shoulders of a 25-year old kid.
Prince Amukamara Kyle Fuller praise came out of nowhere
There is at least one person in the Bears organization who is convinced Fuller will have a big year. That’s new roster addition Prince Amukamara. He spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times recently about how he’s fitting in on defense. Then, seemingly out of nowhere, he gushed about his impression of his new young teammate.
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The latest was an unsolicited endorsement Thursday from new teammate Prince Amukamara.
‘‘I don’t know what he was last year, but he’s been practicing lights-out,’’ Amukamara said when asked about the competition at cornerback. ‘‘It’s going to be great to see what he does in these [preseason] games.
It was public that his option wasn’t picked up,’’ Amukamara said. ‘‘So a guy like him could just go in the tank, like, ‘OK, this team doesn’t believe in me.’ I haven’t seen that at all. I’ve just seen a guy who comes to work every day and does what he’s asked. He’s been making plays and showing that he wants to compete.’’
Fuller is a man on a mission
Indeed Fuller has looked like a focused man on the field. He’s playing faster and more aggressive than people remember. There’s a sense of urgency about him. Best of all he’s making plays, indicating he hasn’t lost any of the ball skills that made him so valuable prior to his injury. It’s a big reason why the Bears are anxious for him to get back on track.
If this is the Kyle Fuller the Bears will see in 2017, along with Amukamara on the other side? There’s no question this defense could be in business. Leonard Floyd appears poised for a giant year as a pass rusher. The defensive line is stacked with young talents as well. Everything is coming together, health permitting of course. A resurgent Fuller would be sweet, sweet icing on the cake.
