James Daniels had a successful first year with the Chicago Bears. He was drafted in the 2nd round in April of 2018, won the starting left guard job a few weeks into the season, didn’t allow a sack all year, and started in a playoff game. All things considered, there wasn’t much to complain about. However, he did have some unfinished business.
Daniels was only 20-years old when he declared for the draft and did not get his degree. That meant he’d have to use the 2019 offseason to fulfill that mission. This he did, and in spectacular fashion no less. While receiving his diploma at the ceremony, Daniels celebrated by flashing his #68 jersey to the crowd. A proud moment for him, and exciting for Bears fans.
As it turns out, there’s a fun story behind that. Larry Meyer of Chicagobears.com revealed that the jersey actually wasn’t Daniels’. He’d actually forgotten it after leaving for Iowa. In a move of desperation, he called out to Bears fans to see if anybody in Iowa City might have one he could borrow. As luck would have it, there was.
An avid fan of the Bears and Iowa Hawkeyes, (Jake) Tolander responded via direct message and arranged to bring the size XXL jersey to Daniels. Tolander and his girlfriend, Lydia Neeley, met up with Daniels and watched proudly as the Bears’ 2018 second-round draft pick wore it during the graduation ceremony.
“I never thought that would happen, but it was really cool,” said Tolander, a 27-year-old Iowa City resident. “When we brought it to him, he was extremely nice. It was awesome.”
James Daniels keeps living up to his status as a Bear
Bears players do what they can to provide fond memories for fans. They sign autographs, do meet-and-greets, and try to play hard on Sundays. All of those though? They’re set up by team and are often formal. This is something far more personal. Something a fan almost never gets to experience. Tolander is a lucky young man because now he has a story he can tell for the rest of his life.
As for Daniels? He is already living up to the mantle of what it means to be a Bear. Being a great players if important, sure. Being connected to the people who love and adore who you represent? That’s just as big. To think he’s only 21-years old. The way things are going, this young man will end up a Bears legend by the time it’s all said and done.
